Scripture:
Ezekiel 37:7-10 ESV
[7] So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. [8] And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. [9] Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” [10] So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Observation:
To prophesy means to uter a divinely inspired word. GOD gave Ezekiel instructions to speak a word over this valley of dead man’s bones. Ezekiel, being a prophet of the LORD, trusted that the instructions given should result in something bigger than him. So he spoke the words given by the LORD. As he did, something started to happen in the valley that I’m sure not even Ezekiel was honestly prepared for. The bones started to move and shake. They started to find the body they belonged to and form whole structures of bones. However, that was only the beginning, then sinews started forming over the bones. I looked this word up because I wasn’t really sure what it meant, and if you want to stay on the medical side of things, it means tendons. But this is not a medical experience it’s a miraculous one. So if we slide over to the miraculous side, the word means a source of power and strength. So let’s take a look at what has happened so far in the words we have broken down. Ezekiel spoke a divinely inspired word over a valley of dead dry bones, and an army started to form the bones, took shape into bodies, and then the bodies took shape into flesh and all from a divinely spoken word from Ezekiel who was simply obeying what the LORD told him to do. But wait, there’s more. The instructions from GOD were not over as Ezekiel looked at what used to be dry bones standing in front of him as an army he noticed that the breath of life had not yet been restored to them. With further instructions from the LORD, Ezekiel spoke again, calling out to the breath of life given only by GOD the FATHER to be restored to the army that stood before him. Like and good author, if I don’t use the words and behold here, it just won’t sound right, so… and behold, the breath of life was restored. What used to be a valley of dead man’s bones now stood before him, an army ready for battle, and thus all came about from one man who was willing to be obedient to what GOD had called him to do.
Application:
I hope I can do this passage justice. What we just witnessed through the scripture was not only the ability and power of GOD’S spoken word. But also what one man’s obedience can do. If you are reading this, you already know that GOD’S word is divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. HE gave it to us through the hand of men who wanted us to know the truth. Men who were willing to take a chance on looking ridiculous if nessesrey to obey what they believed the LORD had called them to do. My question is this… what is it that deep in your heart you believe GOD is calling you to do? If you believe that Jesus is the son of GOD who was sent to earth to die in your place and has risen from the dead, then… the LORD has called you to something. Does it sound as strange as speaking to dead men’s bones… maybe, but if you keep pushing it away or running from it. You may never see the miracle that GOD has intended for you to be a part of. So let me talk about my experience for a min… this by no means is to draw attention to me. It’s just an example that I can use because I am totally familiar with it. These SOAPS that you read. That is written by the Holy Spirit. Started out as something the LORD instructed me to send to 3 or 4 friends just to get conversation going about GOD’S word… I was just trying to sharpen my sword. That’s it. GOD took that and turned it into what it is today, and honestly, I don’t think HE is done with it yet. In fact, I kind of feel like HE is just getting started. HE took an unlikely candidate such as myself and gave me divinely inspired words to speak over you every morning, and as I do that, I have watched absolute miracles happen. Let me remind you this is ALL for GOD’S glory, not mine it has nothing to do with me. Let me just tell you who GOD has seen fit to use… an illiterate 9th grade high school dropout who hooked on chronic works for me. So now that you know who GOD has decided to use. You will be able to see that this is all for HIS glory. Dry bones do come back to life. I have seen men come to christ as the result of one man’s obedience. I have seen marriages restored as a result of someone listening to what the LORD wants to say and saying it. I have seen men and women brake free from the chains of addiction and degradation by just speaking GOD’S word to them. I’m telling you it’s a source of power and strength, and it’s available to you. Family’s restored strongholds broken chains falling to the ground dry bones forming an army for the LORD those who seem dead being brought back to life. LET’S GRAB A HOLD OF GOD’S WORD AND BE BOLD ENOUGH TO BELIEVE IT. Speak it forth when the Holy Spirit tells you to and watch what happens. One last thing, and then we will pray. Mark chapter 16 verse 15, I believe, is where it starts. Says these signs will follow THOSE who believe. Quick question… do you believe… the list that follows that statement is profound and somewhat as shocking as watching dry bones from soldiers. Deliverance for the captives healing of the sick, dangerous situation not causing any harm chains broken the list goes on. My challenge to you this morning is to take the time to read GOD’S word so that you can speak it and watch these things happen right in front of you. It will absolutely change your life.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you are able. In fact, what we read tells us that our requests don’t even touch the beginning of your limitations because you have none. You are only limited, but what we are willing to ask of you. We want to pray big because you are infinite. You are the GOD who makes the impossible completely possible. You make dry bones form armies and bring homeless back to their families. Deliver addicts from addiction. There is nothing outside of your reach. We want to believe in the impossible. Because you are the GOD who makes all things possible. Give us the words to speak that will bring the seemingly dead back to life. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.