Recall how vividly Ezekiel described the destruction that came upon the lives and communities of the Jewish people. Here in truly poetic imagery the prophet speaks of the consequences not so much in absolute finality. Rather he presents a picture of complete and vital restoration. The climactic moment occurs when Ezekiel follows God's directions and implores the Holy Spirit to bring a new life into the rebuilt drying.
When there are moments in the struggles of life, turn to these words of Ezekiel: Chapter 37:1-14. I have no doubt that very few turn to these words in times of trouble or pain. Yet in these words we encounter a vivid picture of hope. It is an artistic expression of God' fulfillment of his promise, his covenant always to be with us. Ezekiel is reminding the Jewish people that when sin of any kind has dried up our very being, when God's love has been removed from our lives by our self-centeredness, we are always free to invite the Spirit's breath of new life that is given to the person asking God's forgiveness. These words are a painting of God's forgiveness to us, his standing by his promise to be ready always to come back to us.
