Can these bones live?

Ian El-Paget May 13, 2024 9 4

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Ezekiel 37: 1-6 (NRSVA)

1 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all round them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, ‘Mortal, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ 4 Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

Ever since I first read these verses I associated them with Scotland. I saw in that valley of dryness, division and brokenness my nation. I also saw its potential when God moves among us, its transformation into a vast army.

What do you see when you look into the valley? How do you see Scotland spiritually?

The question and the answer are keys for us:

‘Son of man, can these bones live?’

Is there a future for the church in Scotland? Can the faith of our nation be revived? The bones were very dry, brittle one might say. Countless intercessors have cried out to God, asking for revival again in our nation, and three times the Lord has poured out His mercy and grace, this should not make us complacent however, following Ezekiel’s example is best.

‘O Sovereign Lord, you alone know’.

God knows, don’t presume and don’t assume. Let your hope be in God. Nothing is impossible for God.

If this vision of revival strangely warms your heart then allow me to suggest two things, adaptations of the now well known saying ‘Think global: act local’.

Petition global: Posture local — Pray for our nation ask for revival! Position yourself as the epicentre of that revival.

Prayer:

Today we join with the Psalmists in crying out

‘Will you not revive us again, that your people might rejoice in you?’

‘Lord, send revival, start with me!’