Come AliveSample
SPEAK OUT
After the Spirit of God brought Ezekiel into the valley surrounded by dry, dead and dusty bones, he asked him a strange question: “Son of man, can these bones live?”
It seems odd that the higher authority on life or death would ask a question like that. But yet it happens that the infinite would ask that question of the finite. However, the prophet’s response is wrapped in his understanding of human mortality and also respectful of God’s mysterious power: “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
In this way, Ezekiel positions himself as subject to the authority of God and submissive to His ability.
What does God say in return?
Speak out
He commands him to prophecy to the bones and to speak to what he sees in front of him. Ezekiel is to speak life into a dead situation, speak the impossible to become possible and to speak to the dead, dry and dusty bones.
He proclaims, "Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!"
There is power in declaring the word of the Lord over your situation or circumstances. In this case, God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones that He would cause breath to enter them and they would come to life so that tendon and sinew, flesh and skin would join to them.
Similarly, Jesus stood in front of a tomb containing the corpse of Lazarus and spoke, “Lazarus, come forth!”.
It takes a certain amount of courage to speak new life into a dead situation. What if nothing happens? But what if it does?!
In Ezekiel's submission to the Lord in his earlier declaration, “SOVEREIGN LORD, only you know," he confirms his willingness to obey. And when we obey God and speak His truth over our situations in life things can start to change!
As Ezekiel prophesied, a noise rumbled and rattled across the valley!
I’m believing that today, as you speak into the three things you wrote down yesterday, that something will begin! You will hear the sound of the Spirit of God moving amongst the bones!
ACTION
Remember the three things you wrote down yesterday. Take some unusual boldness and confidence and speak out audibly that God is going to breathe new life into that circumstance, business, relationship, marriage or health challenge. Speak COME ALIVE in the name of Jesus.
PRAYER
Sovereign Lord, only you know if my pile of dry bones can live again. But while there is still breath in me I will continue to speak new life into my situation. I pray you come alive in me, my family, my business, my church and community and I will know you are God.
Scripture
About this Plan
Join Pastor Andrew Cartledge as he explores the Valley of Dry Bones. God commands the prophet to speak to what's dead, dry, and destroyed for Israel and see it returned to a mighty army. What is dead, dying, or on the edge of despair in your life? I believe as we study this passage together, we will see God come alive in your heart and see your spirit renewed!
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