Bones: Live!

February 10, 2015 (Tuesday)
Most of us have heard the spiritual song, “Dem Dry Bones.” Perhaps we have sung it, connecting the bones. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) wrote it and it was first recorded in 1928. The song is based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. The prophet views a valley of dry bones, totally disconnected, and hears God ask, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel replied, “You know.” Then God commanded him to preach to the bones and watch them connect to each other and become people once again. This vision was an illustration of God bringing the exiled Jews back to their land, restoring their kingdom. They had asked in Babylon, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” Isaiah called upon them to sing again as they were released from their sadness and filled with joy (Isaiah 54).

The historical fact of Judah’s restoration is an illustration of how the Lord brings us back from despair to a life of meaning and purpose. Individuals can experience this. When we are depressed and feeling that life is a burden, the Lord can lift us up. Churches can experience this also, because congregations have their low moments as well. Perhaps joy has faded, growth has slowed, fellowship has weakened, and revival is needed. God can bless that church and make it a vibrant, enthusiastic congregation once again.
In the Bible, the dry bones symbolized a nation in need of God’s help. Nations can drift away from high ideals and lofty goals, deteriorating from within. Such a nation can be blessed again when its people turn to God. When Israel dedicated the Temple, God said to the nation, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV). God is calling the people of faith in this nation today, as He called the ancient people of Israel, to meet these conditions and trust in Him.