THE REV. GARY FROST Valley needs Breath of God

It must have been the most challenging moment of his life as the Prophet Ezekiel stood in that torrid Middle Eastern valley.
There, scattered as far as his eye could see, were dry, sun-baked bones, the only remains of what must have once been a vital throng of humanity.
As he surveyed this depressing landscape, the voice of the Lord posed to him a faith-revealing question. He asked, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
The prophet was obviously quite aware of his own finite knowledge and limited resources as he answered with the only response that made sense, "O Lord GOD, You know."
Ezekiel had had enough experience with God to know that this question was not intended to gauge his intellect but rather was purposed to focus his faith.
After being challenged to "Prophesy to the bones," Ezekiel beheld an eerie sight as "the bones came together, bone to bone ... the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over, but there was no breath in them."
Once more Ezekiel was given a command. God told him to "Prophesy to the Breath." As a result of his obedience, the Scripture says that "breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great many."
Interpreting this: Of course, most "Bible-believing" theologians will agree that the prophetic interpretation of Ezekiel's vision speaks to the gathering and restoration of the nation of Israel to become a vital participant in the events of the last days.
While that is the proper interpretation, I believe that we can further draw an important application from this amazing passage of Scripture.
Among the many insights that could be gained is the fact that in this scenario unity preceded vitality; organization preceded activation; togetherness preceded effectiveness.
There had to be an assemblage of bones and a uniting of bodies before there could be the quickening to life by the Breath of God (which throughout the Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit).
This process is reminiscent of what is recorded in Acts 2, where we read that after the resurrection of Christ, the disciples were gathered together in one place and with one accord. As they expectantly waited for a divine visitation (as they were promised), we read that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them in miraculous fashion.
Pentecost was the Breath of God infusing extraordinary potential upon the church. These followers of the Crucified Christ were suddenly transformed into the temple of the Risen Redeemer as the Holy Breath of God breathed within them the very life of the Savior.
Collectively they would turn the known world "upside down." They would move triumphantly, as a mighty army, glorifying God and assaulting the gates of hell.
What's missing: In recent years here in the Mahoning Valley, we have seen God do some awesome things, we have seen Him raising up churches and ministries and ministers who have been uniting in an unprecedented fashion.
We have felt a new sense of hope for this Valley of dry bones as Christians are crossing over denominational, racial and socioeconomic lines to join hands and hearts to do the work of God. But something is still missing. We have yet to experience the Breath of God. We have yet to experience a spiritual revival that will bring radical change to the moral and spiritual climate of this beloved Valley.
Let us come together and petition the Breath of God that He might be merciful and visit us in extraordinary fashion. Let us set aside all that divides us and focus upon the Christ who unites us.
Let us "wait on the Lord" in concerted prayer until we are endued with power from on high. A wonderful opportunity to collectively seek God for revival has been provided for us the by the HOPE 2001 Committee. We are invited to gather at the New Bethel Baptist Church of Youngstown who has opened her doors for the people of God to assemble and pray.
Come to New Bethel at 7 p.m. April 30. Together let us seek the Lord and let us wait on the Breath of God.
XThe Rev. Gary Frost is pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in Youngstown. The HOPE 2001 Committee will have a crusade at 7 p.m., Oct. 21 to 24 at Stambaugh Auditorium. The Rev. Forest B. Soaries Jr., New Jersey's secretary of state, will be the speaker.