Resurrection Of The Just And The Unjust
Sunday, March 10
Ezekiel 37:10-12 (NIV)
“So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel."
Devotion
In our presumption, we often see ourselves as the hero in the account where Ezekiel prophesies to the dry bones in the valley and they come to life. A more sober assessment would reveal we're either like the dry bones that need the breath of God to come to life or even worse – like dead men's bones who lack the trust and surrender to serve as the structure for the coming resurrection of the righteous.
We all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ for the deeds done in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) For God has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:31) The resurrection power of Jesus will raise us all from the dead to stand before Him. This is ultimately when all will see whether their foundation can or cannot be shaken. Was their foundation Jesus?
Those building on Jesus has a promise, “If anyone builds on this foundation [Jesus] using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work.” (1 Cor 3:12-13).
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, I acknowledge that I have an appointment with Jesus, whether he returns or I die first, and You have proved this. When everything around me is shaken, Oh! May I be found in You. In the meantime, Lord, breathe life into me through the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus. Thank You that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Help me to build in a way that will be of good quality in Your test. I love You Lord – there is none like You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Instead of imagining yourself as the one calling out to the dry bones to live, visualize yourself on the ground. Dry, but the bones are there. Can these bones live? Yes, through the resurrection power of Jesus, these bones can live, and the flesh and blood can be restored. The will to live, and the purpose for living can be renewed in Jesus. Let’s not just go through the motions today – come to Jesus and live.
Resources:
- Watch the message, “The Wind Of The Holy Spirit”, and be encouraged to depend on the transforming power of God, that is available to give you a new beginning.
- Looking for ways to grow in your walk with the Lord? Be sure to join a Connect Group today!