Sermon on Ezekiel 37: The Valley of Dry Bones and the Miracle of Restoration

"Trusting God in Times of Spiritual Desolation" Ezekiel 37:1-14

Can these bones live?

Ezekiel was taken into a valley full of dead men's bones. God asked Ezekiel if those bones could live. Ezekiel's response was, "O, Lord God, You know."

God then instructed Ezekiel to go preach to those bones. When Ezekiel did as commanded, the bones took on ligaments, muscles,and flesh.

After preaching more, the bodies became alive again. Contextually, the point of this experience was to inform Israel that God could raise them up out of their spiritual graves and restore life to them once again.

This vision not only represents the spiritual restoration of Israel, but of any person or nation that has lost hope.

God's Promise of Restoration - Highlight God's promises to bring life and renewal to those who seek Him and trust Him.

There are moments in our spiritual journey when we may find ourselves in a state of desolation. These are times when our faith seems dry, our hope wanes, and we feel spiritually disconnected. However, even in our darkest moments, we must remember that God is always with us, ready to breathe life into our dry bones.

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I. Desolation and Hope (Ezekiel 37:1-3)

Our passage begins with the prophet Ezekiel in a vision, standing in the midst of a valley filled with dry bones. This image represents the desolation and hopelessness that can sometimes creep into our spiritual lives.

Acknowledge the moments of spiritual desolation in your life. Remember that even in the darkest valleys, God's presence and hope can shine through.

We must remain faithful to win the crown of life:

Remain faithful until death (Rev 2:10).
Fought, finished and maintained is where success is! (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

II. It is Necessary to Obey the Word of God (Ezekiel 37:4)

In Ezekiel's vision, God commands him to prophesy to the dry bones. The act of prophesying symbolizes our obedience to God's Word, even when it seems like there is no hope of change.

Understand the power of God's Word to bring life to the lifeless. Be obedient to God's commands, even in challenging circumstances.

We must obey God's word whether we like his answer or not (Jer. 42:6)
The word of God will always remain (Jer. 44: 28-29)
Value the word of God. (Micah 2:6).
The Word of God – challenges us (Psalm 119:97).
Blessed is he who keeps the words of this prophecy (Revelation 22:7)
The word is truth (John 17:17)

III. The Power of the Prophetic Word (Ezekiel 37:7-8)

As Ezekiel prophesies, a rattling noise occurs, and the bones come together. This demonstrates the transformative power of God's Word. It can bring unity and life to our fragmented and desolate spirits.

Trust in the power of God's Word to heal, restore, and bring life. Allow God's Word to shape your thoughts, actions, and faith.

IV. God’s Sovereign Power (Ezekiel 37:9-10)

Next, God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, signifying the Holy Spirit. When Ezekiel obeys, the breath enters the bodies, and they come to life. This shows us that it is ultimately God's sovereign power that revives us in our times of spiritual desolation.

Surrender to God's sovereign power and trust His timing. Recognize that the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is essential for spiritual revival.

God is the creator and maker of all things (Colossians 1:16)
The Lord is the eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. Isaiah 40:28
El-Shaddai or 'Almighty God' (Gen 17:1-2).

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V. The Miracle of Restoration (Ezekiel 37:10)

The dry bones, once lifeless, are miraculously restored into a vast army. This miracle reminds us that God specializes in turning desolation into abundance, despair into hope, and death into life.

Place your trust in God's ability to restore and renew your spirit. Embrace the promise of transformation and revival in your spiritual life.

Conclusion:

In times of spiritual desolation, remember the story of Ezekiel and the dry bones. Just as God breathed life into those dry bones, He can breathe life into our weary souls. Obey His Word, trust in His sovereign power, and anticipate the miracle of restoration. Even in the darkest valleys, God's hope and resurrection power are available to us. Let us place our trust in Him and experience the transformation only He can bring.