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Finding Hope in the Valley

October 28, 2024

Recently, as part of the Bible in a Year plan, we ran through the book of Ezekiel. This book is one of the most vivid and dramatic books in the Bible, filled with extraordinary visions, bold metaphors, and powerful messages of both judgment and finding hope. It was written during the Babylonian exile, a period of time where Ezekiel’s prophecies spoke to a people who had lost everything – their homeland, their temple, and seemingly their identity as God’s chosen people.

One of the most memorable passage in Ezekiel is the vision of the valley of dry bones (Chapter 37). Here, God leads Ezekiel through a valley filled with scattered, lifeless bones and asks, “Can these bones live?” This question resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt spiritually or emotionally dead, wondering if renewal is possible. Through this vision, God demonstrates His power to breathe new life into what appears hopelessly dead – not just physically, but spiritually.

Throughout the book, Ezekiel uses dramatic object lessons and bold imagery to convey God’s messages. He lies on his side for 430 days, shaves his head with a sword, and witnesses visions of God’s glory that defy description. These weren’t just theatrical displays. They were powerful demonstrations of God’s word to a people who needed more than just words to understand their situation and God’s promises.

What makes Ezekiel particularly relevant for people today is its message of personal responsibility and renewal. In Ezekiel 18:20, it says, “the soul who sins is the one who will die.” It highlights individual accountability before God. But find hope amongst the despair is not all lost. In Ezekiel 36:26, there is an amazing promise that God desires to give His people a “new heart and new spirit.”

As the book concludes, there is an elaborate vision of a restored temple and renewed worship, pointing to God’s ultimate plan for restoration. This reminds us that even in our darkest moments – whether personal failures, spiritual drought, or apparent hopelessness – God’s vision extends beyond our current circumstances to His promised renewal. There is always hope.

Conclusion

The book of Ezekiel challenges us to examine our own lives. Where are we at the with the Lord? Are you remaining faithful and seeking after Him, even in the midst of uncertainty? This book reminds us that finding hope is possible because God remains faithful to us all, even when we are in exile and not faithful to Him. He IS capable and WILL breathe new life into our dry bones and restoring what seems irreparably broken.

If you would like to learn more about the Bible and start reading a Bible plan, you can here.