A popular Halloween décor item is a display of bones. From full 10ft skeletons to partial skeletons coming out of the ground and even animal remains, it is nothing uncommon to see these everywhere.
The thing about bones is they represent death, and in this season, we celebrate it with joy and humor. A little weird. But I guess it’d only be worse if we took actual human remains from loved ones and put them out in the yard. Disgrossting! Creepy! Awful! Right?
Well, in 2 Kings 13, there’s a ridiculous story about bones and a whole lifetime of questions wrapped up in 2 small verses and it’s all we get.
Elisha, an infamous prophet and powerful man of God, had performed many miracles among the Israelites and led them spiritually for quite some time, but now came to the end of life and gave a final prophecy to the king of Isreal, Jehoash, about his future victories over an opposing enemy people. After this, he died. He was buried in a grave cave that was open as this was fairly common practice as graves were not always easy to come by or to make and mostly shared by several bodies.
In our short story, we know that some thugs from Moab were doing what they always did (in spring) and came to cause mischief, bully the Israelites, and steal or even kill.
This time, there had been a funeral and the man was being buried near or possibly they had even planned to bury him in the same tomb as Elisha. But they saw these Moabite raiders coming and wanted to leave as fast as possible, so they just threw the body in and ran. It landed on Elisha’s bones and life came back into his body and the dead man jumped to his feet!!! WHAT! Seriously!!??!! Straight outta a Halloween movie.
And that’s the end of the story. So, it’s in scripture and we need to ask why or what’s it mean for us.
Here’s a couple thoughts:
The fact that Israel’s prophet, Elisha, was gone had to be a bit of a blow to the spiritual momentum of the people in that day. They have been warned that destruction is coming, and exile is a real threat or soon will be so losing Elisha had to change the atmosphere a little.
God’s prophets were held in such high regard as they not only spoke but demonstrated the power of God and helped lead the people in the right paths. And now, this one is gone and what are they to do!?
This body gets tossed carelessly and just happens to land on the bones of this very prophet. Elisha’s bones carried the miraculous resurrection power same as his living body. This was a message of hope for the Israelites that despite their impending downfall, there would be new life if they walked in the way of the LORD, followed Elisha’s instructions as before.
And so, presently, the truth is relevant and the same: Even though you may be tossed aside, left in death, hopeless in despair, there is resurrection power available in God, and it is NOT too late!!!
Maybe you’re not there today, and I say praise God! But there’s still a message for you to consider. Are you living to let the spirit and power of God flow through you even after you are no longer physically present!??! Elisha is not the last of his kind and God will use you to bring others up from darkness if you will let him.
Let’s GO, Bonehead!!!
#Bones
#NewLife
#SkeletonEyes
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
0 Comments