How does Ezekiel 37:3 connect to God's sovereignty in Genesis 1:1? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 37:3 – “Then He asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ ‘O Lord GOD,’ I replied, ‘only You know.’” Genesis Foundation Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” What Ezekiel Confirms about God • God alone decides whether lifeless bones can live. • Ezekiel’s reply (“only You know”) concedes absolute control to the Lord. • The question exposes human limitation and highlights divine omnipotence. What Genesis Declares about God • Before time began, God already existed and acted. • Creation sprang into being solely by His command (cf. Psalm 33:6,9). • Sovereignty is inherent; nothing exists apart from His will (Colossians 1:16-17). Connecting the Two Passages • Same Author of Life: The God who spoke worlds into existence is the God who can speak life into dry bones (John 1:3). • Creative Word: In both texts, life is produced by divine speech—“Let there be…” and “Prophesy to these bones…” (Ezekiel 37:4-5). • Authority over Existence: Genesis shows dominion over non-existence; Ezekiel shows dominion over formerly living matter. • Display of Glory: Creation showcases power; resurrection of bones showcases restoring grace (Isaiah 57:15). Sovereign Themes Illustrated 1. Creation ex nihilo (out of nothing) – Genesis 1:1. 2. Re-creation ex mortuo (out of death) – Ezekiel 37:3-6. 3. God’s knowledge surpasses the prophet’s, underscoring dependence (Jeremiah 32:27). 4. Life and breath originate in Him alone (Acts 17:24-25). New Testament Echoes • Romans 4:17 – God “calls into being things that were not.” • Ephesians 2:1-5 – He makes the spiritually dead alive in Christ. • Romans 8:11 – The Spirit who raised Jesus gives life to mortal bodies. Implications for Us • Confidence: Trust the Creator to handle the impossible—He already did at creation. • Hope: No situation is too dead for God’s reviving word. • Worship: Acknowledge Him as both Originator and Restorer of life. Summary Ezekiel 37:3 magnifies the same sovereign power introduced in Genesis 1:1. The Creator who formed everything from nothing is fully capable of reviving what has died. His sovereignty spans the beginning of all things and the renewal of all things. |
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