By: Marcy Barthelette
Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
Did you know that adults have 206 -213 bones in their bodies? The variation in that total occurs because some of us have a different number of ribs or vertebrae. Babies are typically born with 270 bones, some of which fuse together as they grow into their adult skeletons.
Bones are the framework that knits our bodies together. Made of hard, strong tissue, they help our bodies hold their shape and allow us to sit, stand, walk, run, and skip. They’re made of living, growing cells that are able to reproduce and repair damaged tissue. Bones protect soft tissue that comprises many of our vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. A covering of muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments adds shape and function to our bodies, as well as aiding in the protection of those vital organs. Bones contain and protect valuable marrow, which, in turn, produces red & white blood cells to carry oxygen to our blood & fight infection, as well as platelets that control bleeding.
Under certain pressures or because of disease, bones may break, but for most of us, a few weeks in a cast will allow time for the cells to regenerate and infuse each other, making the bone strong again, often stronger than before. The human body is a truly amazing creation.
Our bodies can be likened to a building in that our bones provide a framework that keeps us upright, while all the softer tissues add the finishing touches to aid in the protection of organs and shape our unique physical characteristics.
Likewise, Christ’s church must be comprised of strong bones to carry the heavy loads, a framework, if you will, of faithful believers. Then surround that sturdy framework with softer tissue, the compassion and heart to shower love and hope on those needing help, and especially to spread the Good News that is readily available to anyone willing to hear.
The prophet Ezekiel, in Chapter 37 of the book named for him, found himself carried by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with dried-out old bones, and the Lord asked him if those bones could possibly become living people once more. He didn’t know the answer, but the Lord spoke to him, saying that Ezekiel should speak to the bones and tell them that he, God, would cover them in muscle, flesh, and skin. That he would then breathe life into them so they would know that he was Lord of all men. And you know what, that’s exactly what happened, because Ezekiel believed. The Church of Jesus Christ must have good, strong bones, willing to truly believe, just as Ezekiel did.
I am not his body, you are not his body. We—together—are his body. Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life
