In Ezekiel 37:1-14 recounts one of the most important
prophetic visions of the Bible. The vision takes Ezekiel to a “plain near a
settlement of exiles at Tel Abib.” Ezekiel was prophesying at a time when the
people of Israel were in exile. The Babylonian people had overcome the nation
of Israel and scattered the people among their empire.
prophetic visions of the Bible. The vision takes Ezekiel to a “plain near a
settlement of exiles at Tel Abib.” Ezekiel was prophesying at a time when the
people of Israel were in exile. The Babylonian people had overcome the nation
of Israel and scattered the people among their empire.
This message here, is a message for exiles. They were
literally exiles who had been removed from their homeland and placed in the
lands of the occupying nation. We too are exiles of another kind. We are
citizens of the Kingdom of God living as exiles in a land that is opposed to
the values of our Kingdom/nation. So, this message is a message for the people
of Israel and a message for us as well.
literally exiles who had been removed from their homeland and placed in the
lands of the occupying nation. We too are exiles of another kind. We are
citizens of the Kingdom of God living as exiles in a land that is opposed to
the values of our Kingdom/nation. So, this message is a message for the people
of Israel and a message for us as well.
The original Hebrew of the passage makes it clear that
these are dry, scattered bones, not skeletons. It suggests that these bones are truly
scattered and dis-jointed and it has been a long time since they have been alive.
And so, when God asks Ezekiel if they could possibly live again, the human
answer would be “No!” This is a hopeless situation from a human perspective. But
Ezekiel responds appropriately with something like, “you know, because you are
the creator.” Ezekiel, much like Job, at the end of the book of Job, knows how
to respond to God: “God, you alone know the answer to that question.”
these are dry, scattered bones, not skeletons. It suggests that these bones are truly
scattered and dis-jointed and it has been a long time since they have been alive.
And so, when God asks Ezekiel if they could possibly live again, the human
answer would be “No!” This is a hopeless situation from a human perspective. But
Ezekiel responds appropriately with something like, “you know, because you are
the creator.” Ezekiel, much like Job, at the end of the book of Job, knows how
to respond to God: “God, you alone know the answer to that question.”
This puts Ezekiel in a position to be used by God. God
tells Ezekiel what to say and he tells the bones to get ready because God is
going to make them come to life. Flesh, and muscle, skin, and breath will come
into these bones and they will rise up again.
tells Ezekiel what to say and he tells the bones to get ready because God is
going to make them come to life. Flesh, and muscle, skin, and breath will come
into these bones and they will rise up again.
First the bones must rattle and rise up and find their
rightful place. The Hebrew language gives us a picture of all of the bones
having to move great distances to find their rightful place. Can you imagine
what this must have sounded like?
rightful place. The Hebrew language gives us a picture of all of the bones
having to move great distances to find their rightful place. Can you imagine
what this must have sounded like?
Then sinews form, then muscle or flesh, and finally
skin. I wonder if this too had a sound-track? I wonder if it sounded squishy,
gooey, and slappy.
skin. I wonder if this too had a sound-track? I wonder if it sounded squishy,
gooey, and slappy.
After all of this flesh, muscle, and skin formation, they
are still just bodies lying on the plain as if they had been slain in a great
battle. Think of this, all of the internal organs must be there, all of the
biochemical processes that must go on in a living body are ready to go. But the
hearts are not beating and there is still no life in these bones and bodies
until God gives them life. They are still dead bodies.
are still just bodies lying on the plain as if they had been slain in a great
battle. Think of this, all of the internal organs must be there, all of the
biochemical processes that must go on in a living body are ready to go. But the
hearts are not beating and there is still no life in these bones and bodies
until God gives them life. They are still dead bodies.
And so Ezekial prophesies again and calls upon the
four winds to blow the breath of life into these still dead bodies. God’s
breath comes into these bodies and they stand up and become a mighty army of
God. The word wind here is an obvious reference to the Spirit of God, what we
would call the Holy Spirit.
four winds to blow the breath of life into these still dead bodies. God’s
breath comes into these bodies and they stand up and become a mighty army of
God. The word wind here is an obvious reference to the Spirit of God, what we
would call the Holy Spirit.
God is communicating some very important things here.
·
First of all, it conveys the creative power of God.
The same power that was at work at the creation of the universe is at work
here.
First of all, it conveys the creative power of God.
The same power that was at work at the creation of the universe is at work
here.
·
Secondly, when we die, it does not matter if we are
put in the ground in a coffin, burned to ashes, or scattered to the wind, God
can put us all back together again. We can be disintegrated into molecules and God
can put us back together at the final resurrection of the dead. He knows where
all of our bones and molecules go.
Secondly, when we die, it does not matter if we are
put in the ground in a coffin, burned to ashes, or scattered to the wind, God
can put us all back together again. We can be disintegrated into molecules and God
can put us back together at the final resurrection of the dead. He knows where
all of our bones and molecules go.
·
Thirdly, the bodies can be all put back together and
have all of their rightful chemistry restored, but they are still not animate.
They are still not alive until God makes them alive. God is the author of life
and there is something elusive about the nature of life. Scientists have
studied life and understand something of how living things work. But life is
something other and requires God’s creative animation and his breath.
Thirdly, the bodies can be all put back together and
have all of their rightful chemistry restored, but they are still not animate.
They are still not alive until God makes them alive. God is the author of life
and there is something elusive about the nature of life. Scientists have
studied life and understand something of how living things work. But life is
something other and requires God’s creative animation and his breath.
God tells Ezekiel that this is a vision about the
people of Israel. They thought they as a people were lost and dead, like dry
bones. They thought that all hope was gone for them as a people. But God has
other plans for the people of Israel.
people of Israel. They thought they as a people were lost and dead, like dry
bones. They thought that all hope was gone for them as a people. But God has
other plans for the people of Israel.
Isn’t this just a bit like us today? We look at the
Christian landscape across Canada and we lament. We are tempted to lose hope in
our God. But God has other plans for his church. The bride of Christ will be
brought to life again.
Christian landscape across Canada and we lament. We are tempted to lose hope in
our God. But God has other plans for his church. The bride of Christ will be
brought to life again.
Just as our bodies must be enlivened by this
mysterious quality we call life. Our institutions, churches, and programs are lifeless
bodies, maybe even dry bones, until the Spirit of God enlivens them. God has
given us the Holy Spirit to make us alive and make the church alive.
mysterious quality we call life. Our institutions, churches, and programs are lifeless
bodies, maybe even dry bones, until the Spirit of God enlivens them. God has
given us the Holy Spirit to make us alive and make the church alive.
You see, “there is a message of hope for those who
have lost all grounds for hope…. It speaks to us of a God who can achieve the
impossible.”
have lost all grounds for hope…. It speaks to us of a God who can achieve the
impossible.”
(Buttrick, George Arthur, ed. 1956, 267)
One commentator puts it this way,
“The Spirit lies beyond
all that can be seen and measured. Its most apt symbol is the wind which is
astir all about us but which is all the while invisible. … The Spirit is not
ours to command, but is given when we are faithful. Like the wind, the Spirit blows
where it will. … There are no limits on what God may do; at any moment he may
break in and transform our present situation; therefore let us serve him
according to our knowledge, leaving it to him whether he will continue the
discipline of failure or transform our frustration into his marvelous success.”
all that can be seen and measured. Its most apt symbol is the wind which is
astir all about us but which is all the while invisible. … The Spirit is not
ours to command, but is given when we are faithful. Like the wind, the Spirit blows
where it will. … There are no limits on what God may do; at any moment he may
break in and transform our present situation; therefore let us serve him
according to our knowledge, leaving it to him whether he will continue the
discipline of failure or transform our frustration into his marvelous success.”
(Buttrick, George Arthur, ed. 1956, 267-270)
Acts 2 talks about God’s Holy Spirit enlivening people
and giving them new life.
and giving them new life.
Acts 2:16-18, 21
… what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet
Joel:
Joel:
‘In the last days,’ God
says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy….
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’
says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy….
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’
Is that our experience? Are we today, sensing God’s
Spirit poured out in us, his people?
Spirit poured out in us, his people?
Acts 2:32, 33
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all
witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in
heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the
Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in
heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the
Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
Acts 2:38-40
“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God,
and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you,
to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord
our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging
all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you,
to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord
our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging
all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
Conclusion:
Acts 2 reminds us of our constant need to repent and
assess what we are doing with our lives. Nowhere does the Bible say to repent
of the past once and for all. This is a continuous process.
assess what we are doing with our lives. Nowhere does the Bible say to repent
of the past once and for all. This is a continuous process.
Ezekiel tells us that the things we build must be
enlivened by his Spirit. So, it is in our own lives, in our own churches, in
our own ministries, we must ensure that we ask for and leave room for the Holy
Spirit to enliven things. Do we actually expect the Spirit to show up or do we
simply build more structures or pour on more human effort? If we build programs
and structures and don’t ask God to make them live, then we have truly created
a “zombie church.” It would be a church that walks around and does things but
is not truly alive. What a horrible, ugly result that would be.
enlivened by his Spirit. So, it is in our own lives, in our own churches, in
our own ministries, we must ensure that we ask for and leave room for the Holy
Spirit to enliven things. Do we actually expect the Spirit to show up or do we
simply build more structures or pour on more human effort? If we build programs
and structures and don’t ask God to make them live, then we have truly created
a “zombie church.” It would be a church that walks around and does things but
is not truly alive. What a horrible, ugly result that would be.
This truly requires us to rely upon the Holy Spirit in
all that we do. Lauren Daigle, a contemporary gospel singer has a song in which
she speaks of Jesus who is still rolling stones. Take a listen to the words and
read them on the screen.
all that we do. Lauren Daigle, a contemporary gospel singer has a song in which
she speaks of Jesus who is still rolling stones. Take a listen to the words and
read them on the screen.
Still
Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones
(Songwriters: Jason
Ingram / Lauren Ashley Daigle / Paul Duncan / Paul Mabury
Ingram / Lauren Ashley Daigle / Paul Duncan / Paul Mabury
Still Rolling Stones
lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
(Listen here)
lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
(Listen here)
Out of the shadows
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
Six feet under
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these
open eyes
open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have
known
known
(You’re still rolling
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh)
rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
Now that You saved me
I sing ’cause You gave me
A song of revival
I put it on vinyl
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
I once was blinded
But now I see it
I heard about the power
And now I believe it
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these
open eyes
open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have
known
known
(You’re still rolling
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh)
rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
I thought that I was too
far gone
far gone
For everything I’ve done
wrong
wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug
this grave
this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
I thought that I was too
far gone
far gone
For everything I’ve done
wrong
wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug
this grave
this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these
open eyes
open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have
known
known
(You’re still rolling
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh)
rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh)
rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones (you’re still rolling, rolling)
stones (you’re still rolling, rolling)
(You’re still rolling
rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling
stones
stones
Today, I pray that God who rolled away the stone from
the grave of Jesus, might roll away the stone that keeps us from being open to
his Spirit in our lives.
the grave of Jesus, might roll away the stone that keeps us from being open to
his Spirit in our lives.
Works Cited
Buttrick, George Arthur, ed. 1956. The
Interpreter’s Bible: Volume VI. Nashville: Abingdon Press.
Interpreter’s Bible: Volume VI. Nashville: Abingdon Press.
D’Costa, Krystal. 2011. “The American Fascination with
Zombies.” Scientific American, October 26.
Zombies.” Scientific American, October 26.
Duguid, Iain M. 1999. Ezekiel: The NIV Application Commentary.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Greenberg, Moshe. 1997. Ezekial: A New Translation with Introduction
and Commentary. Toronto: Doubleday.
and Commentary. Toronto: Doubleday.