Hope for the Dry Bones

 

Grandboys' "paleontological" find at the farm

"Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.'" (Ezekiel 37:4)

Yesterday, I finished the skeleton of next year's children's book: The Window at Willow Springs. Today begins the work of putting meat on the bones (my favorite part of writing).

The Old Testament story of dry bones in the book of Ezekiel is one of great hope. In the narrative, the hand of the LORD brings the prophet into a valley filled with very dry bones and directs him to prophesy over the bones. Ezekiel prophesies, and the bones begin to shake, rattle, and come together into skeletons. God covers the skeletons with sinews, flesh, and skin, and in the vision, the dead come to life and are given breath. 

The bones symbolize God's people, the whole house of Israel, and the vision signifies Israel's future national and spiritual restoration. When God rescues Israel from her enemies in her most desperate hour, she will turn to Christ, the Messiah, and know that the LORD is God.

Beloved, because you are in Christ, your story is also one of great hope! God has redeemed your life from the pit and given you new life. He has forgiven all your sins and crowned you with His love, goodness, and compassion. So, be filled with hope and praise the LORD with all your heart and soul!