REVERSING THE IRREVERSIBLE

TITLE: REVERSING THE IRREVERSIBLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Ezekiel 37:1-10 (NKJV) – "The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’ Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’ So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, “Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army."

Supporting Texts:
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) – "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV) – "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Ezekiel and the dry bones is a powerful illustration of God's ability to reverse what seems irreversible. In our lives, we often encounter situations that appear dead and beyond hope—dreams unfulfilled, relationships broken, and health deteriorated. Just like the valley of dry bones, these circumstances may seem hopeless, but God can breathe life into them again. This sermon explores the process of reversing the irreversible through faith, prophetic declaration, and divine intervention.

1. THE CONDITION OF THE DRY BONES
Ezekiel's vision reveals a valley full of very dry bones, symbolising hopelessness and despair.

a) Spiritual Dryness: The bones represent areas of our lives that have lost vitality and purpose (Isaiah 58:11).

b) Past Failures: The bones signify the consequences of past failures and disappointments that leave us feeling defeated (Proverbs 24:16).

c) Isolation: The valley signifies a place of loneliness and despair, where hope seems distant (Psalm 34:18).

d) Fear and Doubt: The overwhelming sight of dry bones can lead to fear and doubt about God's ability to restore (Matthew 14:30).

Biblical Example:
In the story of Lazarus (John 11), Jesus encountered a similar situation when He arrived at the tomb and was met with despair from Mary and Martha.

2. THE QUESTION OF POSSIBILITY
God asks Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" This question challenges our faith and perception of possibility.

a) A Test of Faith: God's inquiry prompts us to evaluate our belief in His power to reverse the irreversible (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Recognising God’s Sovereignty: Ezekiel’s response reflects an understanding that God knows the possibilities (Isaiah 55:8-9).

c) Overcoming Doubt: The challenge is to overcome our doubt and fear, trusting that God can act (Mark 9:23).

d) Aligning Our Vision with God's: We must see our situation through God's eyes, where nothing is impossible (Matthew 17:20).

Biblical Example:
When the Israelites faced the Red Sea, God asked Moses what he had in his hand, reminding them of His ability to deliver (Exodus 14:15).

3. THE POWER OF PROPHETIC DECLARATION
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the bones, highlighting the importance of speaking life into dead situations.

a) Speaking Life: Our words carry power; speaking life can bring transformation (Proverbs 18:21).

b) Obedience to God’s Command: Ezekiel’s obedience demonstrates that God works through our willingness to act (James 1:22).

c) Declaring God’s Promises: Prophesying involves declaring God's promises over our circumstances (Isaiah 55:11).

d) Listening to God’s Voice: We must be attuned to God’s instructions on what to declare (Romans 10:17).

Biblical Example:
Jesus spoke to the storm, saying, “Peace, be still,” demonstrating the authority of His words (Mark 4:39).

4. DIVINE INTERVENTION AND RESTORATION
As Ezekiel prophesies, the bones come together, showcasing God's ability to restore.

a) God’s Power at Work: The rattling and coming together of the bones signify God's miraculous intervention (Ephesians 3:20).

b) Transformation Takes Place: Restoration involves a process, and God brings healing and wholeness (2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) Breath of Life: God breathes into the bodies, illustrating the need for His Spirit to bring true life (John 10:10).

d) From Death to Life: The resurrection of the dry bones into an army represents God's ability to transform our lives (Romans 8:11).

Biblical Example:
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit breathed life into the disciples, transforming them into a powerful force for the Gospel.

CONCLUSION:
Ezekiel's experience in the valley of dry bones serves as a powerful reminder that no situation is beyond the reach of God's restorative power. Regardless of how hopeless or irreversible your circumstances may seem, God is able to reverse the irreversible. By placing your faith in Him, speaking life through prophetic declarations, and being open to divine intervention, you can experience transformation. Embrace the truth that with God, all things are possible, and prepare to witness His mighty hand at work in your life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I bring before You every area of my life that feels dry and lifeless!

2. I declare that Your breath of life will enter into my situation!

3. Help me to overcome fear and doubt, trusting in Your promises!

4. I prophesy life into my dreams and aspirations!

5. May my words bring healing and restoration to those around me!

6. I pray for divine intervention in situations that seem hopeless!

7. Lord, breathe Your Spirit into my circumstances and bring transformation!

8. I thank You for the authority to declare Your promises over my life!

9. Help me to see my situations through Your eyes, O Lord!

10. I declare that I will rise from every valley of dry bones into newness of life!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every dry bone in your life is receiving the breath of life!

2. You will witness God's miraculous intervention in impossible situations!

3. Your words will carry the power to transform lives and circumstances!

4. Fear and doubt will no longer hold you back from God's promises!

5. You are entering a season of divine restoration and renewal!

6. Your dreams and aspirations shall come to life in Jesus' name!

7. God is opening your eyes to see His possibilities in your life!

8. You will testify of God's goodness and faithfulness in your journey!

9. Your life will be a testament to the power of prophetic declaration!

10. You are destined to rise as a great army, filled with His Spirit and purpose!