Holy Ghost Story

Intro

scary story

Context of Ezekiel- chapter 1

A prophet in captivity

the first to speak during the Babylonian exile- before Daniel and friends

a people who have been defeated completely

as he sits in the ghetto on his thirtieth birthday- the day he would become a priest

overlooking the dirty irrigation canal

he is given commands to give horrific signs to the people

sees great and terrifying visions and is told to do crazy tasks and preach against things like mountains

All of this terrifying and hopeless- what if God is simply done with his people and his creation?- whats the point of me doing and saying all of this?

Dry Bones of Hope

one of the wildest stories in all of scripture

God asks a question- do you have faith in me after all of this?

raises an entire nation, puts the breath in them that has been scattered, fits them like an army, and Ezekiel stands watching it all, speaking the words of God that cause it to happen

God can make from nothing an entire nation, God has said over and over again what he is going to do and what his goal is

What is more terrifying and wonderful at the same time than this God who makes life where there is nothing but death?

Application

there is a lot that can be scary in this world and this life

the most common command in all of scripture is not to fear however

The God who is light in the darkness, who is life to the dead, is with you and in you and through you

the most terrifying thing of all, is to be without the hope that he gives, otherwise there is only death and darkness and dry bones