You shall Live

You shall live!

Awakening the Dry Bones: The Promise of Life

Bible Passage: Ezekiel 37:1–12

Summary: In Ezekiel 37:1–12, the prophet Ezekiel describes a vivid vision of a valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing the spiritual lifelessness of the people of Israel. God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bone

A teenager once complained about feeling lifeless, especially during exams. He said it felt like he was a zombie, going through the motions but completely absent. His friend replied, 'Have you tried living like Jesus? He was fully present, fully alive!' This reminded us that being lifeless isn't just about missing excitement in life, but it's also about missing the fullness of purpose that comes with faith, just as Jesus offered to the world through His teachings.

Picture a wilting plant sitting neglected on a shelf. It epitomizes lifelessness, lacking water and sunlight. But when we make time to nurture it, it starts to bloom again. This is a perfect metaphor for our spiritual lives. Are we like that plant, waiting for someone else to revive us? Jesus is the Living Water, but we must actively seek Him, choosing to be nourished rather than staying stagnant and lifeless.

s, and they come to life, representing restoration and the promise of new life for God’s people.

Application: This sermon will remind Christians of God's power to bring about renewal and restoration in their lives, especially during times of despair and hopelessness. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to actively speak life into situations that seem dead or hopeless.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God specializes in bringing life out of death—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It emphasizes the role of faith and obedience in witnessing God’s transformative power and highlights the importance of prophesying God’s promises into our and others’ lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate resurrection and life-giver. Just as God breathed life into the dry bones, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, offers new life to all who believe in Him, fulfilling the prophecy of restoration found in this vision.

Big Idea: God can bring life into our dead situations; we must trust in His power and proclaim His promises.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of Israel’s exile and how this vision of restoration applies today. You might delve into commentaries that discuss the theological implications of resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s role in this transformative process. Logos offers resources that can help clarify these themes and show how they relate to the broader narrative of Scripture.

1. Facing Our Lifelessness

Ezekiel 37:1-3

You could start by illustrating the vision Ezekiel received in the valley of dry bones, describing how these bones symbolize Israel's hopeless state. Discuss how, like Israel, we experience times of spiritual dryness and despair. This point suggests that acknowledging our lifelessness is the first step towards God's restoration. Encourage congregants to reflect on areas in their lives that feel barren and acknowledge their need for God's intervention.

2. Proclaiming God's Promises

Ezekiel 37:4-6

Perhaps, you could explore how God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, emphasizing the power of speaking God's promises into hopeless situations. This point highlights the importance of faith and obedience in activating divine transformation. Urge your audience to boldly declare God's promises over their lives, trusting that He will breathe life into their circumstances, just as He did with the bones.

3. Experiencing Divine Transformation

Ezekiel 37:7-10

Maybe emphasize the miraculous process of the bones coming together and being infused with breath. Draw parallels to how Christ, through His resurrection, brings new life to believers. This point underscores the transformative power of Christ, urging listeners to embrace His life-giving presence in the face of death or despair. Encourage them to welcome this divine breath into their hearts and situations.

4. Embracing Hopeful Restoration

Ezekiel 37:11-12

You could conclude by reflecting on God's promise of renewal to the whole house of Israel and how this passage foreshadows the resurrection in Christ. This point offers hope and assurance that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, no matter how dire circumstances appear. Inspire the congregation to look beyond their dry bones, confident in the resurrecting power of God through Jesus, affirming that He will bring life and hope.