I made a pot of soup the other day. The mere process brings me a sense of comfort, which is probably why it is called “comfort food”.
I saved the bones from a roasted chicken to make this second meal. Chopping carrots, celery, parsnips, and onions, I add them into the pot. Making the small meatballs is a repeated action requiring no thought process and my mind wanders to think about those whom I will share this soup.
From these old, used, and undesirable bones will come a meal of warmth and nourishment.
The soup process brought to mind another bunch of dry bones. They were scattered everywhere. The scene, which spread before the prophet’s eyes, seemed hopeless and lifeless.
God asks a question of the prophet:
“Son of man, can these bones become a living people again?” (Ezekiel 37:3a, NLT)
Ezekiel knows God is looking for the expected answer of “no”, but yet he also knows God is able to do all things. He correctly responds, “O Sovereign Lord, you alone know the answer to that” (verse 3b, NLT).
God then gives Ezekiel these instructions:
“Speak a prophetic message to thee bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’ ” (verses 4-6, NLT)
Ezekiel obeyed and spoke to the bones, and the bones came together. He prophesies a second time to the bones which have now come together and breath came into the bones. They stood up and formed an army.
This is what happens in our dry lives when God’s Word breathes life back into us. New life – a new hope – fills us and we find renewed strength to keep on.
In these trying days in which we find ourselves, our souls can become so tired and worn. We can feel overwhelmed and lonely some days. With no end in sight, and not knowing for certain what our new normal will be, we would despair if it were not for God’s Word at work in our hearts and minds.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63, NKJV)
“Instead of dissecting Scripture, we need to let Scripture dissect us, our thoughts and attitudes, our dreams and desires, our fears and hopes.” (Mark Batterson)
Let God’s Word breathe life back into your soul,
for they are life.Â
Today I am joining … Recharge Wednesday and Woman to Woman .
I was just reading John 6 last night. So helpful to see His words as Spirit and life tied back to the dry bones story- and to soup! Thanks for this encouragement!
I think I am feeling tired lately…perhaps it is just my soul that is tired. Depleted for anxiety, monotony or any number of other things. But, there is always refreshment for our souls!! To be renewed…oh my, what a blessing! Thank you for that reminder. And for the idea to make some good soup:) (Not sure if the rain is ever going to stop here..and comfort food sounds bliss!!)
Jennifer, all that is happening is so wearying for sure. May you stay encouraged in His Word for it always brings a timely word to our weary souls. And make the soup, as its warmth will bring comfort and strength. Praying for you tonight.
Thank you for putting new life into the story from Ezekiel of God breathing the bones into an army. We need words of life and renewal these days, at least I do. Soup is good too!
Laurie, we all need words of life and renewal. God is so faithful to bring a new word each day as we open His Word.
Oh Joanne … what a blessing to read those verses from Ezekiel here. Long story short, one of the people who prayed at my mom’s funeral was one of the nurses who took care of her when she was in rehab and in very bad shape. He shared how God spoke those very words about the dry bones living again to him when my mom arrived at the rehab hospital, and how he didn’t know the answer to the question but spoke life to her whenever he could. She eventually recovered and walked again on her own, which was truly a miracle. Reading this post prompted me to go back and watch the video of his prayer again, which totally blessed my heart this week. So thank you, my friend!