So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21 ESV)
You could not write a better screen play. God's words are powerful, yes. But how amazing is the story! Just imagine the emotions, the drama, the images. Time in Israel must have been tragic. From these verses it appears that an invasion was expected every year. How sad. Elisha, a man of God, had died. Power, messages from God, miracles had paused. Were the people hopeless, helpless, lost?
So now here comes the Moabites and a maurading band. They were bent on a raid of ravaging proportions. Anything they could get their war torn, blood thirsty hands on were trophies of battle. But people died. And buried. But one soldier hit the jackpot. Not that he died, but that he was thrown in to Elisha's grave. I wonder if he knew this man of God or even who he was. I wonder if secretly in life this man ever wanted to catch a glimpse of the power that this man showed. His death was tragic. His burial was rushed. His resurrection was miraculous.
Can you even imagine what that must have looked like? An open grave for one thing must have been disgusting. Did they know it was Elisha's? War and marauding was destructive and bloody. This man had died in the battle. There was no ceremony for his death. His body was quickly thrown into someone else's grave. Then God chose to wow everyone.
As soon as his bones hit Elisha's lifeless body, this soldier came back to life and stood to his feet. I would think that maybe he looked around and everyone else was on the ground, faint. Just maybe.
Elisha was a man. That was it. Yet, God chose him. God used him. Elisha was not perfect. He was not God, but he listened to God. God's power through Elisha was known throughout the world in that day. It gave me pause to see that God chose to extend this man's power even after death. It had nothing to do with Elisha. He was dead and buried. Yet, new life was given even in death.
It does not say that a revival took place. Israel kept making mistakes and walking away from God. I would think this man's life would have changed. Then maybe that is what is all about, changing one life. It may not be so dramatic as that, but is my life one that even in death, even in my complete state of powerlessness, God can use me to change even one life?
I just love these gems that God shares in his Word. As you read the Bible, don't be surprised by what God did. Sit in wonder and wow. Are there any verses you have ingested lately that have made you smile or make your jaw drop?
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