"Dead Man's Bones"

Title “Dead Man’s Bones”

Introduction: It is sad to note that when Elisha died, there was no one standing there to pass on his mantle to. Who would be the next "man of God" to stand up against the enemy?

What happens when the righteous man dies… The kingdom falls into sin and defeat.

Once again the enemy came upon the Land of Israel. Without a prophet, who would God use to rise up against the enemy?

I am concerned about America. We have more to fear in this country than the terrorist. If our government cannot define a person (Abortion), a family (Sodomy), and sin (Gluttony), certainly God will bring judgment against us.

God raised up a man from the dead… why?

Read again this verse:

21 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.

1. To complete his promise to the prophet.

Elisha had been promised by Elijah that he would receive a "double portion" of God’s power upon him. He was one miracle shy of Elijah at the time of his death. This final miracle would fulfill the promise of the "double-portion."

2. To refocus a nation.

Some men of Israel were burying their dead comrade, they saw a band of Moabites coming at them, in their haste to avoid their enemy, they cast the body of their fallen friend into the sepulchre of Elisha. When the man’s body touched the bones of Elisha, the man revived and stood to his feet. What an amazing site that must have been!

Why? God was letting the Israelites know that if they would place their faith once again in the "God of Israel," he would give them resurrection power to overcome their enemy. It is better to "fear God" than to "fear" the enemy!

That again, is why I am preaching that our greatest enemy is not some where in Iraq, but the enemy lies within our own borders. America needs to fear God! We need a revival of morality in America!

3. To give awakening to us today.

When the dead man came into contact with Elisha’s bones, he came alive. Let me ask you a question, "Have you ever made a dead man come alive?"

If we are walking into the power of Christ, when a lost man comes into our presence, we ought to bring to them into the knowledge of the resurrection power of Christ. I am talking about soulwinning, plain and simple.

Again, I ask you, "When is the last time that you made a dead man come alive?"

Our nation will never experience revival until the Church comes alive with the power of Christ!

Conclusion: What happens when people come into contact with you?