In what ways can we hear God's word and respond like Ezekiel? Setting the Scene: “Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!” (Ezekiel 37:4) • God speaks; Ezekiel listens. • What follows is life-giving power released through obedient proclamation. • The same pattern—hearing and speaking—remains our calling. Ways We Hear God’s Word Today • Daily immersion in Scripture – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – Approach the Bible expecting the Author to speak, not merely inform. • The inner witness of the Holy Spirit – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) – The Spirit never contradicts the written Word; He illuminates and applies it. • Christ-centered preaching and teaching – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) – Gather where Scripture is handled reverently and literally. • God-honoring counsel from mature believers – “In a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 24:6) – Weigh every counsel against Scripture, hold fast to what is true. Responding Like Ezekiel • Believe what God says—even when circumstances look hopeless. • Speak what God says—declare truth with humility and clarity. • Act immediately—obedience delayed is often obedience denied (cf. Psalm 119:60). • Depend on the Spirit—Ezekiel’s words were powerless until breath came; so are ours (Zechariah 4:6). • Expect transformation—dry bones still live when God’s Word is applied (Isaiah 55:11). Practical Patterns to Cultivate 1. Set a fixed time each day to read aloud a portion of Scripture—training ear and heart together. 2. Journal any promptings or convictions; compare them with clear biblical teaching. 3. Pray the passage back to God, asking how to embody it today. 4. Share one fresh truth with someone before the day ends; speaking reinforces hearing. 5. Revisit testimonies of past faithfulness to strengthen present obedience (Psalm 77:11). Speaking Life into “Valleys of Dry Bones” • Over loved ones who seem spiritually lifeless—proclaim John 11:25–26. • Over broken communities—proclaim 2 Chronicles 7:14. • Over personal discouragement—proclaim Psalm 42:11. • Trust the same God who animated bones in Ezekiel’s vision to awaken hearts today. Forward Momentum Hearing and responding like Ezekiel is not a single event but a lifestyle: Scripture-saturated, Spirit-empowered, immediately obedient, and boldly vocal. The valley is still echoing with God’s invitation to proclaim, “Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!” |
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