Read 2 Kings 11
Highlights:
Athaliah reigns; David’s descendants murdered; Joash crowned king; he repairs the Temple; worship restored; evil reign of Jehoahaz
And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet (2 Kings 13:21).
Elisha had been a great prophet of God. He was the student of Elijah. He was discipled well in the ways of the Lord. When Elijah had been carried away to be with God, Elisha was there and had received a double portion of the anointing that was upon Elijah. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me (2 Kings 2:9).
Elisha had followed the Lord closely. He had been obedient in speaking the truth of God before kings, queens and other leaders. He had performed wonderful miracles in the name of the Lord. He had lived a dedicated life to God. That life had now come to an end as Elisha was dead and buried.
This verse records that the Moabites had invaded the country. They were in the process of burying a man. They ended up lowering the body into the tomb of Elisha. The power of God had been so active in Elisha that when this dead man touched Elisha's bones, he was resurrected and stood to his feet.
It may seem strange to some that this is shared in scripture. However, it is a testimony of the power and the presence that God can have in a person's life if that person is fully submitted to Him. As said before, Elisha had seen many miracles manifested through his life by the power of God. The Lord evidently saw fit to use him for one last miracle in death.
God will use anyone willing to be obedient to His call. Many might say that God could never use them in this way. The words of the prophet Joel were spoken upon the New Testament Church on the day of pentecost. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (Acts 2:17-18).
Never sell yourself short when it comes to being used by God. God and God alone chooses who He will utilize to execute His plan. He has used redeemed fishermen, farmers, soldiers and even criminals to proclaim His Word. Anyone who will give Jesus their life is a candidate.
And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
Thought for Today:
: Many well meaning church members are content to attend and be fed but God's Word says Every branch in Me that not beareth fruit He taketh away (John 15:2).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jehoiada, the priest who protected Joash and, in holy judgment, had Athaliah put to death (2 Kin. 11:4-16). Christ keeps us safe to fulfill His will and will return to judge all who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:8).
Word Studies:
11:7 two parts, two companies; 11:8 compass, surround; 12:5 breaches, damaged places; 12:11 laid it out, paid it to them; 13:6 the grove, place to worship the goddess Asherah (Ashtoreth).
Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (1 John 1:9).
Optional Reading: Romans 8
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:21
