God Knows How to Redeem

Scripture: He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Ezekiel 37:3

Observation: Ezekiel is taken in the spirit to the valley of death to see the bones of Israel, and this is how God introduces his lesson ... asking if it is possible for the bones to live. Ezekiel gives the prudent answer - that God knows, and thus he won't say either way - and God then commands Ezekiel to speak to the bones and eventually they fully become living people. This is all to prove one great point, which is that the Lord can redeem any situation in order to fulfill his purposes and will on earth. God can take any people - even those dead so long they are nothing but dried bones tossed about scorched earth - and make them an army that serves his purposes.

God did this with Israel, redeeming both exiled nations and creating a new nation that would in turn produce Jesus. God did this with the Gentiles, redeeming people who had nothing to do with him to create his church that worships and praises him. God does this every day on an individual level, redeeming lost souls to become powerful witnesses to his love.

Application: My life was once a wasteland, and I was convinced nothing could be done about it. God redeemed me. My career is now dead, with no real possibility of ever being restored to any level besides someone who can simply earn money to care for my family. God alone knows if it will live again. However, it isn't important, because the important element is redeeming my soul. God has matured me more in the last four months than perhaps in the last 25 years. I now seek a new way to think, even being frustrated by my inability to manage my mind.

I want my subconscious to meditate on God's word. I want my tongue to never criticize others. I want patience in my coming and going about. I want to be surrounded by peace, not competition.

God alone knows how he will redeem my circumstances. However, I know he CAN redeem anything that is dead, scattered, and torn apart.

Prayer: Lord, again I am at a crossroads, and again I seek only your will. I would like a resolution, but I do trust your direction. I pray only that your will be done, knowing that it is within your will to deliver my family from our struggles and strife. As you said to Israel, if only to show others your power and love, please deliver us. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.