“Breath of Life” — Hope That Rises Again

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This week we have been looking at the scripture texts assigned by the lectionary for this Sunday — the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–45

Each of these scriptures points us to the heart of God’s promise: death does not have the final word. Lent leads us through times of emptiness, confession, and longing, but always with the whisper of resurrection waiting ahead.

In Ezekiel’s vision, God brings the prophet to a valley full of dry bones. It is a place that once held life but now lies silent and bare. God asks, “Can these bones live?” Only God knows the answer. Then the breath of God moves through the valley, and the bones rattle together, rise, and live again. The Spirit brings life where there was only death. The breath of God brings renewal. What seemed hopeless is restored.

Psalm 130 echoes that same cry—from the depths of despair, the psalmist waits for God’s mercy. “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” Even in the darkest places, the psalmist trusts that forgiveness and new life will come from God alone. Waiting becomes an act of faith. This is a prayer of waiting, trusting that God hears and redeems. Even when we feel buried by sorrow or guilt, we are not forgotten.

Romans 8 reminds us that the Spirit of God dwells within us. “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (v. 6). Lent invites us to turn away from what drains us and toward what gives life. The Spirit is not just a comfort, it is power, presence, and transformation. The Spirit of God gives us life, turning us away from the things that lead to death and toward peace, hope, and purpose. Resurrection isn’t just something we wait for; it’s already at work within us.

And in John 11, Jesus stands outside the tomb of his friend Lazarus.  He speaks: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). Jesus is not only the one who raises the dead—he is the resurrection and the life. He enters into our grief and brings us out into freedom. With those words, and with his tears, he brings together everything the other passages have promised. God breathes, forgives, indwells, and raises. Even in the valley of bones, the depth of despair, the struggle between flesh and Spirit, or the grief of the tomb—God’s life-giving power speaks once more: “Come out, live, and be free.”

All four passages speak to a God who meets us in our lowest places and breathes life into us. Wherever things seem beyond hope, God’s Spirit is quietly working to bring renewal, forgiveness, and life. Whether we feel like dry bones, buried in sorrow, stuck in sin, or grieving at the tomb, God is not finished. The Spirit is moving. Christ is calling. New life is possible.

Here are some practical ways these passages can shape our Lenten walk:

  • Allow lament. Give yourself permission to name grief, fear, and doubt in prayer or in conversation with a trusted friend. Psalm 130 models how to bring honest sorrow to God and then wait in hopeful trust.
  • Invite the Spirit to breathe. Like Ezekiel’s bones, parts of our lives may feel dry. Ask the Spirit for fresh breathing—through prayer, silence, Scripture, and acts of mercy.
  • Stay present to others’ sorrow. Follow Jesus’ example: be willing to sit with people who mourn, to weep with them, and to hold space without rushing to fix everything.
  • Practice “unbinding.” When someone is set free—emotionally, spiritually, physically—help them fully live into that freedom. That may mean helping carry practical burdens, offering continued friendship, or providing accountability for new habits.

Let us pray...

God of life,
we are ever grateful for your presence in our lives.
Often you encounter us unannounced.
You meet us in the valley, in the depths, in the tomb.
You breathe your Spirit into us and call us to live.
Help us to trust your power to restore,
your presence to comfort,
and your Son to lead us into resurrection.
Unbind us from all that holds us back,
and make us people of hope,
walking in the light of Christ.
Breathe in us again, Lord,
that we may live for you and bring your hope to others.
Through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life. 
Amen.

 

 

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