WORDS OF LIFE

Jack Davis

Ezekiel 37:1-10

“O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.”

With this vision of dry bones, Ezekiel was told to speak God’s Word to His people. This vision points our attention prophetically to Israel’s national resurrection (Vs. 11-14), but I note here some prevailing principles for our day.

God does perform His Word. He has promised to give the increase when the truth is spoken. Eph. 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

In verses one and two of Ezek. 37, we are told how the Lord touched Ezekiel, moved him and placed him in the valley of dry bones. There he is shown the peoples condition, and asked a probing question as to the possibility of these dismembered, scattered, dry, lifeless bones being made alive. He answers that such knowledge belongs to the Lord. 

We are awestruck and our hearts are somewhat crushed to see pictures of the bones of the holocaust, even knowing that God’s Word has been, is being, and will be fulfilled. It still touches us deeply.

Words of Life

Ezekiel wasn’t told to “shake” nor “gather,” join the bones to one another nor to put meat upon them. He was simply to speak the word of the Lord. The Lord tells what wonders He will perform. This is always God’s way. Of course he and we are to speak to comfort, exhortation and edification by divine inspiration. 

The messenger’s responsibility is to obey God and say what He would have spoken. His people are to hear, heed with believing hearts, and God imparts life.

Partakers of an abundant life are privileged to share with those who will listen, “wonderful words of life.” How comforting for those that truly minister to know that God’s Word is quick and powerful (living and energizing), and works effectually in those that believe. 

Jesus said most clearly, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” – John 6:63.

Following Peter and the other apostles marvelous prison release, when “the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth,” They were told “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” – Acts 5:20. Peter also was to leave the results with the Lord. 

Shall not we whom have been set free also stand and speak the wonderful Words of life? OH YES! And we do not have much time left to say “Hear and live!!”