Lent is a bi-directional season. Or at least it should be. That isn’t how we usually experience the season, however. Too often, we see the Lenten journey simply as a journey inward. While that’s a great start or an important component to a powerful Lenten experience, it can’t be the whole story. Examining your soul is more than just looking inward; it is also considering the state of your soul as it walks about in the world. This isn’t new. Historically, the church has talked about the spiritual disciplines in two directions and like the great commandment, these two sides of the same coin cannot ultimately be separated. That is why this series is about doing both – looking inward and moving outward. We are learning to live inside out.

Ezekiel’s vision of God adhering flesh to dry bones and breathing life into death is a vivid reminder of God’s faithfulness to Israel even when they feel cut off and hopeless. What does this story tell us about our internal inclination to lean into life-draining mindsets instead of believing in God’s desire and ability to be life-giving? How can we do better as we walk in the world?