I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live

I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live

By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-13

In the biblical narrative, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This promise was realized at Pentecost when disciples spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit in an unknown language, understood by a diverse group of people representing places from the known world in their native languages.

Why is this relevant today?

Suppose America mirrors the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37:1-4, with its deep divisions across political, cultural, racial, and religious lines. In that case, the church is responsible for prophesying [i] God's message of restoration and hope for the future, promising that God will heal and restore our nation.

How Can This Be"

Jesus' promise was completed in Acts 1:8, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost, marking the birth of the church, known initially as "the people of the Way[ii]."

Pentecost occurred in a diverse atmosphere of people who came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Week, also called Shavuot. This event occurs 50 days after Passover and commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai[iii]. This event underscores the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, bringing together people of different backgrounds to understand and embrace God's message of love.

Just as God revived the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision, He can restore our nation through the Holy Spirit working in us, starting right where we are. Despite challenges, we must trust in God's timing and promises. Living in the power of the Spirit means committing to the tasks God has given us, facing difficulties with faith, joyfully sharing the gospel, and waiting on God's promises with hope.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit, who gives us power and hope. As we reflect on Ezekiel's vision and the promise of Pentecost, help us to believe in Your power to revive our nation. May we speak Your words of life, work together in unity, live courageously, and wait expectantly for Your promises. Fill us with Your Spirit to be Your witnesses, renewing our land.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of America feel like a valley of dry bones to you?
2.  How can you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to bring life and hope?
3. What steps can you take to unite with others in your community to share God's love?

4.      May this Pentecost inspire us to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to bring life and hope to our nation, empower us to be faithful disciples of Jesus, and unite us in our diverse backgrounds to hear and share the same message of God's love.