What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Elisha's bones reviving a man? Setting the scene — 2 Kings 13:21 “Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.” God’s absolute sovereignty over life and death • The instant revival was not requested, predicted, or controlled by any human. • Scripture consistently credits the Lord alone with mastery over death: – 1 Samuel 2:6 — “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.” – Deuteronomy 32:39 — “I bring death and I give life…there is no one who can deliver from My hand.” • Elisha is already dead, underscoring that the power belongs to God, not to the prophet. Power unhindered by time, decay, or circumstance • Elisha’s bones have no flesh, yet God works through what appears powerless. • Job 42:2 — “I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” • Romans 4:17 celebrates the God “who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not yet exist.” Using unlikely means to display His rule • A hurried burial, a tossed-in corpse, dry bones—God orchestrates every detail. • 1 Corinthians 1:27 — “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” • His sovereignty is not limited to impressive settings; it often shines brightest through humble, unexpected vessels. Faithfulness to covenant promises • The surrounding verses (2 Kings 13:22-23) note that God was still compassionate toward Israel “because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” • Reviving the man amid enemy raids signals that God’s protection and purposes continue despite national unfaithfulness. Foreshadowing the resurrection power fully revealed in Christ • Elisha’s bones give a preview of the greater resurrection to come: – John 11:25 — “I am the resurrection and the life.” – Matthew 28:6 — “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” • Acts 2:24 affirms that God “raised Him up, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.” • The same sovereign God who used Elisha’s bones guarantees believers’ future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). Encouragement for believers today • No situation—physical death, spiritual decline, dashed hopes—is beyond the reach of God’s sovereign power. • He specializes in bringing life where only ruin seems possible (Ephesians 2:4-5). • Because His authority is total, our confidence rests not in circumstances but in the character of the Lord “who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Living in light of His sovereignty • Trust His timing: If He can raise a man by contact with bones, He can revive any heart or situation. • Walk in obedience: Sovereignty does not negate responsibility; it fuels faithful action, knowing God’s purposes prevail. • Worship with awe: The God of 2 Kings 13:21 is the same today—worthy of wholehearted reverence and confident hope. |
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