What this world could really use is renewal and revival. With all the divisiveness we’ve experienced in recent years, I can understand why so many seem to be losing hope.
The first place I turn whenever I get down is to God’s Word and to my trustworthy friends who also turn to His Word for answers and guidance. I’m talking about godly people with business and personal savvy.
Let’s turn to Ezekiel 37 to hear how God brought a message of hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian captivity to this particular priest and prophet. In my opinion, this message of hope and vision in a Valley of Dry Bones is every bit as applicable for God’s people today as it was during their captivity.
In verse 1 we read, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.”
Ezekiel continues in verse 3, “He asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.’”
What an intriguing dialogue. The dry bones represent the condition of Israel 2,500 years ago, and I believe they can also represent our present seemingly hopeless condition today.
I trust you can see the need for a dramatic change in just how we live moving forward — not only here in America, but throughout the civilized world. Personally, I believe the answer is found in re-establishing the proper foundation. That foundation has to be built on the God Man, Jesus Christ.
Let’s turn to Paul’s words found in 1 Corinthians 3:9-11: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
And building on that foundation requires renewal and revival starting with each man and woman who claims Christ as Savior and Lord!
How is your relationship with the One referred to as the Chief Cornerstone? If you want to draw closer to The Son of God in these tumultuous times, you must first humble yourself and recognize your need for His sovereignty in your life.
Paul presents a vivid picture of whom we must become in 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
Are you prepared to be an ambassador for Christ?
We must assume the role of the Body of Christ here on earth. The Holy Spirit must be filled daily in those followers who boldly stand for what is good and right in God’s eyes. Revival starts within each of us who accept God’s call to make a difference in this present world.
We have no idea what lies ahead, but we can be certain that Christ will be victorious and we’re definitely on the winning team. Just as the Lord commanded Joshua after the death of Moses, “be strong and courageous …” four times in Joshua 1, we, too, must pick up the mantle and trust that our Lord will give us victory as He faithfully gave the Promised Land to His people 3,400 years ago.
Certainly, not all need to be on the front lines in the battle, but we all need to be in prayer for this present world and all those who are literally in the battle. I’ve been engaged in war and now know that my pen is the weapon God has given me to do battle with the Enemy and those who foolishly follow his divisive ways.
To God be the glory and may victory come soon. Maranatha!
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
