August 31
Ezekiel 37:1-39:29, 32:1-16
As we read the Bible, it is important we understand the difference between the meaning of a passage and its application. If we knew anything about the book of Ezekiel before this reading it may have been the image in chapter thirty-seven of dry bones coming to life. This image is so popular it has made it into many worship songs. Yet with any passage, it is important for us to understand its original meaning and context. Ezekiel's original prophecy stated the dead nation of Israel would be brought back to life. This is clear from verse 11 which says, "these bones are the people of Israel." The passage means nothing more or less than the certainty that God would bring his chosen people back to their land and back to life. God was speaking of a particular ethnic people and a particular promise of God.
This passage is speaking of Israel, but it does have application to us. We are not dry bones, but we can learn lessons from them. As God brought life to Israel, God can bring life to all people. He can bring us, from a state of being dead in our transgressions, to people who are alive in Christ. As he did with Israel, so he can do with us, with our neighbors, and with the world. So let us get busy experiencing this life and sharing Christ with those who are still in a state of death.
Father God, thank you for your faithfulness to bring life to Israel and to me. Help me to rest in the eternal life I have and to share the hope I have with others. Amen.
What possible issues might we have if we seek to apply a passage before understanding its original meaning?
As we read the Bible, it is important we understand the difference between the meaning of a passage and its application. If we knew anything about the book of Ezekiel before this reading it may have been the image in chapter thirty-seven of dry bones coming to life. This image is so popular it has made it into many worship songs. Yet with any passage, it is important for us to understand its original meaning and context. Ezekiel's original prophecy stated the dead nation of Israel would be brought back to life. This is clear from verse 11 which says, "these bones are the people of Israel." The passage means nothing more or less than the certainty that God would bring his chosen people back to their land and back to life. God was speaking of a particular ethnic people and a particular promise of God.
This passage is speaking of Israel, but it does have application to us. We are not dry bones, but we can learn lessons from them. As God brought life to Israel, God can bring life to all people. He can bring us, from a state of being dead in our transgressions, to people who are alive in Christ. As he did with Israel, so he can do with us, with our neighbors, and with the world. So let us get busy experiencing this life and sharing Christ with those who are still in a state of death.
Father God, thank you for your faithfulness to bring life to Israel and to me. Help me to rest in the eternal life I have and to share the hope I have with others. Amen.
What possible issues might we have if we seek to apply a passage before understanding its original meaning?
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