Discovering Life in the Desert
Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.’ Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life.’ Ezekiel 37:4-5
Last week I announced I was on my way to our children’s and youth camp in Leesburg, Florida, to serve as a children’s chaplain for the week. I had a great time! The theme for the week was “Thriving in the Desert.” During Monday evening’s chapel service, the kids and I explored our “Naming our Desert” as we likened a physical desert to a spiritual desert. For example, a real desert can be a lonely place as can our lives.
Tuesday night’s theme was “Discovering Life in the Desert,” and our Scripture selection was taken from Ezekiel’s vision of the Spirit of God restoring and breathing new life into a valley filled with what was once the very dry and scattered bones of an army of dead soldiers in the desert. The message was for the nation of Israel, but its spiritual implications are for us as well.
As with a real desert that is alive with cacti, camels, birds, flowers, and coyotes, the Spirit of God can breathe new life into the most scattered and desolate places of your life. He can raise you up to stand strong in places that seem hopeless and like a lost cause!
Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones…Now hear the word of the Lord!
Pastor Louie