The Danger of Being Silent
Dry Bones Situations – Part 4
7. So, I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9. Then said He unto me, “Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy son of man, and say to the wind, ‘Thus says the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.’”
10. So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
Ezekiel 37:7-10
Warning: Failure to Follow Instructions Will Lead to Failure
Most products contain instructions along with warranties and warnings. These warranties and warnings are provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the best results are achieved while safely using the product. Vehicles, appliances, and electronic devices can perform at their peak efficiency levels only if the instructions are followed. It should be noted also that using a product or device without following the instructions is dangerous and can lead to injury and even death.
With regards to instructions, some countries have posted warnings on taking selfies while driving or in situations where it may be life threatening. Some have not followed the instructions and have caused damage to themselves and others. One gentleman decided he wanted to take a selfie with a rattlesnake. Needless to say, the rattlesnake did not care for the idea and promptly bit him. The man survived the ordeal but had to pay over $100,000 in medical cost as a result of such foolishness. All that for an expensive selfie. Another woman was fined for defying the warnings for taking selfies with grizzly bears. Although she was not injured, the bears could have mauled her to death. The point is that people want to capture the excitement of a moment but pay little attention to warnings. We do the same with God. We don’t heed His warnings, nor do we follow His instructions. People want to appear religious with God but fail to heed the warnings in His Word. God would have us heed His warnings and follow His plan.
Ezekiel was called to duty to do more than take a “selfie” with God. God had commanded him to carry out specific instructions in the valley of dry bones. Although this was considered an open vision, it was none the less, an assignment that would prepare the prophet to face his nation with the truth of God’s Word. The task had to be carried out in order to bring the nation back to life and back to God. First, God gave him the vision to see dry bones as a representation of the state of Israel. Then, God gave him the strength to declare the Word of God over the situation in order that God’s purpose would be accomplished. So, I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. God has commanded us to speak, and He will take care of the results. You and I will not be able to see results from God in our lives until we have committed ourselves to the truth.
Our homes, our Churches, our communities will remain in that state of deadness until someone speaks up. We can pray, “God do something” but God has commanded us to do something. Speak up, speak out, and take a stand for what is right. Here is the question regarding the Church. If you take away the finances and the buildings, what does the Church have left? Where is the spiritual equity? If you take away the music and entertainment, where is the real witness? If you take away the conferences, the programs, and positions of people, where is the ministry of serving God and meeting the needs of a hurting world? Very few are engaged in witnessing and reaching out to the unsaved. It’s getting late and we need to be about our Father’s business. We cannot remain silent and expect Divine results.
Expecting Results in Hopeless Situations
Make no mistake about it, as we serve God, we know there is nothing impossible for Him. As a matter of fact, all things are possible for those who believe. Some of us get too excited with the initial success and forget to complete the task. In baseball, getting on first base is just an initial step for the journey to home plate. The fourth principle of expectation is here before us in God’s Word. If we are serving God according to His Word, we should expect results according to God’s Word.
Based on the Ezekiel 37 text, we believe that God has given us principles that will radically and powerfully transform our congregation. Inspired by the five pillars model that Coach Bennett implemented at UVA, we can now move forward in implementing a plan for our “dry bones situations.” This text reveals five powerful strategies:
1. Admission – know when the problem is bigger than you.
2. Observation – pay close attention to God Answer.
3. Obedience – act in accordance with what God tells you.
4. Expectation – have the assurance that God will bring about good results.
5. Gratitude – honor God for His deliverance.
Let’s take a look at what expectation means for the believer by asking the question “do I believe God can do this?” Please note, God did not tell Ezekiel to go out and shake the bones, touch the bones, or even walk among the bones. He was simply called to speak to the bones. So, I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
Having the assurance from God is the starting point. Here we must reflect on what God has promised or proclaimed. God promised revival. The plan was to speak the Word of Life to the dry bones. Prophesy was more than telling the latest news on the street or carrying on casual conversation. God had given Ezekiel both the authority and the ability to speak the Word of Life. Most of us view God’s Word as being right but we don’t consider its power to revive. His Word causes things to come to life. Ezekiel did as he was commanded and saw the results of the bones coming together.
If we desire life in our Church, it cannot happen with people being divided and going into different directions. What if the hand, the foot, the ears, and all the bones were scattered? What good would it do to give them life if they are not together? As a Church, we must first come together. We will never totally agree on everything, but we ought to agree that God is in control and has a work for us to do. So, lets lay aside all the petty ailments and issues and start the revival by coming together in Jesus Name. Ezekiel obeyed and got results. We cannot be silent on this matter.
The second powerful area is God promised restoration. God restores what was taken away. Bones are one thing, but to have skin and muscle is what separates a skeleton from a living organism. Bones can’t move without muscle. While many would be satisfied with having the bones together, our work does not stop with the rattling and shaking. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. A question to ask is how did the bones die in the first place. God said, they were slain or killed. It stands to reason that if we are not restored to the proper place and proper relationship with God, the revived bones would be dead again in a short time. I have heard people comment many times, we need a revival, we need a revival. The revival might be needed but we also need the restoration to go along with it. The prodigal son had a revival in the hog pen, but he did something else; he got out of the hog pen and was restored to his father. Revival alone will not suffice alone; restoration is the next area of expectancy. Someone needs to speak up and tell the truth. There is a danger in remaining silent.
Witnessing God Results
Guess what happened when the dry bones came together, and they were covered with skin and muscles? Nothing. That’s right, the dry bones situation was nothing more than a lifeless corpse. Granted it was better than it was but not what it needed to be. If we end our prophesying with a few positive signs, we will miss our mission. There is a danger in remaining silent. Preach on until you witness God’s results. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. There was no breath in them, therefore they still had no life.
It is possible to have revival and then for it to be short-lived. Scripture often records the Israelites being faithful to God for short periods of time and then collapsing back into sin. It is also possible for God’s Grace to rebuild the people and for them to enjoy restoration. God was gracious to Israel and would bless them despite their idolatry and wickedness. What we find in dry bones situation is that the level of dedication needs to be there. This dedication comes from a faithful relationship with God. We as believers, are not only revived and restored, but we are also redeemed. We are God’s property based on a relationship as His purchased possession.
Ezekiel’s work was not completed until he spoke to the wind. Then said He unto me, “Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy son of man, and say to the wind, ‘Thus says the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” … So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
God promised redemption. God grants His Power of Redemption to raise us up for a purpose and a mission. The plan of God Almighty was not only to raise up a nation, but to raise up a great army capable of standing in the battle. We are God’s people. Yes, we have been revived. We are God’s people. Yes, we have been restored. We are God’s people, yes, we have been redeemed. God owns us. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. We are His army, and we stand with our Great Captain, The Lord Jesus Christ. He is King of kings and Lord of Lords.
If we remain silent in such a time as this, millions will never know that they are loved by God. If we remain silent, millions will go unredeemed. They will never experience the joy of knowing they belong and more importantly, that they belong to someone. His Name is Jesus. Please go tell so that people can stand up and be counted as one of the redeemed. The Fanny Crosby hymn “Redeemed” reminds us of who we are but also shares the joy of sharing the good news.
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it – redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb
Redeemed, through His infinite mercy – His child and forever I am.
Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.
Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am.