Breathing New Life
The Valley of Dry Bones
God’s Power to Restore
Hope in God’s Spirit and Promise
The God Who Restores
A Vision of Renewal and Unity
New Life for Dry Bones
The Transformative Power of God’s Spirit
Reflections on Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel 37 stands as one of the most vivid and hope-filled passages in Scripture, presenting a vision of God’s ability to restore life to what appears utterly dead. Through the imagery of dry bones coming to life and the uniting of two sticks, God promises physical, spiritual, and communal restoration for His people. This vision offers encouragement not only for the exiles of Ezekiel’s time but for believers today who long for renewal in their own lives, churches, and communities.
The Valley of Dry Bones: A Vision of Restoration (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
In the vision, Ezekiel is led by God to a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual death in exile. God’s question to Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” invites reflection on the seemingly impossible. As Matthew Henry observes, “We are not only naturally dead in sin, but spiritually dry, barren, and lifeless; yet God can raise us to newness of life by His Spirit.”
Eugene Peterson reminds us that God’s power transforms desolation into vitality. “Ezekiel spoke God’s word over the bones, and life stirred where there was only death. This is what God does with His word and Spirit.”
Charles Spurgeon emphasizes that the Word of God must be faithfully proclaimed even in seemingly hopeless situations: “Preach to the bones; for while human effort is useless, God’s power is sufficient.” David Guzik notes that the breath entering the bones mirrors the breath of life given at creation, illustrating God’s ongoing creative and redemptive power.
Unity in Restoration: The Two Sticks (Ezekiel 37:15-28)
The second part of the chapter depicts two sticks, symbolizing the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, being joined together into one. This unity points to God’s ultimate plan for reconciliation and harmony among His people. C.I. Scofield writes, “The two sticks represent not only the reunification of Israel but also the greater unity of God’s people under Christ.”
Walter Brueggemann highlights that this vision points to both historical and eschatological hope: “The restoration is both a present call to faithfulness and a future promise of God’s ultimate reign.”
John Calvin underscores the Messianic promise in verses 24-25: “David’s greater Son will unite His people under one banner, shepherding them in righteousness and peace.” N.T. Wright echoes this, connecting the prophecy to the work of Christ, the true King who reconciles and restores.
Applications for Today
The dry bones of Ezekiel’s vision remind us that no situation is beyond God’s power to renew. Churches, families, and individuals may feel lifeless or fragmented, but God specializes in bringing life where there is death. Derek Prince writes, “When God’s Spirit moves, revival is inevitable; He breathes life into what was once dead.”
Blaise Pascal reflects that “God’s power to restore is not limited by human weakness but magnified by it.” Rick Warren encourages believers to pray boldly for renewal: “God can take what is broken and make it beautiful. But it begins with our willingness to ask for His Spirit to move.”
As C.S. Lewis puts it, “Miracles are not the suspension of the natural order but the restoration of it.” The miracle of restoration in Ezekiel 37 is a testament to God’s desire to make all things new through the Spirit.
Short Prayer
Lord, You are the God who brings life to dry bones and restores hope to the hopeless. Breathe Your Spirit into us and into Your church. Unite us in love and faith under Christ, our King. May we live as a testimony to Your power and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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