Intention

Scripture

“So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.”
– Ezekiel 37:7-8 NKJV

Reflection

The valley was full of bones.

When we think of bones, we think of them providing structure and support. We think of their static rigidity and compare them to, for example, the steel framework that supports a new home. Bones provide structure and support to our bodies.

But they do more than this. Bones are living. Cells called osteoclasts continually break down our bones to supply nutrients to our bodies.  There are also osteoblasts that continually rebuild bones. Bones in a healthy living body are not static, but active, even dynamic.

Not so these bones. The skeletal remains of a fallen army slain long ago and never buried. The valley was full of them: Impoverished, alone, exhausted, and discouraged. Dead.

Ancient Hebrew burials usually had two stages.

When a person died, they were normally entombed in a ‘family’ cave that had several chambers cut into its walls. The tomb would be sealed until the next family member died. After the body had decomposed and the bones had dried, they would be moved into a box or chest called an ossuary, usually in the middle of the tomb. The ossuary would eventually contain the bones of everyone in the family, piled together, ready for the resurrection.

At the resurrection, the bones were expected to come together, be covered in flesh to become bodies and be resurrected.

In his vision, as Ezekiel watched all these bones come together and flesh growing upon them, he saw what the Israelites would expect the resurrection to entail: resurrection and revival of life, starting with dead, dry bones.

As we pray for revival, we recognise God’s initiative.

“This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn4:10) As for us, we “were dead in our transgressions and sins” (Eph 2:1). “But because of His great love for us, God, Who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even we when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace we have been saved.” (vs 4f) “And God raised us up…” (Vs 6)

We recognise God’s sovereignty. It is He who called Ezekiel, and it is He who calls us to prophesy that these dead bones should live. It is His breath, life and Spirit that He breathes as we prophesy at His command.

Video

Prayer

Abba, Yahweh Adonai, we declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvellous deeds among all the peoples. You are Great and worthy of praise. Splendour and majesty are before You. You, Lord, Reign!

How can we but join the paddocks in their jubilation and all the trees of the forest in singing for joy? All Your creation rejoices before You, for You are coming to judge the earth in righteousness and Your peoples in Your faithfulness (Psalm 96).

Abba, we decree that Your will be done and Your Kingdom come. We decree Life and Breath as You pour out Your spirit on Your ecclesia, on our Great Southlands, and on all flesh.

In the name of Yeshua Hamachiach. Amen.

Author Bio

Vincent is a Naturopathic Practitioner in Lismore. Born in Kenya, Vincent encountered Jesus in Grahamstown through the ministry of the late Archbishop Bill Burnett. He studied at the United Faculty of Theology in Melbourne as a candidate for the ministry for the new Uniting Church.

Prayer Points for 31 Days of Prayer & Fasting for Revival

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Hebrews 12:28-29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:6-14
3. Pray for Revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isaiah 64:1-2

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