Can These Bones Live?

In this week’s Faith at Work message, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia reflects on Ezekiel 37 and John 11, bringing together the valley of dry bones and the raising of Lazarus in a sermon about hope, resurrection, and the calling of the church. In both texts, the picture is clear. What lies before God’s people seems beyond saving, beyond restoring, beyond hope. It is not just dead. It is dead dead.Yet this sermon does not stop at the possibility of God’s power. It presses deeper into the role of discipleship. Pastor Harry explores how God invites human participation in the work of restoration. Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the bones. The people around Lazarus are told to unbind him. Resurrection belongs to God, but the community is called to speak life, move stones, and help set people free.As the church approaches Holy Week, this message offers both comfort and challenge. Where do we see dry bones in our own lives, in our communities, and in the church? Where is God already at work bringing life, and where are we being called to show up with courage, patience, and open hands? This episode is a reminder that because we know God, we do not give up on what seems lost. We speak hope. We trust resurrection. And we join in the work of unbinding others for new life.Listen and subscribe on Substack:pastorharryjarrett.substack.comLearn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren:pleasantvalleyalive.orgFind online discussion and study guides for this sermon:discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.orgLike, share, and comment to help more people join the conversation. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe