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, “Prophecy to these bones….”
[New International translation]
Summary
Ezekiel was an Old Testament priest. His calling was to preach GOD’s WORD to a people who were in rebellion against GOD, a difficult task. But since he was “called” by GOD, GOD prepared Ezekiel for this assignment. 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 International 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. Ezekiel saw what looked like “Death Valley,” a mass graveyard, a place with no life.
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 needed a lesson in faith. There are many situations where faith doesn’t come easily. For most, “seeing is believing.” But Ezekiel needed to “believe even though he was not seeing it.” Ezekiel needed to see that GOD can take “dead situations” and give them life. Ezekiel needed to know that the “dead bones” (representing God’s people) could live again just as GOD promised.
In his vision, Ezekiel did exactly what GOD told him to do. Ezekiel spoke to the bones. He prophesied to the bones. He told those bones about the power of GOD and followed GOD’s instructions. Ezekiel told the bones about GOD’s plan to raise them up once again as a nation and about GOD’s plan to provide them with ONE SHEPHERD, JESUS CHRIST. (See verse 37:34).
And, GOD did exactly what HE said HE would do.
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.
If you exercise in hot weather, monitor yourself for heat-related symptoms, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of waters and wear proper clothing. If you are exercising outside be aware of increases in heat and humidity, which may require you to modify the intensity of your workout or your workout time of day. If you have children trying out for sports activities, make sure your children’s coaches monitor their outside workouts in hot weather too.
If you have a medical condition or medical concerns, do not hesitate to call your personal physician to determine what is best for you.
L’CHAIM (TO LIFE)
There are dry bones all around: There are people who feel disconnected from other people. There are people who feel disconnected from GOD. There are even people who feel disconnected from themselves. Nations feel disconnected from other nations.
There are “hot spots” all over the world. Everyone is feeling the heat.
Every church, every church member, every house of GOD and believer must address the “dry bones” around them.
Prevention, Prayer, Faith, and THE LIVING WORD OF GOD are still key. GOD still needs modern day Ezekiels to bring new life into dead situations.
So, drink and extend a drink and a helping hand to others.
L’Chaim, and BE BLESSED!
