Yahweh, the Giver of Lifeনমুনা

The Dry Bones Come Alive

“Excuse me, sir. Could you spare some change for a coffee or maybe something to eat?” The hungry old man had been ignored all morning. His clothes were soiled in months of grime and he carried an untamed beard that swayed in the wind. The man walking by recalled a recent teaching moment he shared with his son—how all persons have the image and likeness of the Creator. He gladly reached for his wallet to hand the beggar a bill but felt in his heart to extend an invitation to brunch instead.

The man and the beggar walked together two blocks and into a local café. The aroma was exquisite and through the ceiling windows a spotlight from heaven shone upon their backs. For the first time in a long time, the homeless man was about to enjoy a proper meal. He sighed constantly and said, “Thank you, sir. I was losing hope, but I can’t grope among the dry bones of the past anymore. The sun shines today also.”

Suddenly, the generous man’s eyes fixated on the beggar. With piqued curiosity he asked, “Mr. Dawson? Is that you?”

“How do you know my name?” the startled beggar replied.

“It’s Ezekiel! You were my English teacher in high school! You always quoted Emerson and the dry bones!”

“Oh, my. Yes, Ezekiel! Gosh, I-I’ve fallen on hard times, son. It is good to see you, but I’m embarrassed you have to see me like this.”

“Nonsense…” said Ezekiel. “You were—you are a legend! I learned a great deal from you, sir.”

The men continued their chat about life over brunch. Ezekiel felt compelled to lend a helping hand to his old teacher. He offered to rent out his finished basement in exchange for reading and writing lessons for his son. Every day he prayed fervently for Mr. Dawson’s restoration and after seven weeks’ time, he was back on his feet attending church faithfully, working as a tutor to underprivileged kids and soon moving in with his once estranged daughter.

The dry bones vision in the Scriptures represents fallen and lifeless people. They’re a metaphor for a hopeless castaway long forgotten. The good news is that we serve an Almighty God who is able to resurrect what was once thought to be dead or lost. He sees and attends to the needs of all men — His image-bearers. Will you be His agent today and extend your hand to the dry bones?