Read Ezekiel 37 – 39
Highlights:
We're all just a pile of dry, dead bones until we receive God's Spirit (37:11-14). Latter end of Israel greater than beginning (37:24-28). Powerful prophecy to Gog and Magog (chap. 38 & 39). Don’t miss verses 38:23 and 39:25.
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O LORD GOD, Thou knowest. Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live (Ezek. 37:1-5).
Chapter 37 of the Book of Ezekiel is probably one of the better known accounts in the Old Testament. It is a text of Scripture that is often used in sermons, particularly during revivals and evangelistic campaigns.
This Scripture itself is obviously a scripture of hope. It begins with the question from the Lord, Can these bones live? To which the prophet responds, O LORD GOD, Thou knowest. It continues until the Lord gives the answer, Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.
Even if it is being read for the first time, from it's opening line this Scripture conveys the idea that something miraculous is about to happen. The feeling that comes from this chapter is that anything is possible with God. This was not just a case of raising the dead or resurrecting a nation. God was bringing back to life something that had been gone a long time and had been all but forgotten. This message from the Word of God offers hope for any situation. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). Or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of His hope (1 Cor. 9:10).
The providence of God is at work at all times whether we see it or not. The Bible Pathway system to reading the entire Bible was started forty years ago. The reading plan for each day was established at that time. Only God could have known the events that would transpire 28 years later.
On September 11, 2001, the nation of the United States experienced one of its greatest tragedies. Thousands of people drew their last breath this day as the result of a terrorist attack. Only God would have prepared this message of hope for a hurting people for the exact moment it was needed. The prayers of Bible Pathway remain with the families who lost loved ones at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington DC and on United Flight 93 that crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
God's Word from Ezekiel offers hope to all who have suffered terrible ordeals in life. The days we live in may be dark, but the Lord will offer us comfort in these days. The Lord will help our hurts to heal.
For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Ps. 30:5).
Thought for Today:
Christ Jesus is coming soon, at noon, or night or anytime. Will you be ready?
Christ Revealed:
As the One who made possible our resurrection from the grave (Ezek. 37:12). The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (1 Thess. 4:13-18; also John 11:25; Rev. 1:18).
Word Study:
37:26 place them, settle and bless them; 38:19 shaking, earthquake; 39:6 carelessly, securely, undisturbed; 39:14 sever out, select; with the passengers, with the already-collected dead.
Prayer Suggestion: Recognize the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness and praise Him (Ps. 100:4-5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 145:3
