How can we apply the vision of dry bones to our spiritual revival? Setting the Scene: The Valley Vision • “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones.” (Ezekiel 37:1) • A literal valley, literal bones—yet overflowing with spiritual lessons. • Israel’s national restoration pictures what God longs to do in every lifeless heart and congregation today. God’s Question and Our Honest Assessment • “Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3) • Before revival, God confronts us with reality: spiritual dryness, moral compromise, lost zeal. • We answer as Ezekiel did—“O Lord GOD, You know”—confessing that only God can reverse death (Psalm 127:1). Prophesying to the Bones: Speaking God’s Word Over Dead Places • “Prophesy over these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!’” (Ezekiel 37:4) • Revival always begins with Scripture declared, believed, and obeyed. • Personal application: – Read the Word aloud over your own life. – Memorize promises of renewal (Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 119:25). – In corporate worship, prioritize exposition, not entertainment (2 Timothy 4:2). The Wind of the Spirit: Dependence on Divine Breath • “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live!” (Ezekiel 37:9) • God’s Spirit animates what His Word structures; both are essential (John 6:63). • Practical steps: – Daily surrender to the Spirit’s filling (Ephesians 5:18). – Fast and seek fresh empowerment (Acts 4:31). – Guard against quenching the Spirit through known sin (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Signs of Life: Expecting Visible Change • “I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them… but there was no breath in them.” (Ezekiel 37:8) • Structure without Spirit still equals death. Programs, buildings, and habits are useful only when alive with God’s presence. • Watch for evidence: – Renewed love for Christ (Revelation 2:4-5). – Reconciliation among believers (Ephesians 4:32). – Fresh burden for the lost (Romans 9:1-3). Living Armies: Purpose Beyond Revival • “They came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army.” (Ezekiel 37:10) • God revives us not for spectacle but for service: Kingdom advance, holy warfare, and Gospel witness (2 Timothy 2:3-4). • Ask: Where am I to march now that I’ve been raised? Personal Steps Toward Revival Today 1. Humble Repentance—“Repent, then, and turn back…” (Acts 3:19). 2. Persistent Prayer—2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us God heals when His people seek His face. 3. Immersion in Scripture—Word-saturated minds invite Spirit-saturated lives. 4. Spirit Dependence—Romans 8:11 assures resurrection power already indwells believers. 5. Obedient Action—Faith without works is dead; revived people walk in newness of life (Ephesians 2:10). Key Takeaways • Dry bones are not terminal; they are God’s stage for resurrection. • The same voice that called Lazarus forth (John 11:43) calls today, and the same breath that raised Jesus now quickens us (Romans 8:11). • Revival is God’s answer to honest confession, Scripture proclamation, Spirit invitation, and obedient mission. |
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