The Church School lesson for October 24, 2004 focused on the topic hope. It was based on Ezekiel Chapter 37. Now an argument can be made that this passage is perhaps the most "preached text" in the black church experience, "Valley of the Dry Bones". I can't think of a passage of Scripture which can match the imagery and hermeneutic power like Ezekiel 37. Put yourself in the prophet's shoes. You are standing on a cliff overlooking a valley populated with skeletal remains filled with death, destruction and despair. You ponder, what good can possibly come from this scenario? Yet right at that very moment, a Divine interrogatory interrupts your contemplation with the following statement - "Son of Man, can these bones live?" Based on your rationalist training acquired thru years of post-secondary knowledge you are inclined to say "no". But, before you can outline a case in the negative, Jehovah-Jireh intercedes and answers the question in the affirmative - "O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord....,I will cause breath to enter into you and ye shall live" (Eze. 37:4-5). Just when it looks like we hit rock-bottom and have lost all reason to have hope, hope and life is right around the corner. I feel like shouting right now!!!

Despite the current chaotic political season my hope remains firm in the Resurrected Savior. My hope is not with politicians or celebrety preachers. I am not "hoping" Bush is re-elected November 2, 2004. I have no intention to participate in any prayer vigil for Kerry. As the great hymn states - My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Hope truly springs eternal for the Christian. QED

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2004

Answers

Amen....Amen.

Carmen

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2004

Thank you so much for this post Brother Dickens! It is right on time.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2004

Dr Bill Dickens

In your excellent post you wrote," Despite the current chaotic political season my hope remains firm in the Resurrected Savior. My hope is not with politicians or celebrety preachers. I am not "hoping" Bush is re-elected November 2, 2004. I have no intention to participate in any prayer vigil for Kerry. As the great hymn states - My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Hope truly springs eternal for the Christian"

I agree with you in every respect that our hope should be in Jesus. Yours reminds me of one Holy Ghist Song.

"Soon after the General Conference 2004,my wife Connie and i went visiting friends in Dallas TX.We made Bethel AME Church as our "home" church and the choir would always sing a song as follows:

We have come this far by FIATH LEANING on the LORD TRUSTING in His Holy Word He's never FAILED ME yet

Yes, man, woman,politician and others can let us down,Jesus will not let us down.

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2004