Ezekiel 37:1-15
The valley of dry bones and graveyard signifies the people exiled from God as expressed by the dry bones in this valley. The Lord asks Ezekiel, can these bones live again? Can life come out of death? The dry bones represent Israel, God’s people who were exiled far from home, disconnected from God because of their sin. Dry bones can signify hopelessness – a feeling of being depleted or empty or feeling far from the presence of God or having minimal or no spiritual growth. Several things lead to dryness – Jeremiah 17:1-8 | 2 Peter 2:12-17. However, God promises to make the impossible possible and He will deliver those who will return to Him through Jesus Christ.
In Ezekiel 37:1-14, restoration is akin to resurrection and therefore it is supernatural. Dead people and promises can live again because of God’s life-giving power. 1 Peter 1:3 | Ephesians 2:4 | Hebrews 8:12. God’s mercy bridges the gap – Lamentations 3:22. Repentance is not optional in believers’ quest to overcome dryness – Acts 2:38 | 1 John 1:7-9.
Hopelessness is associated with dryness. Believers who remain planted by the Source of living waters are able to turn dryness into fruitfulness – Psalms 1:2-3 | Jeremiah 17:7-8 | Ezekiel 47:12 | Proverbs 20:5.
Believers must daily avoid “self-help” mode and totally rely on the transforming power of Christ – Psalm 63:1. There is a need for Christians to continually cast off the spirit of the world – 1 Corinthians 7:31; through prophetic declaration, living and walking by the Word of God “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” – Galatians 5:25 | Romans 8:9.
Consistency in Prayer is important to overcome dryness, believers must realign and reconnect to Jesus Christ who is the source of life – John 1:4 | 2 Timothy 1:3. Prayer serves as a memorial which has it root meaning in the Hebrew word ‘Azkdrah’. This word is a sacrificial term, which brings a petitioner into remembrance before God, or brings God into favourable remembrance with a petitioner – Acts 10:4 | Psalms 145:7-11 | Luke 18:1.
A believer can overcome dryness by seeking the Lord continually – Matthew 6:33.
Conclusion: A life of revival starts with a deep communion with the Holy Spirit which must be intentional if the Church or believers will overcome dryness and every other scheme of the adversary.
Discussion:
- What is spiritual dryness, and how can a Christian overcome it?
- Can a Christian dwell in sin and still be led by the Holy Spirit – John 14:17?
- Can anxieties and the feeling of discouragement be a sign of spiritual dryness?
- Why is it important to speak God’s truths?
- Can guilt affect our prayer or praise? Please explain.
Prayer