Ezekiel 37:5
"Thus says the Lord God to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.'"
Out of Breath?
Strange isn't it? God talking to bones; dry, dead, lifeless bones? From these words we see that God indeed speaks to the lifeless and the dead. The bones in this case are symbolic of the Israelites or God's people. (v 11) It's comforting to know that God in His mercy doesn't cast us off in times of deadness and dryness. He still speaks to us. He is still on speaking terms with us. The problem is we aren't listening. We're so wrapped up in our own feelings or lack of feelings that all we hear are our own murmurings. We may be feeling spiritually dry and uninterested. In times like these it seems as if our prayers just bounce off the ceiling and back into our faces. This is the time to say to ourselves, "Bones, hear the word of the Lord!" We have to stop listening to our own griping and hear His word.
Notice the first word He says - "Surely". It means without a doubt or certainly. There is to be no doubt about it - God said it. That settles it. What did He say? "I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live." Breath is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Just as our physical bodies need breath or we die, our spiritual selves need the "breath" of the Holy Spirit to live.
"I will cause ..." - God is telling us what He will do. He will cause breath to enter into us. God doesn't expect the dead can't raise themselves. The dead have no way to cause breath to enter into them. They are dead. They have no power to do anything. We get frustrated and angry over our inability to live spiritually and keep trying to pump air into ourselves. We are powerless to do it. God wants us to look to Him as the only one who can cause life.
"Breath to enter into you..." - God puts His Spirit INSIDE us. In 2 Cor. 4:7 we're told we have this treasure in earthen vessels. A vessel is a container. We were meant to contain something and we are empty and unfulfilled without it. The secret is the "something" we are to contain is actually Someone! 1 John 4:4 tells us that He who is IN us is greater than he who is in the world. Paul in Gal. 2:20 tells us Christ lived in him! Christ, by the Holy Spirit actually resides in believers! Could it be possible to have the Spirit and not know it? 1 Cor. 3:17 asks, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"
"And you shall live.." The word promises life and the Spirit brings the life to fulfill the promise. We shall live! We shall be alive and vibrant. Jesus said He came so we could have life and have it ABUNDANTLY. (John 10:10) God doesn't want us just squeaking by, barely alive. He wants us to live!
Thought For Today:
Father, Thanks for Your Spirit! When I'm tempted to despair or discouragement, let me remember Your word. By Your grace, enable me to empty myself so I can be filled with life from you. Forgive my unbelief and mistrust Lord. Let me rely on what You say and not on what circumstances, feelings or others say. Let me remember I never need to be out of breath again!