Yves Gashugi 
If Hollywood produced films based on the story of Ezekiel 47, they would be among the most terrifying and widely watched.
Hollywood is a film industry that has gained worldwide recognition for producing widely watched movies. The industry was founded in 1887 by a man named Harvey Wilcox, although some claim it may have been established in 1853. However, this story does not aim to debate the exact year. Writers and directors often dedicate significant time to create innovative content that captivates large audiences, producing films based on remarkable and fascinating historical events. These films serve to preserve history or generate large profits, making many filmmakers wealthy.
My Testimony and Cinema
In the past, before I believed in the Lord Jesus, I spent a lot of time watching various films, and even after I came to believe, I continued to be attached to them. What was troubling wasn’t just watching movies, but how they consumed me. The time I should have dedicated to God, I would instead give to films. For example, I would plan a prayer time (24 hours), pray for just 20 minutes, and then spend the time I could have used for reading God’s Word on watching movies. Though I had prayed, I would finish my prayers feeling spiritually empty, without any deep connection with God. (Does this happen to you as well?) Although I am focusing on the film industry, I’m not trying to promote these films or encourage people to watch them. I’m not even saying that watching movies is a sin, but as the Bible says, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Hollywood’s Notorious Horror Films
Some of the horror films I watched and found particularly frightening include Anaconda and Wrong Turn. However, there were some films I couldn’t finish due to the intense fear they induced, as my anxiety hormones would be heavily triggered. Imagine watching a film where you see skeletal remains moving, bones walking like people, coming together with muscles, skin, and blood. How would you feel? (You might feel terrified, even though these things haven’t really happened.)
Why am I discussing Hollywood in a Christian context?
Let me provide an answer by referring to the Bible: “If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” (John 3:12). After observing, reflecting, and analyzing, I’ve gained understanding from this (Proverbs 24:32). Just as Jesus used earthly analogies to explain spiritual truths and Solomon often derived lessons from what he saw, we, too, should learn from everything we see in our spiritual lives.
Rather than dwelling on Hollywood, let’s focus on what God wants from us.
As I mentioned earlier about the story in Ezekiel 37, let’s revisit its meaning and the message it holds for today.
The Dry Bones
“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry” (Ezekiel 37:1-2).
The dry bones represent the lives of people who do not believe in Jesus. Just as the bones had no life, anyone who doesn’t believe has no life in God (Romans 3:23). These bones are destined for complete abandonment, symbolizing eternal judgment.
The Bones Covered with Tendons, Flesh, and Skin
“So I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them” (Ezekiel 37:8).
This represents those who hear the gospel but refuse to believe. They may seem to have life (the Spirit), but they do not. They imitate spiritual life but have not genuinely believed. This is similar to what Simon the Sorcerer did—he sought fame by performing miracles, wanting to appear as a believer, but his true motive was personal gain (Acts 8:9-25).
Likewise, many unbelievers come to church, not to encounter Jesus, but to seek a spouse or other worldly desires. Coming to church for these reasons, without the desire to know Jesus, is not true faith.
The Bones with Tendons, Flesh, and Skin, Now Filled with Breath
“So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army” (Ezekiel 37:10).
This represents the life of a true believer, filled with the Spirit. Jesus affirmed that the world (unbelievers) cannot receive the Spirit, saying, “The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him” (John 14:17).
Conclusion
It is valuable to know how to make movies, but it is far more important to do things that help people know God and fulfill their purpose on earth. It is essential to love one another and live in peace (I write this for believers). This message is not intended to promote films but to encourage believers to create educational materials.
In closing, are you like the dry bones? Did you come to church to encounter Jesus, or was there another motive? If you came to be revealed to Jesus, you are blessed because life is within you. Therefore, keep your lamps burning (Luke 12:35).
God willing, we will write part two of this story, explaining the formation of an army from the bones.
