Each month, a book of the Bible will be highlighted on this page. Background material on the book will be offered and several verses for study selected. It is hoped that those participating will read the selected book in its entirety during that month. It is usually helpful to have a Bible commentary to assist in the study task. If questions arise, an e-mail to chris@2cc.org should elicit a response on the question within a few days. May your reading of God’s Word offer you wisdom, comfort, and challenge.

Bible Study for November

Ezekiel 37:1-14

“The Valley of Dry Bones”

It is a political year.  Visions for the future dance in people’s heads.  With the uncertain economy the visions that many hold are driven by fear and, therefore, often seem less than hopeful.  The passage from the prophet Ezekiel is spoken to the Jews in the midst of their Babylonia Captivity.  They felt that any thoughts of a return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple were hopeless.  Ezekiel offers hope – these dry bones are going to rise again.  He gives them hope and he speaks in detail (in chapters 40-48) about the construction and dimensions of the temple that will be rebuilt.  He gives them hope with a vision.  What we often lack is a vision to live for.  The Holy Spirit can revive our beings if we tie hope to a vision. 

• Read the passage and reflect upon these questions:
• How has our personal life or society become imprisoned by worldly things that enslave us?  How have we compromised our faith to make it fit into some of the world’s values?
• In light of Christ’s promise of the coming of God’s realm, what do we need to do to make that vision become a reality?  Usually that vision will include some need for sacrificial love.  How might we need to change if the realm of God is to become a reality?
• Pray about what you could do to bring life to the dry bones of a broken heart or a broken relationship or a broken world.  Envision a more blessed future.