There was a popular song back in the 50s called “Dem Bones Dem Bones,” sung by the Delta Rhythm Boys.
The chorus:
Dem bones Dem bones Dem dry bones
Dem bones Dem bones Dem dry bones
Dem bones Dem bones Dem dry bones,
Hear the word of the Lord.
The song was inspired by Ezekiel 37:1-14. I hope you can take a minute and read that passage.
The bones represent “…the whole house of Israel.” They had lost hope and felt cut off from God. But, God told Ezekiel to prophesy to them and let them know that He would raise them from their graves, breathe life into them, and place them in the promised land. By doing that, Israel would know that He is God. (vv. 11-14 paraphrased).
Note that God saw their despair, their hopelessness, and wanted to restore them. God gave them His Spirit, and let them know they would indeed reside in the promised land, that He was true to His word. All of this is in spite of their complaining and disobedience.
I love this passage because it reminds me how easily I can become dry bones. There are so many occasions when I’ve done what I believed I was supposed to do, even if it made me step out of my comfort zone, but then questioned if I misunderstood because I didn’t see immediate fruit from the task.
I believe I have an intimate relationship with God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and with the Holy Spirit. I’m diligently working on my need to control every situation and just rest in Him, give it all up to Him. He’s in charge anyway, so I have no idea why I’m always trying to take that away from Him. This also speaks to my problem with pride.
Also 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.” ’ ” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Ezekiel 37:9-10 NKJV
Father, I stand here as dry bones, scattered among thousands of other dry bones in a valley of despair. Allow the four winds to gather up all of the bones, and renew life within us. If there is any among us who is not saved, please breathe new life into them, that they may be born again. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.
Ezekiel 37:4-5 NKJV
