Ezekiel 37:1-3 The Power of the LORD was upon me and I was carried away by the SPIRIT OF THE LORD to a valley full of old, dry bones that were scattered everywhere across the ground. He led me around among them, and then he said to me: "Son of dust, can these bones become people again?" [Living Bible Translation]
I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Then He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones...."
[New International translation]
Summary
Ezekiel was an Old Testament priest. His calling/job was to speak the WORD of GOD to a people that were in rebellion against GOD, a most difficult task indeed. But since he was "called" by GOD, GOD prepared Ezekiel for task. Ezekiel's preparation involved experiencing the SPIRIT OF GOD through a number of visions. In verse 37, Ezekiel has a vision of a valley of dead bones. These bones were very dry bones (New Testament translation) and very scattered. In other words, the fact that these bones were dry was compounded by the additional problem of these bones being disjointed, confused, fragmented, and mixed up. The fact that these bones were dead and that the whole valley was full of these bones, must have caused Ezekiel to question whether that particular valley was even a safe place to be. Ezekiel saw "Death Valley," a mass graveyard and confusion.
The first thing that GOD did for Ezekiel was to cause him to open his mind up to the possibility of "seeing beyond the visible." Ezekiel saw scattered bones in a valley. Through a series of questions, and instructions, GOD caused Ezekiel to realize that these bones were in fact people---his congregation---, in fact the whole Nation of Israel. Israel had been beat, led into captivity, humiliated and were so beaten down and disconnected from their roots so that even they (the bones themselves) thought they had no hope. But, GOD promised Ezekiel, if Ezekiel followed HIS instructions, and prophesied to the bones, telling them about GOD's plan for raising them up as a nation and about GOD's plan to provide them with ONE SHEPHERD (Verse 37:34), (i.e. JESUS CHRIST), the dry bones would live again.
So, Ezekiel prophesied and GOD did just what HE said HE would do. GOD breathed life into the bones, just as HE did before, when HE breathed life into man. See Genesis 2:7. GOD transformed a valley of death and dry bones into spiritual life.
BONE HEALTH
Osteoporosis is a "silent" bone disease where the bones become fragile, loose density and become brittle, typically as a result of hormonal changes or lack of calcium or vitamin D. It is "silent" because people do not feel their bones weaken and often people do not realize they have osteoporosis or a health problem until their bones fracture or break.
Osteoporosis is common---in fact very common---more common than most people think. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
About nine million Americans have osteoporosis and an estimated 48 million have low bone density. This means that nearly 60 percent of adults age 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone and should be concerned about their bone health.
Many people mistakenly believe that osteoporosis is just a "woman's problem." Although it is true that women are at greater risk because they lose estrogen during menopause and perimenopause, and because they generally have thinner and lighter bones, men are also at risk for osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation notes that:
Studies also suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Many "young people" mistakenly believe osteoporosis is "old person's disease," not realizing that children and teenagers and young adults can suffer from osteoporosis too. Some ethnic groups may be at higher risk, but all ethnic groups are at risk. In fact, bone mass tends to naturally decline with age around age 30.
Sometimes people with osteoporosis experience severe back pain caused by painful spine fractures. Bone Mineral Density tests, bone measurements and x-rays can help determine if you have osteoporosis. If you are concerned, always consult your physician. Your physician can also provide an appropriate treatment program if you have the disease or at risk, based on history or use of certain medications (e.g., long term use of steroids). Again, always consult your physician if you have questions.
Diet and exercise are preventative measures. Getting enough calcium throughout your life helps to build and keep strong bones. Dark leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, collars, broccoli, spinach, okra, etc.) are high in calcium and many juices are now calcium fortified. An equal amount of yogurt has more calcium than and equal part of cottage cheese or milk. Being out in the sun (at least 20 minutes) helps the body to build vitamin D in order to absorb the calcium. Weight bearing exercises (e.g. weight lifting, walking, jogging, dancing, playing tennis, tai chi, etc.) at least 3 times a week, help to make bones and muscles stronger and help to prevent bone loss.
MOVING BEYOND DRY BONES TO LIFE
Just as there will be peaks and valleys in life, there will also be desserts. And if there is dessert, there will be dry bones. What is important is to move beyond the desserts and the bones to life.
The Nation of Israel went from following GOD into a rich and fertile "promise land" to defeat and captivity. At the end of their captivity, they felt like "dry bones," scattered, confused and hopeless. So GOD sent Ezekiel. GOD's instructions to Ezekiel were to prophesy—speak to the bones.
Like Ezekiel (and Abraham), we have to "speak in faith" and "act in faith," even when "things" around us are not what they should be. Like Ezekiel, we must believe GOD can bring people "back to live," "turn situations around," and "do just what HE said HE would do." Like Ezekiel, we must continue to speak and call those things that are not as if they were. See Romans 4:17. We must believe:
- GOD can make us one nation under GOD!
- We must commit to present our bodies as a living sacrifice unto GOD, ever striving for greater physical and spiritual growth and health and faithful service to HIM!
- We will have everlasting life!
So, today, prophesy. Prophesy to yourself about your health. Prophesy about your service to HIM and about our nation! Prophesy to others. Be an Ezekiel. Support "the Ezekiels" in your church, your family, your congregation or on your job. Don't be discouraged. Instead, spread hope. Spread faith. Refuse to become a dry bone, physically or spiritually.
Have faith! Have life. And, BE BLESSED!
