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 so disconnected from their roots 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.
HELPING OTHERS TO ESCAPE THE HEAT
One of the dangers of living on the streets or not taking proper care during hot weather is heat stroke, heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses.
What is Heat Stoke?
Heat stroke is a serious heat-related illness which occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or even death if emergency treatment is not provided.
Some of the warning signs of heat stroke include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If a person has signs of heat stroke it is important to seek medical attention immediately while trying to cool the person. Try to get them to a shady area, spray the person with cool water, place them in a cool shower or bath or sponge them with cool water. Don’t give the person any alcohol. Call a hospital emergency number. See, https://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or living in a hot environment.
Some of the warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Id. If heat exhaustion is not treated it can progress to heat stroke. Some of the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) recommendations for preventing heat exhaustion include:
- Drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Rest.
- Taking a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- Seeking an air-conditioned environment.
- Wearing lightweight clothing.
Id. According to the CDC, in hot weather you may need to increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. If you are exercising in a hot environment, the CDC suggests that you drink enough fluids to maintain a normal color and amount of urine output.
Extreme heat can also cause heat rash, heat cramps (usually in the abdomen, legs or arms), increase heart rate, cause confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness or fainting. Individuals may need to pace themselves, if they are working in the heat, or stop all activity immediately if they are working and begin experiencing symptoms. Staying hydrated, wearing the proper clothing, finding the right environment, and taking preventive measures beforehand are key.
PLACES TO ESCAPE THE HEAT
While some may visit shopping malls, public libraries, museums, the church has often been an excellent place to “escape the heat.” Many people taking vacations, often visit churches because they are “cool places.”
Those “in church” have to remember that there are many runaway teens, homeless “neighbors,” “street workers” and just ordinary workers looking for a place to “escape the heat.”
Like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), some are just looking for a place where they can get a cool drink (of the Gospel) and a cool place where they can refresh, replenish their strength---a place where they will be welcomed and not judged. Like the woman at the well, they are looking for “life” (e.g. living water).
There are “hot spots” all over the world. Everyone is feeling the heat.
Every church, every church member must address the “dry bones” around them.
Prevention, Prayer, Faith, and THE (LIVING)WORD OF GOD, are the key.
Drink and extend a drinks to others.
Be a refuge from the heat and BE BLESSED!
