The people of Israel complain: “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost” as they lament the sad situation in which they find themselves. But God is not done with them, or us. We may go through those days when we feel discouraged or defeated, but God stands ready to breathe new life into us.
Worship this weekend: Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – traditional worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and adult Bible study
10:30 a.m. – contemporary worship
December 8, 2013
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Key Verses: “Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: ‘I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people.’” Ezekiel 37:12-13
Time: late 500’s BCE
Background: The book of Ezekiel was written at a time when God’s people were in exile. The first chapters are proclamations of judgment for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Later chapters, like the ones read today, include promises of restoration.
Ezekiel’s vision is a dramatic way for God to promise restoration. He tells Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley of dead bones, first renewing them with sinews and flesh, and finally bringing them to life with breath. This was an example of how God intended to bring Israel back to life, despite the despair they experienced at their exile.
Community: In what ways is your community dead or dying? What does it need to bring it back to life?
At Home: Think of a time when you needed to trust God, and God came through for you. Tell the story to one person this week. Thank God for God’s faithfulness.
Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 9, The Vision of the Chariot, Ezekiel 1:1-14
Tuesday, Dec 10, The Vision of the Chariot, Ezekiel 1:15-28
Wednesday, Dec 11, The Vision of the Scroll, Ezekiel 2:1-3:11
Thursday, Dec 12, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:1-19
Friday, Dec 13, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:20-37
Saturday, Dec 14, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:38-47
Next Week: Sunday, Dec 15, Return from Exile, Isaiah 55:1-11
