The Explanation

God took Ezekiel to a big valley. The valley was full of bones. Old, dry bones. So many bones.

God asked, "Can these bones live?" Ezekiel did not know. He said, "Lord, you know."

Then God told Ezekiel, "Talk to the bones."

So Ezekiel talked to the bones. And listen, something happened. There was a noise. The ground shook. The bones came together. Click, click, click. Bone to bone.

Then skin came on the bones. Then flesh. But the bones still could not move. No breath in them yet.

What Does This Mean?

God said, "Call the wind." So Ezekiel called the wind. And breath came in. The bones breathed. They stood up.

Not just one. Not just two. A whole army stood up! They were alive!

Dead, dry bones, alive again. Only God can do that.

God said these bones were His people. His people felt sad, like dry bones. They thought, "We have no hope."

But God said, "I will open your graves. I will bring you out. I will put my Spirit in you. You will live."

The Common Thread

God breathes life into things that are dead. He did it with dry bones in the valley. He breathes His Spirit into people, and they live.

God also took two sticks. One for Judah, one for Israel. He joined them into one stick in his hand. God makes broken things one again.

He promised, "I will be their God, and they will be my people." Forever. That is a big, warm promise. God keeps His promises.

For You

Do you ever feel small, or sad, or far away, like those dry bones?

God can breathe new life into you too. He did not forget His people in the valley. He does not forget you either.

He gathers what is scattered. He joins what is broken. He breathes breath into what is still.

You can whisper to God, even now. He hears you, just like He heard Ezekiel.

Talk About It

Can you make dry bones come alive? Who can?

What do you think it sounded like when the bones came together?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank You for breathing life. Thank You that You never forget Your people. Breathe Your breath in me too. Amen.