Dry Bones

When I read the story of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones I cannot help but think of our cemetery here at Zion Wayside. Our cemetery is a result of our fallen condition. Through the first sin of Adam and Eve, death entered the picture and we now see the evidence of that on our property. For many, death is viewed as the end of the story, a cemetery is a final resting place. Here in Ezekiel and throughout the scriptures we are told a different story. The Lord can and does raise to life even dry bones. Through his Word and Sacraments, the Lord gave you new life. You were dead in your trespasses like dry bones when he breathed the breath of life in you.

It is a great and glorious truth that we have been given new life in the Spirit, but the harsh reality our cemetery reminds us of still looms. Friends and family members who rest from their labors, a valley of dry bones right in our back yard.

Once again, Ezekiel speaks of a greater reality. All of the faithful who have been committed to the ground are not in their final resting place. They are awaiting that great day when Jesus Christ returns and the graves of the faithful are opened and they are restored to new and everlasting life. That is what all those who rest in our cemetery await, and it is what you are waiting for as well. The Lord has breathed new life in you once already, and he will do so again on that day when our old dry bones are raised up to new and everlasting life.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, through your Holy Spirit you breathe new life into your people. We rejoice that you have called us to faith and given us new life. Give us hope, assurance, and strength of faith until that last day when you return to raise up all the dead and gather your people together in your kingdom. Amen