Oct 13

What did Ezekiel see in the vision that God gave to him? The first thing he saw was a valley of dry bones (Ezek. 37:1,2).

Is this not true of us as well? We look around at the world, and at first glance all we see is turmoil and emptiness and dryness everywhere. There is so much evil in the world, and it increases every year, that it is easy to see nothing but skeletons without any life in them, instead of seeing living people whom God created with his image in them and to whom we are to bring the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.

What we see about us, how we view reality, is important, even crucial. This truth is verified by the very first thing that the Lord asked Ezekiel after taking him away to the valley of dry bones. The Lord's actual words were a question to Ezekiel as to whether or not those bones could live (v. 3).

But the real purpose of questioning Ezekiel has to do with his vision. Ezekiel, what is your view of reality? How do you see what you observe in the world? Are people really beyond help, or is there something that you and I can do about their spiritually dead condition? What is your vision, Ezekiel? Can these people live?

Ezekiel answered very wisely. He did not trust his own judgment of what he saw; he appealed to God to show him the true nature of what he was seeing. And so he replied:"O Sovereign Lord, you alone know" (v. 3).

Oh that we would have the same wisdom to appeal to God to show us the true nature of all that we see in this world.

Scripture for today: Ezekiel 37:1-3
Thought for today: God sees the true nature of all reality, for he created it.
Prayer for today: Sovereign God, grant me your vision to see all things as you see them.

OCT 13