“It is not his will that you lead a lifeless life. [The Spirit] will breathe on your dry bones. It simply falls on you to be an Ezekiel. . . . My invitation has nothing to do with changing your name, moving to Israel, or growing a belly-length beard. It has everything to do with your willingness to invite the Spirit into the dry and dead patches of your world.”- Max Lucado
“By the rives of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. . . . How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?”- Psalm 137:1, 4 (NIV)
In Chapter 13 (“Breath on Bones: The Spirit As Breath”), the final chapter of Help is Here, Max Lucado talks about good-hearted saints who experience a dry heart, a waning love. Saints feeling disconnected in their relationship with God. When that happens, we need to reorient our approach to life. As robust, resilient, happy hearted and hope filled Christ followers. Most significantly, the Holy Spirit empowers us to change.
So, Max asks, do you need proof? Meet Ezekiel. During the sixth-century BC, Ezekiel served as a thorn in the collective side of Israel. As a result, Ezekiel stayed on Israel’s case, urging the people to turn away from foreign idols and toward the living God. But they did not listen.
However, even though Israel abandoned God, He never abandoned them. Above all, God promised to return them to their land. And God kept His promise.
In conclusion, Max encourages, the Spirit does the same thing for you:
‘The emptiness your feel? The zombiness? It won’t be healed by a new house, spouse, job, or jewelry. A different date or weight might feel good, but the deep, lasting change you need? Only the Spirit can give it. And he will. . . .
The breath of heaven is awaiting your invitation. Proclaim a declaration. State a heartfelt petition. Spirit, I welcome you.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses convince you the Holy Spirit will breathe on your dry bones? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the annotated bibliography of Help is Here
