The Faith We Live

Come Alive

In the book of Ezekiel, there is a scene in Ezekiel 37 where Ezekiel, in a dream, is led to a valley
full of dry bones. In the valley, God asks Ezekiel: “Human one, can these bones live again?”
Ezekiel responds: “Lord God, only you know.” God tells Ezekiel to call them to life and they
come alive. God tells Ezekiel that these bones represent Israel whose hope has perished. But God
is calling them to life again. God is calling them out of exile. They will live again.
What fascinates me about this story from Ezekiel is that God encourages Ezekiel to prophesy.
This indicates to me that God’s work of healing and restoration more often than not moves
through human conduits. It is overwhelming sometimes living in divisive, disorienting,
disturbing times. Yet throughout time God has given us the spark needed to prophesy in the
midst of exile and despair so that we all may come alive. That we may come out of ways that
harm our neighbors. That we may overcome greed with grace. That we may overcome evil with
good.
As a kid I thought humanity was on an ever-increasing line toward a utopian future. That was
probably naïve of me. But I also have this hope of God’s kingdom that has come through Christ
and is still coming. And I do not think that is naïve. Even though I know how the story ends,
however, it does not mean that we cannot do all that we can right now to do good and ensure that
God’s creation and humanity flourish. That we can call out to dry bones to come alive. That we
can imagine a better way of being with each other.
God’s work in this life often requires our cooperation. Are we ready to speak, act, and pray for a
new day? God is always on the move. May we work with God and overcome despair with hope
in this God who moves us to see and bring forth life, even in the midst of death.

God’s peace be with you,
Pastor Jordan Louks