Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones is really a vision of the condition of God's people under the domination of the Babylonians. It is compelling drama as the lifeless skeletal remains are transformed.
Ezekiel prophesies - uttering the command of sacred authority - and the bones begin coming together as sinews and flesh reappear. But they aren't animated. Ezekiel prophesies again, this time to the wind-breath-spirit - in Hebrew ruach which is the name for all three. Then, as ruach works, life returns. So God promises to restore life to God's people once again.
The story of raising Lazarus in John 11 is another long and winding tale.
Jesus seems ambivalent about news that Lazarus is dying, and even seems to dally so that Lazarus can die. Once news of his death arrives, then Jesus and the fearful disciples travel to his tomb.
Upon arrival, the grief and mourning are in full swing. Lazarus' sisters Mary and Martha consecutively greet him with "Lord, if only you had been here." They are certain about the irrevocable nature of their brother's death, and make pleasantries with Jesus who is trying to get their attention away from death and toward the new life that he represents.
The dread, doom, and despair that can afflict anyone is met with the power of Jesus' good news and his promise of new life. Find out how by viewing the sermon video below and the downloads below the video panel.