HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
Portrait of the Great Resurrection
Ezekiel continued to have visions throughout his prophetic ministry. The one in the 37th chapter speaks directly to the desperate plight of Israel down through the ages. Its intriguing description of the valley of dry bones was the subject of a popular song, “Dry Bones,” I think it was during the mid-1950s.
No matter how many times one rereads it, this account remains both arresting and suspenseful to the converted mind. But even more important is the profound meaning for us — and for our departed loved ones, who may never have been called of JEHOVAH God or spiritually converted during this age. This remarkable, comforting vision assures us that we will see them again!
“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones…and He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O LORD God, you know’” (Ezekiel 37:1-3).
JEHOVAH God must not be underestimated. He asked the Patriarch Abraham,
“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).
Centuries later He posed the same question to the prophet Jeremiah:
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27).
Ezekiel’s vision continues: “Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:” Also, He said to me, ‘Prophecy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, “9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” (Ezekiel 37:5, 9).
Physical human beings cannot live without drawing breath — the essence of our fleshly life. Even excellent swimmers, experts at holding their breath, cannot survive long without breathing air.
“So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (verse 10).
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW …
