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Session 9 Video

In this section, Ezekiel is given a vision of the resurrection of dry bones. This vision points to the restoration of Israel and new life that is possible through the Spirit of God.

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In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel is given a vision of a valley full of dry bones. He is told to speak to the bones. At this point in Ezekiel’s ministry, this doesn’t seem so weird! He tells the bones that they will live again. The bones rattle and come together, then take on flesh. God says in 37:14, “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.”

This vision points to the new life that is possible through the Spirit of God. God used this imagery to explain the restoration he was bringing for Israel and pointing ahead to our new life in Christ. In John 3:3 Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come!”

Then Ezekiel is told to take two sticks and bring them together as one. This symbolized a restoration of the unity of the division the tribes of Israel had before the exile in Babylon. It also points ahead to the incredible new community in Christ that brings Jews and Gentiles together as one. Ephesians 2:14-16 says, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

This section ends with striking imagery of God’s ultimate defeat over evil, personified in a figure called “Gog.” This isn’t given to us to help us predict the events leading up to the return of Christ, but is intended to fuel our hope in his eventual return when sin and death will be ultimately defeated.

**Questions for Discussion/Reflection:**

- God is uniquely able to bring life out of death, pictured in the valley of dry bones. What are ways in your own life or the life of others you know that you have seen God bring newness out of a seemingly hopeless situation?
- God’s desire is to restore us individually to peace with him as well as bringing unity between us and others. Is there anyone you need to forgive or about whom you need to let go of bitterness to experience a greater measure of this restoration?
- How would your life change if you had more hope in the eventual defeat of evil when Christ returns?

Ezekiel 37-39

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Ezekiel 37-39 Instructions