Dry Bones

Sometimes we all wonder, "Am I converted?" I think the best way to answer that question is to ask another: "What is the driving force behind all I choose to do?" Is it a desire to glorify GOD, or to please myself? Such a question shouldn't be answered hastily, else we are liable to reach the wrong conclusion. We should thoroughly examine ourselves, and answer honestly. No good will come from glossing over the truth to spare ourselves pain. It doesn't improve the current situation and will only lead to far greater pain in the future. If deep down the answer is the latter, it is true that that is both an uncomfortable and deplorable situation; but we should not give ourselves over entirely to despair. The fact that we recognize our lack, cutting though it may be, is something to rejoice over—not because the lack is good in and of itself, but because we are able to receive the help that Jesus longs to give.

Jesus wants to restore us, to breathe life into us again, just like He did the dry bones that Ezekiel saw in the valley (Ezekiel 37). In fact, those bones symbolize people like me and maybe you. "This class is well represented by the valley of dry bones Ezekiel saw in vision. "Those who have had committed to them the treasures of truth, and yet who are dead in trespasses and sin, need to be created anew in Christ Jesus." Ellen White, The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893.  Look at what He said to those bones: "And [I] shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live" (v. 14).

He is able to do it, and He has done it for those who sincerely desired it. David wrote in Psalm 119:50, "This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath quickened [meaning revived] me." Yes, and He will do it for us too, if we ask and act in faith. Then we shall seek His glory in everything, and He will be glorified in us.

Blessings,
Jean

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