BREATHING ON DRY BONES

Ezekiel.37:9 – Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘The Lord GOD says this: “Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe on these slain, so that they come to life.”

We all know the Lord could do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, and however He wants but amazingly He has decided to work through imperfect human beings. Ezekiel seemed so conflicted that some commentators say that he was emotionally disturbed suffering with some sort of mental illness. The Lord made a habit of using less than perfect individuals; Elijah was suicidal, Moses and Paul were murderers, Peter was a coward, and Thomas was filled with doubt. These are the people He chooses to work through, maybe you and I fit into one of these categories.

So what was the Lord asking of Ezekiel? Basically just prophesy, simply utter the words He puts into your mouth. That’s it! He does all the rest. Here is how Max Lucado describes this scene.

“The story of dry bones in Death Valley is so dramatic that we might miss a stunning element of this miracle. Ezekiel was invited to invite it. God told him to prophesy, and once he did—and only once he did—the wind of heaven began to blow.

What if the prophet had refused? What if he had declined? What if Ezekiel had heard the word and walked away, saying something like, “That’s too supernatural for me.” “I’m too small-time to be partnering with God.” Or “He must have me confused with someone better, bigger, or holier.”

But he didn’t.

And you? The breath of heaven is awaiting your invitation. Proclaim a declaration. State a heartfelt petition. Spirit, I welcome you. He does not coerce, cajole, or force his way into our lives. He enters when welcomed, so for heaven’s sake welcome him.”

So if the Lord can use cowards, murderers, and folks who are mentally disturbed maybe He can use you and me. What do I need to do? First, just open your heart wide and ask Him to fill you again and again with His Spirit. Next, just go where He tells you to go and do what He tells you to do. Your head may be saying, “It just can’t be that simple”. But actually it is. Remember He does what He wants, when He wants, and how He wants. It’s just right now He has His sights on using you.