Dry Bones

So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone… Then the Lord said to me, “Prophesy to the breath…”

Ezekiel 37:7, 9

We are nearly to the end of our Lenten journey. And this weekend’s readings take us to a new realm of God’s power to bring new life.

Our lesson from the Hebrew Bible is from the prophet Ezekiel. It is commonly known as the “Vally of Dry Bones.” It is a vision that God granted to the prophet of God’s incredible ability to do miracles.

The prophet is whisked away to see a valley of bones, bodies long since decayed, and at God’s word, spoken through him, the bones begin to reassemble themselves. Then again, at God’s word spoken through him, the breath of life enters them again. The passage ends with a prophecy that God will open up the graves of Israel and will bring the people back to where they belong.

Since you likely have a few minutes, I recommend reading the entire passage.

Here is the promise contained within these old rattling bones: there is nothing that is beyond God’s power to bring life. Out of death. Out of ash and dry bone. Out of even our fallen selves.

God speaks and death itself overturns.

So, no matter where you find yourself this day, remember that God is working in your midst. You are not alone. And you will see God’s miracles, especially when you least expect them.

Blessings, Pastor Janie