God's Transforming Power
God’s redemptive Power
Ezekiel 36-40
“Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people. I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it.”
Chapters 36-37 provide a profound insight into the power of God and also one of the most debated passages in the book. The question is not about the reality of the fulfillment, but the nature and timing of the fulfillment. Some believe this restoration was fulfilled when Israel was restored under Ezra and Nehemiah. Others believe (including myself) that the prophecy will find its ultimate fulfillment during the Millennial reign of Christ. The nature and extent of this restoration best point us to a time when God will fulfill the new covenant (Ezekiel 26:26-31 and Jeremiah 31:31-40), a covenant into which we are grafted and which we celebrate every time we partake of communion. The vision of the valley of dry bones points to the redemptive power of God, who can restore a nation that the world regards as completely destroyed and beyond hope of redemption. This restoration was hinted at during the time of Nehemiah and Ezra, when the nation was restored to the land after the exile in Babylon. It is further hinted at with the restoration of Israel during our modern era. When Israel became a nation again in 1947, it provided a prophetic glimpse into God’s power: he will restore the nation not only as a national identity but also restore their wayward heart and give them new spiritual life. This will find its final fulfillment during the Millennial reign of Christ. While the nation again exists today politically, it still has not experienced the full spiritual restoration when it will again worship God exclusively. This will come during the Millennial kingdom, when Christ establishes his rule over Israel and the world.
However, the valley of dry bones is not only a testimony to Israel of God’s power and promise to restore the nation both physically and spiritually. It also points to the power of God to save and restore even the most hopeless sinner. The imagery of the valley of dry bones is that the spiritual condition of Israel is hopeless. In the words of Miracle Max in the movie “Princess Bride,” Israel was not just partially dead; they were completely dead. They were beyond all hope. Yet what is impossible for man is possible with God. The restoration of Israel as a nation after 2000 years of non-existence is impossible from a human perspective, but with God, all things are possible. We look at others, and we look at our own life, in the depths of sin and its domination over us, and new life seems impossible. We see our sinfulness and wonder if there is any hope. How can God save us when sin seems to have so much mastery in our heart and has been so destructive in our lives? However, God has the power to restore those who are beyond restoration. God can give us new life, even when it seems darkest. No matter who you are, what you have done, or how hopeless you may feel, there is hope in the creator of the universe who can restore even the most spiritually dead by giving them new life. He proved that with Israel, and He demonstrates that with us. Then we too can know that God has indeed accomplished it.
Ezekiel 36-40
“Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people. I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it.”
Chapters 36-37 provide a profound insight into the power of God and also one of the most debated passages in the book. The question is not about the reality of the fulfillment, but the nature and timing of the fulfillment. Some believe this restoration was fulfilled when Israel was restored under Ezra and Nehemiah. Others believe (including myself) that the prophecy will find its ultimate fulfillment during the Millennial reign of Christ. The nature and extent of this restoration best point us to a time when God will fulfill the new covenant (Ezekiel 26:26-31 and Jeremiah 31:31-40), a covenant into which we are grafted and which we celebrate every time we partake of communion. The vision of the valley of dry bones points to the redemptive power of God, who can restore a nation that the world regards as completely destroyed and beyond hope of redemption. This restoration was hinted at during the time of Nehemiah and Ezra, when the nation was restored to the land after the exile in Babylon. It is further hinted at with the restoration of Israel during our modern era. When Israel became a nation again in 1947, it provided a prophetic glimpse into God’s power: he will restore the nation not only as a national identity but also restore their wayward heart and give them new spiritual life. This will find its final fulfillment during the Millennial reign of Christ. While the nation again exists today politically, it still has not experienced the full spiritual restoration when it will again worship God exclusively. This will come during the Millennial kingdom, when Christ establishes his rule over Israel and the world.
However, the valley of dry bones is not only a testimony to Israel of God’s power and promise to restore the nation both physically and spiritually. It also points to the power of God to save and restore even the most hopeless sinner. The imagery of the valley of dry bones is that the spiritual condition of Israel is hopeless. In the words of Miracle Max in the movie “Princess Bride,” Israel was not just partially dead; they were completely dead. They were beyond all hope. Yet what is impossible for man is possible with God. The restoration of Israel as a nation after 2000 years of non-existence is impossible from a human perspective, but with God, all things are possible. We look at others, and we look at our own life, in the depths of sin and its domination over us, and new life seems impossible. We see our sinfulness and wonder if there is any hope. How can God save us when sin seems to have so much mastery in our heart and has been so destructive in our lives? However, God has the power to restore those who are beyond restoration. God can give us new life, even when it seems darkest. No matter who you are, what you have done, or how hopeless you may feel, there is hope in the creator of the universe who can restore even the most spiritually dead by giving them new life. He proved that with Israel, and He demonstrates that with us. Then we too can know that God has indeed accomplished it.
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2026
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February
The Divine InvitationThe Audacity of Man and the Supremacy of GodWhat is your attitude towards church?When God is AfflictedAn Accident or Divine DesignWhere do we turn for truth?Listening to the Right VoiceThe Challenge of Self-AssessmentFollowing the Right LeadersHope in Dark TimesThe Greatest Hope in a Time of Darkness
2025
January
Who do we listen to?God's Patience and the Certainty of JudgmentThe Present Implications of the FutureAcknoweldgement, Confession, and ForgivenessThe Mark of a Genuine DiscipleThe Unchanging WordThe Lost ARt of DiscernmentA Life that Pleases GodThe Subtle Danger of Spiritual PrideContending for the FaithThe Judgement of False TeachersKeep Our Faith in a Fallen WorldSecurity in a Insecure WorldThe God who Controls HistoryThe Terrifying Majesty of ChristThe Majesty of GodThe Praise of God's JusticeHaving Right Priorities in Life
February
The Autobiography of GodThe God who CreatesThe God who RecreatesThe God Who Gives Us SignificanceThe Blessing of God's PlansTrusting in the Timing and Plan of GodThe God who ProvidesGod's Sovereignty and GraceThe King of Self or the King of KingsThe Exclusive Worship of GodHas God Forgotten?The Wonder of God's Plan and TimingGod's Sovereignty and Forgiveness
March
When Life and Faith Do Not AlignThe Jealousy of GodThe Judgment and Delieverance of GodGod's Provision, Presence and ProclamationSalvation and TransformationA Dwelling for GodThe Righteous and Loving GodPreparing for God's PresenceThe Requirements of a Holy GodThe Sacrifices and ChristThe Holiness of God and the Uncleanness of HumanityPrioritizing GodThe Severity and Grace of HolinessGod's Blessings and DisciplineAproaching God on His Terms
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