John and Doves,
   As we approach the end of this old order ( man’s governments) and the ushering in of Christ’s Kingdom, it is appropriate that we look at Ezekiel 37 and see what that means for Israel, for it involves the inauguration of that much-looked-for-kingdom.
   Ezekiel saw a valley full of dry bones, and then he saw the bones come together to form skeletons. Then sinews, flesh and skin came upon the bones. Finally, out of a strong wind, life was breathed into them. We all know the story — it is right there in Ezekiel 37 in its simplicity. And we all know it is a prophecy concerning Israel, whose dry bones lay scattered on the ground for more than 1800 years, until the beginning of the Zionist movement under the leadership of Theodore Herzl in 1878. That year, the first Jewish immigrants established a settlement in the land of Israel which they named PetahTikvah, which means “Door of Hope.” That was a small beginning, but the bones began to come together, still dry, and lifeless. However, 70 years later, in 1948, those bones that had come together began to get sinews and flesh on them. And, just as the gathering together of the dry bones took 70 years, so the growing of sinews and flesh and skin on them may also take 70 years (but that is a projection into the future, and only hindsight is 20/20). But we know from the prophecy that a time must come when those bones, fully dressed in sinews, flesh and skin, will have life breathed into them from the “strong wind” which is the breath of God. This part of the prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. But there is one big obstacle preventing them from receiving breath. It is unbelief.
   But something great and magnificent must happen first. We know from Old Testament history that God never saved Israel when they were in unbelief and disobedience or were serving other gods. Throughout Israel’s history, when they apostasized and forsook the Divine covenant they fell into the power of their enemies and went into captivity — but as soon as they turned to the Lord in repentance He delivered them. The highlights of Israel’s history were the occasions of their deliverance from the Philistines in the days of Samuel; the Moabites in the days of Jehoshaphat; and the Assyrians in the days of Hezekiah. Each time, they turned to the Lord in “belief” and He delivered them from their enemies. And each time they had a leader who taught them to believe.
   The prophetic scriptures speak of one final trial of faith which is yet to come upon Israel, when in vision the prophets see all nations gathered against Jerusalem to battle — and God delivers! But it will be only when they “look upon him whom they have pierced” that the deliverance will come. And how will they believe except they be taught! Taught by whom?
   The last verse in the Old Testament gives us a clue. It says “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers...” Obviously this is speaking of the ancient “fathers” of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (and many others). Could Abraham teach the people to believe? Jesus said “Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.” Do you think Abraham is capable of teaching his children to believe!
   But how is Abraham going to get back here to teach them? Jesus prophesied of this event, and he said to the Pharisees, “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” So it is telling us that these fathers of Israel will have a position of leadership and authority in Israel. The only way they can get back here to teach the people is through a resurrection.
   In the plan of God, he set aside a period of about 2000 years for the call and development of a bride for His Son. When that wedding is consummated, the logical result is the birth of children. The scriptures indicate that the first of those “children” will be the ancient fathers of Israel. This gives us a logical sequence of events, namely, that the wedding of Jesus and His bride must precede the resurrection of the fathers of Israel. And extrapolating this logical sequence of events, it becomes obvious that Israel will not turn to God in belief — they will not look upon him whom they had pierced — until after the consummation of the marriage of Jesus to His bride.
   We look forward to that great event — the wedding supper of the Lamb — for we know that not only will His bride be with him and receive royal authority, but also that the time for saving Israel will be shortly to follow. Revelation 19 reveals the wedding supper first, and then the Lord of lords and King of kings will come, with his bride, to turn back Israel’s enemies. It can only be done when Israel turns to God in full belief.

Bonnie Gaunt