" DRY BONES "

I was re-reading Ezekiel chapters 36-37 and my eyes have been opened up. Why did God want to protect his Holy Name - His Reputation - among the nations of the world? God's Children have not always proven to walk the straight and narrow. God was concerned about the Salvation not only of his people, but also of the whole world. To allow his people to remain in sin and be permanently destroyed by their enemies would lead other nations to conclude that their pagan gods were more powerful than Israel's God (Isaiah 48:11). Thus, to protect his Holy Name, God would return a remnant of his people to their land. God will not share his glory with false gods-he alone is the One True God. The people had the responsibility to represent God properly to the rest of the world. As Believers today we have that same responsibility. Now, how do you represent God to the world? No matter how impure your life is right now, God offers you a fresh start. You can have your Sins Washed Away, receive a New Heart from God, and have his Spirit within you - if you accept God's promise. Why try to patch up your old life when you can have a New One? Now I wish to look into the vision of the valley of DRY BONES. This vision illustrates the promise of Chapter 36-New Life and a nation restored, both Physically and Spiritually. The Dry Bones are a picture of the Jews in captivity - scattered dead. The two sticks (37:15-17) represent the reunion of the entire nation of Israel that had divided into northern and southern kingdoms after solomon. This vision has yet to be fulfilled. EZEKIEL FELT HE WAS SPEAKING TO THE DEAD AS HE PREACHED TO THE EXILES BECAUSE THEY RARELY responded TO HIS MESSAGE. But these Bones Responded! And just as God brought Life to the Dead Bones,He would bring life again to his Spiritually Dead People. With God NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Do yourself a favor and read Ezekiel 37 Until Next Time... Jim,