Dem bones, dem bones...

The readings for this upcoming Sunday reflect the theme of resurrection. We'll be looking at two of them in our worship service; Ezekial 37:1-10 (the prophets vision of a valley of dry bones) and Jesus raising Lazarus from the tomb  - John 11:1-45. Both readings anticipate the coming of Easter Sunday, and provide a welcome reflection on 'life' before we reach Holy Week and reflect on 'Hosannas turning to shouts of Crucify', betrayals around a supper table, denials, torture, crucifixion and death. Ouch!

At the start of the Ezekial reading the prophet tells us  'He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, You alone know.' This question about the possibility of life returning to what seemed to be over and done with has a striking relevance for those of us who are involved in the life of traditional denominations.  We know our glory days are in the past.We witness churches closing, congregations struggling to maintain their life and society becoming increasingly secular.

It is tempting in the light of decline to play the blame game.  Bad communication. Shallow values. Clergy infidelity. Irrelevant Institutionalism. We can seek for scapegoats if we so desire. Yet the larger question is one about spirituality. There are many, many folk who are actively pursuing their own spiritual journeys without reference to the particular path taken by traditional denominations. 

Surely finding points of intersection with folk on their own spiritual paths is one of the most important reasons for the churches existence? Not to maintain its own traditions and impose it's will on vast segments of humanity, but to offer a helping hand to all seeking a way through the crazy challenges life throws at us. 

Ezekial's perspective offers hope to people within and without the church. It talks about questions faced by all. 'Will my life thrive? Will everything be OK? Where does our future lie? Can something good come out of the dry bones of our existence?' Ezekial's initial observation?  “Sovereign Lord, You alone know". 

There is a hymn by William Floyd containing the lines, "My times are in Thy hand;  whatever they may be;  pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee."  This attitude of quiet resignation, far from being defeatist, actually seems to be at the core of authentic faith. We don't know what the future holds, but we can trust that there will be one... and God will be a part of it, no matter what.

Of course we hope that the dry bones will take flesh and live. But in the church calendar we have not yet reached Easter. And, as stated earlier, there are terrible things to face before the Easter dawn arrives. The theme seems to be that although there are days when life stinks, carry on in the with the hope that things will get better!

At least that's how it turned out for Ezekial.... as this wonderful blast from the past, courtesy off the Delta Rhythm Boys, reminds us. 'Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones... now hear the word of the Lord!'