Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14 ; Matthew 14:13-21

It was one of the darkest times in the history of God’s people.  Although the prophets had warned them if they didn’t repent – if they continued on their current path – this would happen, the people refused to listen until the invading army was on the horizon.

The Babylonians had wanted the country for years.  After all, it is said that whoever controlled that small strip of land between two major shipping ports controlled the world.  So, they wanted until just the right moment when their victory was almost guaranteed and invaded.  While the Israelites but up a fierce battle, it was to no avail.  The Babylonians conquered their army, destroyed the Temple, burned their cities, and forced the people into exile. 

Now . . . well . . . the people of Israel were struggling under a load of physical pain and emotional loss.  They spent their days working under harsh, if not impossible, conditions while being taunted and humiliated by their captives.  Year after year they continued to live under these brutal conditions knowing even if they survived and were eventually set free, there was nothing left to go home to.  Everything was gone including their hope for the future and their confidence in God. 

Then one day in the midst of all the pain and suffering, the Spirit of God came to the Ezekiel and showed him the site of what was probably one of the last battles between Israel and Babylon.  It was filled with bones – acre upon acre of dry, lifeless bones.  As the prophet looked out on this ghastly scene – as he remembered the horror of that day – God came to him and asked:  Mortal, can these bones live? 

Can these bones live?  Now, how does one answer a question like that?  On the one hand Ezekiel was painfully aware of the current situation.  Everything that had once been so familiar to him and his people was little more than a fading memory.  It was as dead and dried up as the bones.   On the other hand, however, he wanted to believe that his nation, the people, and their faith would somehow not only survive but be renewed.  Yes, Ezekiel wanted to believe there could be new life.  So, despite the current situation, the prophet answered:  O Lord GOD, you know.

What Ezekiel was about to learn, however, was for the miracle of new life to occur he would have to proclaim a message of hope in the midst of despair; he would have to speak of a brighter future when all the others dreaded tomorrow.   The bones could live, God said, if he would prophesy.

Now, let’s step away from the story for just a moment and think about what this prophesying to dead bones actually meant.  Have you ever attempted to be that voice of reason in the midst of despair?  When others were panicking and expected the worst, did it ever fall to you to say:  It’s not as bad as it looks.  Let’s just step back, take a deep breath, and ask God what to do!  If so, then you probably understand what it means to suddenly become the enemy. 

You see, when people make up their minds they are dying, it’s extremely difficult to convince them to live.  And the same holds true for entire for organizations and institutions, too.  If members of a family, a town, or even a church decide that death is only a matter of time, they don’t want anyone telling them different.  They don’t want to hear that with a little compromise and few changes the entire situation can be turned around – that new life can arise out the ashes of yesterday’s broken promises and forgotten dreams.

But, knowing all of this – knowing all the opposition he would face - God still turned to Ezekiel said:  Tell these bones they will live. 

So, while facing a situation at its worst, Ezekiel proclaimed the Word of God at its best!  Not only that, he spoke that word when there was no one to hear it.  In doing so, however, the Word created hears for itself.  While, in the beginning, the mission before him seemed doomed to fail, his faithfulness alone released the powers that brought new life to his people.

Now, Christians, looking at the world around us, there seems to be ample reason for despair.  We are, after all, knee deep in dry bones.  People are simply giving up because the future seems to be filled with as many problems and as much pain as the present.  Even Christ’s church – the very institution that has been called to be the mouth piece of God – has grown strangely cynical and deathly silent. 

So, the question is can these bones live?  Can we be rescued from all the problems and disappointments that are weighing us down? 

Well . . . the only answer I know is:   Can the blind see and the lame walk?  Can the poor rejoice and sinners repent?  Can more 5,000 hungry people be fed with five loafs of bread and two small fish?  The answer is yes!  In the hands of God even the smallest offering can become a miracle

So, prophesy, O mortals.  Speak God’s word even if it seems as though no one is listening.  Listen in faith and follow in love.  For even now the wind is blowing.  The spirit is moving.  The bones are coming together and soon . . .  very, very soon . . . the desert will be filled with dancing!

To God be the glory!  And all God’s people say AMEN!