Can These Dry Bones Live?

Key Text:

“Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones, Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.” - Ezekiel 37:5

Introduction

The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is one of the most powerful images of restoration, revival, and the power of God to bring life where there is death. Ezekiel was given this vision at a time when Israel was in exile, feeling hopeless and spiritually dead. Yet, God gave them a promise: He would restore them, breathe life into them, and bring them back to their land.

This vision speaks to us today. Many of us have “dry bones” in our lives—places where we feel spiritually weak, discouraged, or lifeless. But the same God who revived Israel can bring new life to our souls, our families, our churches, and our circumstances.

1. The Condition: A Valley of Dry Bones

“And, lo, they were very dry.” - Ezekiel 37:2

• A picture of total hopelessness - These bones were not just dead, they were completely dried out, lifeless, and scattered.
• A symbol of spiritual dryness - Just as Israel was in captivity, sometimes we feel distant from God, spiritually dry, or without purpose.
• Psalm 63:1 - “O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”

What are the “dry bones” in your life today? A struggling faith, broken relationships, lost passion for God, unanswered prayers?

2. The Question: Can These Bones Live?

“And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live?” - Ezekiel 37:3

• God asks Ezekiel a question - This was not because God didn’t know the answer, but because He wanted Ezekiel to recognize the impossibility of the situation without Him.
• Ezekiel’s response: “O Lord God, thou knowest.” - Ezekiel didn’t rely on his own wisdom but acknowledged that only God had the power to restore life.
• Luke 18:27 - “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

When we look at our dry situations, do we believe that God can bring life again?

3. The Command: Prophesy to the Bones

“Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” - Ezekiel 37:4

• God didn’t just tell Ezekiel to watch—He told him to speak!
• The power of the Word of God - The bones could only come to life through God’s Word.
• Hebrews 4:12 - “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

If you are facing a spiritually dry season, speak God’s Word over your life. Declare His promises over your situation!

4. The Process: Bones Come Together, Then the Breath of Life

“And as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together.” - Ezekiel 37:7

• First, the bones connected. Then, flesh covered them. But they were still lifeless.
• Life came only when the breath (Spirit) entered them.
• John 6:63 - “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing.”

We can have the appearance of life—going to church, reading the Bible—but true spiritual life comes only through the Holy Spirit.

5. The Promise: I Will Put My Spirit in You

“And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land.” - Ezekiel 37:14

• God promised restoration to Israel, and He promises renewal to us.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.”
• Joel 2:28 - “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.”

When God breathes into our lives, He brings revival, renewal, and restoration.

Conclusion

Ezekiel’s vision shows us that no situation is too hopeless for God. He can bring life to dry bones, restore broken hearts, and renew weary souls. If you are feeling spiritually dry today, trust in God’s Word, His Spirit, and His power to revive you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power to bring life where there is death. Revive our hearts, renew our spirits, and restore our faith. Breathe on us, Lord, and fill us with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.