Dem Bones, Dem Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-14 tells us a great story about the prophet being placed in a valley filled with dry bones and through the words of God being able to bring those bones to life, complete with sinew and flesh and breath. Such a beautiful story with a great message.

Of course that message was meant for the prophet to speak to the people of Israel. That message was to remind the people of Israel that even though things look bad, that life as they know it seems as dead as dried bones, God is a God who never abandons them and if they can remember that life will once again fill them.

What a beautiful message for our churches today. Mainline Christianity is slowly becoming that same valley in which Ezekiel stood. A look at many of our churches show an ageing congregation with dwindling attendance. A further look shows that the younger people who do attend are not as forthcoming in their financial gifts as are the older members. Yes, in a sense our churches are drying up.

And maybe that's happening because we've forgotten to let God breathe new life into us. There are churches which are thriving, growing, and full of vibrant-ness. These churches are not that way because of the music they play, or the multi-media presentations during the service, or all of their "house" ministries. No, these churches are thriving because they have allowed a new breath of God to blow through.

Not all of these churches are "mega" churches either. I know of many smaller churches - less than 100 members could be the definition, if you need to define small - that are fully involved in the life of those who come to their church and those who don't. Community outreach, compassionate sharing, simple acts of kindness, acceptance of all people regardless of life choices, and truly living the life taught us by Jesus the Christ are what makes these church's bones begin to come to life again.

Israel forgot that God is a living God, and as such continues to speak to us in the vernacular of the times in which we live. The Christian Church is in danger of being in that same place; in that valley already beginning to fill with some bones. Our churches need to remember that God is a loving God and Jesus gave his life to prove that point.

Did I say I love Pentecost.