Ezekiel 37:1-3
The hand of the Lord was on 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. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
I said, "Sovereign Lord, you alone know."
The heat oppressive
Descends and lingers
Far beyond longing
For ancient bones
To welcome warmth
Disorienting
Words without
Meaning emerge
Disconcerting
To those discerning
Listening, praying
Because the time
Remaining? Uncertain
Stakes are high
Beyond knowing
Tenaciously touching
The face of God
And sadly wondering
If that is the aim
Or even want
Of ancient bones.
Amen
Ancient bones ... sometimes meaning real tiredness, exhaustion. This post is so timely. You must be a mind-reader.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Martha.
It can definitely be read as that, Victor. Weariness is something we all feel from time to time.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I second Victor's comment on the timeliness. These bones are tired.
ReplyDeleteYour words capture me in the moment.
Ah! Not happy that your bones are tired, Ryan, but it does apply to all of us now and again.
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Well-done, Martha! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mary! Coming from one so poetically talented, this means the world to me.
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Disconcerting at first, yes.
ReplyDeleteThen, after a re-read and another ... peace.
And it's meant to be, Mevely. You got it!
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Mmmmm.....interesting but having a difficult time relating. I am a firm believer in choice. I choose not to allow things to get me down, to make me tired. For my age, I have more energy than people half my age. So, although this is beautifully stated, I don't get it :( Enlighten me??
ReplyDeleteCarol, it's about watching someone aging, and you're uncertain as to whether they know the power and healing of God's grace.
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Beautiful thoughts on an ancient subject...Love it. Even though this isn't what you meant, I am feeling the "ancient bones" these days as we continue our settling in to our new home. Never thought I could be so tired, but age does make a huge difference. So thankful for good health and the Lord's help in every way. But we look forward to Christ's soon return, and for the ancient bones to live again...
ReplyDeleteAmen, Pamela! Only God can raise the tired, ancient bones.
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Amen
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nells!
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beautiful words! You enriched my soul today
ReplyDeleteI'm so gratified to know that I did, Jean.
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When I saw the title, I wondered if you may be writing about the passage in Ezekiel. I was so glad you were! I love that story and think so much of it. Especially in these morally declined times. My heart aches for the soul of America and to see the evil that is so prevalent and taking over. I don't know if these "bones" can live again or not. As I was talking with someone last night, I remembered something my dear Mom used to remind me of. Years ago, when I was a baby, an old-time minister came to our house and he used to say, if you want to see an example, BE an example. God help us to rise up and LIVE out the lives Jesus is calling us to in this wicked and perverse generation. I get so sick of the dryness and deadness and want to stay alive and on fire for Him! So wonderful to visit with you today, sweet friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the words from the pastor you've shared here, Cheryl - so true!!! And yes, I pray for this nation all the time. May God revive us in ways that restore us to the dream our Founding Fathers had for this country, and turn our hearts to Him once again.
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Loved this, and your last post as well. Thirsting for God in the hot, dry times. What a great metaphor. And following that, now the image of old, dry bones. So powerful. Some people are disturbed by thoughts and images of death, but I like to think of death as a motivation to live fully during this life, so that when death comes, I will be willing and grateful to lay my body down and enter paradise. Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts precisely when it comes to death, Galen. When my time comes, I want to know that I've lived life in an abundant, productive and loving way. No regrets! So glad you enjoyed both posts, my friend!
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You are quite a talented poet, My Friend!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
Blessings!
Thanks so much, Loralu!
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Well said, Martha. Excellent reflections. Stirs my heart to pray for the state of our nation and our world. And to ignite a fire in my bones for a complete surrender to the "Ancient of Days."
ReplyDeleteYes, Karen, may we all surrender willingly to our Father, the great I AM. He will make these dry and ancient bones come to life.
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Martha, I'm sorry to be so late reading and commenting. This is an interesting take on the passage from Ezekiel. Spiritual weariness and physical weariness are realities for the time we are in currently.
ReplyDeleteThe Holy Spirit breathes life into weary bones--bones that we think beyond hope. PTL!
Love and blessings!
Kim, as I wrote this, I was thinking of my mother. I know she believes, but how deeply does she? I pray for her every day. At 91, each day is a precious gift, and I know she's not ready to let go of this life by any stretch.
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