This is the story of the Valley of the Dry Bones. To put it mildly - Israel probably felt like those dry bones - disconnected and isolated - alone and probably a bit dead inside during this time. Captivity, forced separation from loved ones, oppression, isolation in a new land. We know what those dry bones feel like.

Then God asks a curious question: "Can these bones live?" Uh, they're dead, God. What are you even talking about? The bones can't do anything for themselves. All they can do is sit there in the dust. Then God tells Ezekiel to call upon the breath - the four winds. Help comes from outside ourselves - comes from beyond ourselves.

He calls on the breath - the wind - and the bones live. The Spirit is the power beyond ourselves.

But God also sends Ezekiels into our lives. This happens throughout history, and we can see it. God sends us Ezekiel's, too. So the next time you feel disconnected and isolated and alone - pray for and watch for and wait for the Spirit. But also pray for and watch for and wait for an Ezekiel to enter into your life - new life might be just around the corner. So here we end on a hopeful note, of new life being possible.

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

http://bible.com/events/49466472