Text: Ezekiel 37:1–10
In Ezekiel 37:1-10, we encounter a vivid and startling vision given to the prophet Ezekiel—a valley filled with dry bones. This valley represents the spiritual state of Israel at that time, a people who had lost their vitality and connection with God. Similarly, many of our modern congregations resemble this valley of dry bones. Lifeless and spiritually dry, they lack the fervor and dedication needed to fulfill God’s purpose. Today, we will explore the different types of ‘bones’ present in our churches, reflecting on their characteristics and the spiritual lessons we can learn from them.
The Wishbone Church Members (Too lazy to work)
The wishbone church members are those who dream and wish for a vibrant spiritual life but are unwilling to put in the effort required to achieve it. They are like the servant in the parable of the talents who buried his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:14-30). Rather than using their God-given gifts to serve the church and advance the kingdom, they hide them away, contributing nothing. These members are also reminiscent of the ten spies who, despite witnessing God’s miracles, allowed fear to dictate their actions and discouraged the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). Similarly, they echo Gideon’s 22,000 men who were too fearful to fight, thus disqualifying themselves from God’s mission (Judges 7:3). As Matthew Henry aptly comments, “A good wish is not enough unless it is accompanied by holy resolution and action.” These wishbone members must be encouraged to step out in faith, utilize their talents, and become active participants in God’s work.
The Funny-Bone Church Members (Always getting their feelings hurt)
Funny-bone church members are overly sensitive and easily offended, often causing discord within the congregation. They resemble the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son, who, instead of rejoicing over his brother’s return, harbored resentment and refused to join the celebration (Luke 15:25-32). These individuals frequently clash with others in the church, creating a climate of tension and division. Pastors and leaders often find themselves having to placate these members, as they require constant attention and reassurance. Charles Spurgeon once noted, “The very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors.” Instead of nurturing their grievances, funny-bone members must learn to practice forgiveness and unity, embodying Christ’s call to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
The Dry-Bone Church Members (Never say Amen or shed a tear)
Dry-bone church members are characterized by their lack of emotional and spiritual engagement. They are similar to the Pharisees who adhered strictly to the letter of the law but lacked genuine compassion and spiritual vitality (Matthew 23:27-28). These members love formality and ritual but shy away from heartfelt worship and spiritual renewal. They are spiritually lifeless, much like the bones in Ezekiel’s vision. As A.W. Tozer remarked, “Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.” To breathe life into these dry bones, we must invite the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate our hearts, fostering an atmosphere of genuine worship and spiritual fervor.
The Hip-Bone Church Members (Touchy about their giving)
Hip-bone church members are those who are stingy with their resources, reluctant to give generously to God’s work. They resemble hitchhikers who want the benefits of a journey without contributing to the cost. Their religion does not reach their hip-pocket, meaning their faith does not influence their finances. Jesus teaches us the importance of generosity, saying, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). These members must be reminded of the joy and blessing that comes from cheerful giving, as Paul encourages in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Jaw-Bone Church Members (Church tattlers)
Jaw-bone church members are those who engage in gossip and sow discord within the body of Christ. They are like Simeon Peter, who often spoke impulsively and later regretted his words (Matthew 26:33-34). These individuals can cause significant harm with their tongues, creating divisions and strife. James warns us about the dangers of the tongue, describing it as a “world of unrighteousness” that can set the course of life on fire (James 3:6). To counteract this destructive behavior, we must cultivate a spirit of love and encouragement, using our words to build up rather than tear down.
The Knee-Bone Church Members (The Wednesday night crowd)
Knee-bone church members are those dedicated to prayer and seeking God’s presence. They are the ones who will pay the price on their knees for revival, demonstrating their faithfulness to Christ and the church. These members are the backbone of the church’s spiritual vitality, much like Daniel who faithfully prayed despite the threat of persecution (Daniel 6:10). Their prayers sustain and uplift the church, inviting God’s power and presence into every aspect of church life. Leonard Ravenhill once said, “The church is dying on its feet because it is not living on its knees.” We must encourage and join these knee-bone members, fostering a community that is fervent in prayer and committed to seeking God’s will.
The Back-Bone Church Members (The Christians with real convictions)
Back-bone church members are those with strong convictions and unwavering faith. They are like Daniel, who stood firm in his faith despite facing the lion’s den (Daniel 6). These members are also reminiscent of Paul, who fought the good fight and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7), and Stephen, who stood true until the end, even as he faced martyrdom (Acts 7:59-60). Their steadfastness and courage serve as an inspiration to the entire congregation. As D.L. Moody observed, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” We need to support and emulate these back-bone members, standing firm in our convictions and living out our faith with boldness and integrity.
In Ezekiel’s vision, the dry bones came to life through the power of God’s word and Spirit. Similarly, our churches can experience renewal and vitality when we address the different ‘bones’ within our congregations. By encouraging wishbone members to step out in faith, funny-bone members to practice forgiveness, dry-bone members to seek spiritual renewal, hip-bone members to give generously, jaw-bone members to speak life, knee-bone members to pray fervently, and back-bone members to stand firm, we can transform our churches from lifeless valleys into vibrant communities of faith. Let us pray for God’s Spirit to breathe new life into our congregations, reviving us to fulfill His purposes and bring glory to His name.
Intentional Faith 