What Happened to These Warriors?

Click here: Ezekiel 37:1-6,10 

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

I want to invite you to close your eyes and picture the scene from today’s reading in your mind. Where do you find yourself in today’s story?  

Do you see yourself as the one looking over the cliffs of the valley of bones? What is your reaction to what you see? What do you notice about the bones in the valley?  

First, these bones were very dry. This suggests that they have been long dead. Not a stitch of life is left in them.  

Next, notice they have not been buried. These who suffered death were publicly humiliated and doomed to this crypt of shame, left to rot and vulnerable to the pickings of carnivores.  

Third, the bones in this valley are from a once vast army. 

Those who peer over this valley of death may feel secure footed and superior. Afterall, these dead got what they deserved, right? From platitudes of self-righteousness, it is easy to look down with shame upon those wallowing below. 

Now take a closer look at the dry bones in the valley. Let your gaze settle upon a single skull amid the valley—its hollow eyes seeming to meet yours, urging you to contemplate the silence and story held within. In that moment, you find yourself drawn deeper into the vision, invited to see your own face reflected there. You hear the echo of these words:

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)  

What do you do? What can you do? Nothing!!! A dead person can do absolutely nothing. They can’t reach their hand up, they can’t cry out, they can’t do anything to save themselves.  

My life has seemed like a valley of bones. Sometimes it was caused by my own guilt. Other times, it was from the pain, suffering, betrayal brought on by others. Still other times, the enemy, Satan himself, whispered lies of hopelessness, disappointment and disillusionment, that sucked all the life out of me. Just like in Ezekiel's vision, I have had times that my life felt dried up and beyond revival.  

But wait!  There in the valley of dry bones, see the faces of others right next to you.  Who are those who are right beside you who are longing for some sort of hope beyond hope?

Ezekiel is told to boldly speak to the dry bone “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” He uses the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God to call upon the Sovereign power of God to breathe into these breathless, forgotten warriors and bring them back to life.  

Jesus descended into the valley of death. By His resurrection, He used His flashing sword of the Spirit to call me to arise. He is calling You too. He is asking us to take our place among the ranks of risen and redeemed warriors.

Let’s take His flaming sword of the Spirit into the dead world together to proclaim and be the living proof that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me take Your flaming sword - Word of God - into this deep valley of dry bones we call this world. There are many who are dried up, dead, and longing to be restored. You came for ME Jesus! Give me the courage to step down from my platitudes of superiority and self-righteousness and SEE myself and others as You see us. Thank You that YOU came to restore us again to life beyond what we can imagine.