March 23, 2020
Ezekiel 37:1-14 … “I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.” v. 10
As folks around the world have battened down the hatches in response to the COVID-19 virus that has so changed our lives, we’ve been hyper-vigilant in looking for symptoms of the disease. Some seem similar to those of colds or the flu, and may not even catch our attention. But shortness of breath will almost certainly produce red flags. When we can’t catch our breath, panic is a natural response; unless we can breathe, life is impossible. Of course Ezekiel knew nothing of pandemics, but he did know that there is no life without breath, and in his vision the last step in the revitalization of the dry bones was the coming of the breath. For the people of Israel the metaphor was unmistakable. In order for them to prosper and live they would always need a connection to the Spirit or Breath of God. The same is true for us. Without the presence of the Spirit, our faith communities will be little more than lifeless collections of dry bones artfully displayed on scattered pews. And where does that Spirit connection come from? Where can we get the breathing assistance we need for living the new life in Christ? The Scriptures point us to Jesus. As we live in his Way, feasting regularly on his Presence, we are filled with his Spirit and each day becomes a gift. How precious is his breath of life!
Thought for the Day: How do I feel when the Spirit seems absent?
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