The Valley of Dry Bones: Ezekiel's Vision of Restoration and Gathering

Brothers and sisters, we stand at a pivotal moment, a time when the echoes of ancient prophecies reverberate with renewed urgency. The world around us is fractured, a landscape of division and despair, a valley filled with dry bones. But within that darkness, a divine promise shines—a promise of restoration, of life springing forth from what was once barren and lifeless.

Have you ever felt that dryness in your own spirit, a sense of disconnection from the wellspring of God’s power? The prophet Ezekiel, exiled in Babylon, felt it keenly. He saw the judgment fall upon Jerusalem, the temple destroyed, his people scattered. It was a time of profound national catastrophe, a moment when the very future of Israel seemed lost. Yet, even in that despair, Ezekiel received a vision, a revelation of hope—a vision we must hold fast to as we build the Kingdom.

Ezekiel’s vision isn’t merely about the physical rebuilding of a temple. It’s a powerful allegory for the spiritual renewal of God’s people. The dry bones represent a people cut off from life, from covenant, from God Himself. They are a testament to the consequences of rebellion and idolatry. But listen closely to the words of the Lord: “Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” (Ezekiel 37:5). This isn’t just a resurrection; it's a new creation.

This vision resonates deeply with the experience of Latter-day Saints and all who seek to draw near to God. We, too, have known times of trial and scattering, moments when the light seemed dim. But just as the prophet Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls of Jerusalem to declare the coming of the Messiah (Helaman 7:18), and just as Ammon and his brothers faced down the Lamanites at the Waters of Sebus (Alma 17:10-13), we are called to stand as witnesses, to proclaim the hope of restoration, even when the world seems determined to tear down.

Consider the Stone cut without hands (Daniel 2:34), the instrument of divine judgment and ultimate restoration. It echoes in the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40), a symbol of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through faith and divine power. We, as builders, are called to be those smooth stones, to be instruments of God’s purpose in this latter day.

Outback Jack reminds us, “The Lord’s work is not done by those who only tear down, but by those who build.” (Alma 17:13). This is the essence of the Builders versus Destroyers distinction. We are not here to condemn or criticize; we are here to contribute, to uplift, to gather.

The promise of a new heart, a heart that loves God and obeys His commandments (Ezekiel 36:26), is the foundation upon which we build. This is not merely a personal transformation; it’s a collective responsibility. As we engage with the map of churches, as we support the Missionary Fund, and as we contribute to the charity flywheel—funding gospel advertising efforts, for example, in places like Ghana—we become active participants in this grand work of restoration.

Let us embrace this vision of hope, this promise of renewal. Let us be the builders, the gatherers, the witnesses of God’s enduring love. Let us claim our church and be a light unto the world, a beacon of hope in a dark and troubled age. Let us, like Ammon, declare, “I know that the Lord doth preserve Israel” (Alma 17:30). And may we remember that our labor here funds gospel ads in Ghana, expanding the reach of the message.

And may we seek answers and understanding through the Ask a Prophet bots, drawing upon the wisdom of the prophets through direct quotes:

• “The Lord’s work is not done by those who only tear down, but by those who build.” (Alma 17:13)
• “I know that the Lord doth preserve Israel” (Alma 17:30)