And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, Thou knowest. Ezekiel 37:3
A hunter, making his way through the woods in northern Nova Scotia came across a disturbing sight. He looked down on a human skeleton that had apparently lain there for several years. Nothing remained but the bones and a few scattered personal effects. The hunter marked the place and went to notify the authorities. By the glasses and hearing aid, and several features of the skeleton, the police were able to confirm that the hunter had found the remains of Charlie Langille, an 83-year-old man who had wandered off from his farm seven years earlier. Discovery of the skeleton provided some sense of closure for the family. But it also brought the sense of finality that bones represent – no hope or possibility of life. Not apart from God, that is.
We were fairly certain before the hunter found those bones that our grandfather had perished in the woods. There was little reason for hope. We also have little reason for hope today as we see lost souls around us, those who are dead in trespasses and sins, with no interest of concern about eternal matters. As we see the needs in the Gospel, we are caused to wonder if any of them will ever be saved. We see them as hopeless as the valley of dry bones that Ezekiel saw. The question whether these bones could live was beyond his ability to understand. But he was willing to defer to God, and allow God to answer. The answer he received was thrilling to his soul, as he saw that exceeding great army rise up. Is there room for encouragement here for us today?
If we make ourselves available, God gives us the opportunity to have a share in the reaching of a few souls, certainly not a great army of souls. But if we consider the Gospel going forth today around this world, we might be astonished at the great army that God is raising up. A few here, a handful there, one or two in a faraway corner, and dozens through the testimonies of faithful Christians worldwide, will come into the life that is available though the Blood. Although many will quickly perish at the hands of moslem, communist, and Hindu murderers, others will be preserved and be further proof of the transforming power of God’s salvation.
Just because we can’t see much evidence of God saving souls is no proof that it’s not happening. Dry bones are being raised up by the thousands, and only God knows how great the miracle is. -Jim MacIntosh