Scripture
So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet- a mighty army.

Observation
The Spirit of the Lord takes Ezekiel away to a valley full of dried bleached bones.

The Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones that the Lord will bring them to life. As Ezekiel speaks, the valley is filled with a rattling as the bones form skeletons. Then skin and flesh form over them.

The Lord tells Ezekiel to command the wind to come and fill the bodies with breath. Then a mighty living army arises.

This prophecy is a word of hope got the people of Israel that God will restore them in their land.

Application
Dead bones in a desert valley. There is no hope of life there. But the Spirit of God transforms these scattered bones into a living people.

Over the last 40 years, people have been lamenting the decline of the church in Australia. We have to change or die, become more relevant, market the gospel better- a thousand solutions are offered.

What we need is the Holy Spirit to breathe life into the bones. Nothing less will do.

It starts with an individual or two determined to pursue God, to honour God, to obey God regardless of the cost.

As the one or two let the Spirit breathe life into their old bones, life spreads and an army arises.

Prayer
Holy Spirit come. Come and bring life to these bones. Mighty army of God arise in the name of Jesus. Amen.