Can These Bones Live?

Ezekiel was brought by the Spirit of God to a valley of dry bones. No flesh, no life, no substance. Have we been there, empty, helpless and alone? We’ve tried everything. We’re at the end of our tether, battling through the tangled undergrowth on the valley floor. We can see no way out. It’s a fearful situation to be in. Where is God? He’s the only one who can help, but often He seems so unreachable.

“Can these bones live?” Is this the voice of the Lord?

A strange question. Only He knows the answer. We’re out of options, but nothing is impossible with God. “Lord, only You know,” must be our response. Do we believe Him or not? Do we trust Him, or not? We’ve been doing all we can to change our situation. We’ve even pleaded with God. “Lord, please work this out for me.” - But what does God want?

Then comes the reply: “Speak to the dry bones, speak out the word of the Lord. In My name command them.” Hesitantly we speak out the words the Lord gives. The bones come together. Tendons and flesh appear with a covering of skin. “Now speak life into the bones.” We do as we’re told, a little bolder this time. Life seems to be miraculously restored. That which is impossible for man is possible with God.

Do we give up too easily? Does desperation take over when we realise there is nothing we can do? Faith can only operate in the realms of the impossible. God has said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” It’s in His name, not ours, and for His glory alone. Note carefully the words of the Apostle: “when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3).

 Our struggle on earth can be a struggle with ourselves, for our own purposes and plans. We may form some kind of idea of how to live for our own benefit. This is the carnal way, to which we have become accustomed by the ways of the world. God has a better way. That is to live for Him and through Him, and for His glory alone. The flesh seeks gratification and fulfilment, but God sends His Holy Spirit so that we can live through Him, not for ourselves, for His good pleasure.

 “Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” This is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples. - God’s will and not ours. “For Yours is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory.” The Spirit of God lives within us. He is our guide, our provider, our comforter and friend, as we live in Him and for Him, and allow Him to live through us.

God was glorified on earth through His Son, Jesus Christ. Can we do the same? God said, “Can these bones live?”  Yes, if we follow Him.