These could be the wisest words you say
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Sometimes the most intelligent thing we can say is, "I don't know." Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is defer to who does know. Ezekiel got this right.
God asked a powerful question. Ezekiel's answer reminds us of two things. First, it reminds us of how God created Adam in Genesis 2:7 (NIV):
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
God took dust and shaped Adam and then put into him the breath of life. God had worked with less than what Ezekiel saw before him and created a living, breathing Adam. He could certainly take those dry bones and bring them to life.
Second, it reminds us only God can take what is dead and give it new life and new purpose. Ezekiel did not pretend to know the mind of God. He deliberately deferred to God's plan and purpose.
Ezekiel awaited further instruction. Then God used Ezekiel to do what he had done. As God spoke this world into existence (Genesis 1 and 2), so he used Ezekiel to speak life to those bones (verses 4-7).
Another moment of wisdom for Ezekiel is found in verse 7. It begins with this simple sentence of seven words: "So I prophesied as I was commanded." He did what God said.
To hear and obey God is the most important lesson we will ever learn. It is the most important lesson we will ever teach.
Ezekiel's obedience had immediate results. We find them in verses 8-10.
I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
Where once there was hopeless death, now there was meaningful life (verses 11-13).
What is God asking you today?
What is your response?
How could he use you to bring life?
Our Father, I do not know how you can use me bring new life, but I am in your hands to use as you see fit. Fill my mind with your thoughts. Fill my mouth with your words. Fill my heart with obedience and my hands with your purpose. Use me in whatever manner you see fit to bring meaningful life into reality. Amen.
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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