Ezekiel 37:1-6

In the book of Ezekiel, the phrase “Then they will know that I am the Lord” is repeated at least 65 times. Ezekiel wants those who hear his message to acknowledge that God’s initiative and control is over all creation. God is in control!

The entire narrative shows the ills and misdoings of God’s people. Then we read of God’s mercy and promise to those who have failed but make a move to live again as God’s people. Whether you are failing or being renewed, “You shall know that I am the Lord.”

My favorite passage of Ezekiel is called The Valley of Dry Bones (chapter 37). Here Ezekiel writes,
     “The Lord’s power overcame me, and while I was in the Lord’s spirit, he led me out and set me down
      in the middle of a certain valley. It was full of bones. 2 He led me through them all around, and I saw
      that there were a great many of them on the valley floor, and they were very dry.
      3 He asked me, “Human one, can these bones live again?”
        I said, “Lord God, only you know.”
      4 He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, Dry bones, hear the Lord’s
       word! 5 The Lord God proclaims to these bones: I am about to put breath in you, and you will live
       again. 6 I will put sinews on you, place flesh on you, and cover you with skin. When I put breath in
       you, and you come to life, you will know that I am the Lord.” 7 I prophesied just as I was
      commanded. There was a great noise as I was prophesying, then a great quaking, and the bones
      came together, bone by bone.”

This is how I want to live: Filled with the life of God within me. This is how I want to live: doing what God intends for me and all of us—to live humbly, seek justice, and walk with God always. This is the message God calls us to proclaim.

Prayer: O God of Hope, bring life into these dead bones of mine. Bring life into our homes, our church, our community so that all will know that YOU are the Lord, yesterday, today, and always. Amen