Ezekiel 37:7-10 - So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then 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 the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

In Ezekiel 37:7-10, we witness a powerful prophetic vision given to Ezekiel by God. The prophet finds himself in a valley filled with dry bones, a stark picture of hopelessness and death. But as Ezekiel begins to prophesy as commanded by God, an incredible transformation takes place. First, there is a noise, a rattling sound, as the bones start coming together, each bone connecting to another. Muscles, flesh and skin then cover the bones, but there is still no breath in them. God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy again, this time to the breath, calling it to come from the four winds and breathe life into the slain. As Ezekiel obeys, the breath enters the bodies, and they come to life, standing on their feet as a vast army. This vision serves as a powerful metaphor for God's ability to restore and revive that which seems dead and beyond hope. The dry bones represent the nation of Israel, scattered and spiritually lifeless in exile. But through the power of prophecy and the breath of God's Spirit, they are restored and given new life. This passage reminds us that no situation is too desperate for God to breathe new life into it. When we feel dry and lifeless in our faith, God can revive us. When our churches or ministries seem to be in a valley of dry bones, God can bring restoration and growth. Ezekiel's vision is a testament to the life-giving power of God's word and Spirit, able to transform even the bleakest of circumstances.

The account of Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones coming to life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's word and Spirit. It speaks to the heart of what prophecy is all about - speaking forth God's truth and seeing His purposes come to pass. In our own lives, we may go through seasons that feel like that valley of dry bones. We may feel spiritually lifeless, disconnected from God and others. Our faith may seem to have grown cold and stagnant. But this passage reminds us that God is able to breathe new life into us, no matter how dry or dead we may feel. The key is in the prophesying. As Ezekiel spoke God's words over the bones, things began to happen. The bones came together, flesh and skin covered them, and finally the breath of life entered them. In the same way, when we speak and declare God's word over our lives and situations, we open the door for His Spirit to move and bring transformation. But it's not just about speaking any words - it's about speaking God's words. Ezekiel didn't make up his own message; he spoke only what God commanded him to. As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility of speaking forth the truths of Scripture, which are alive and powerful to bring change. We also see in this passage the importance of prayer and calling on the breath of God. After the bones had come together and been covered with flesh, there was still no life in them. It was only when Ezekiel called on the breath to come that they came alive. In the same way, we need the breath of God's Spirit to infuse our lives and ministries with His power and vitality. As we reflect on this incredible vision, let us be encouraged that God is able to bring life out of death, hope out of despair. Let us be diligent to prophesy - to speak forth His word with boldness and faith. And let us continually call on the Spirit to breathe His life into us, our churches, and our world. For with God, even the driest of bones can live again.

Heavenly Father, We thank You for the power of Your word and the life-giving breath of Your Spirit. We confess that there are times when we feel like dry bones - lifeless, hopeless, and far from You. But we know that You are able to revive us, to bring life where there is death, and hope where there is despair. Lord, give us the courage and faith to prophesy - to speak forth Your word with boldness and authority. Help us to declare Your truths over our lives, our families, our churches, and our world. We know that Your word does not return void, but accomplishes the purposes for which You send it. We also ask that You would breathe fresh life into us through Your Holy Spirit. Revive us where we are weary, strengthen us where we are weak, and renew our passion for You and Your purposes. Let Your breath blow through our churches and ministries, bringing new life, growth, and fruitfulness. Thank You that no situation is beyond Your ability to redeem and restore. We trust in Your life-giving power and commit ourselves afresh to speaking Your word and walking in step with Your Spirit. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.