WHEN DEAD BONES STILL CARRY POWER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Kings 13:14-21
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:4; Psalm 112:6; Proverbs 10:7; Acts 19:11-12; Isaiah 55:11
INTRODUCTION:
The latter part of 2 Kings 13 presents two powerful scenes: the final prophetic encounter between Elisha and King Joash of Israel, and the astounding resurrection of a dead man through the bones of Elisha. These verses not only affirm God’s continued faithfulness to His covenant but also show how His power is not limited by time, death, or circumstances.
Elisha, though about to die, still speaks prophetically about future victories. His words were meant to inspire confidence and obedience, but King Joash responded with limited faith and half-hearted action. Later, after Elisha’s death, his very bones became the instrument of a resurrection, proving that the anointing does not die with the vessel, and that God honours His word even beyond the grave.
This passage offers deep lessons on legacy, faith, divine power, and the enduring impact of a life yielded to God. It is a reminder that even when a man of God is no longer active, his influence, prayers, and anointing can still speak.
1. THE FAITH OF LEADERS DETERMINES THE LEVEL OF VICTORY
God gave Joash an opportunity to secure full deliverance, but his small faith limited the outcome.
a) Elisha instructed Joash to shoot an arrow, symbolising victory over Syria (v.15–17)
Prophetic actions often carry divine meaning and are linked to future manifestations.
b) Joash was told to strike the ground with arrows—but he stopped after three times (v.18)
Incomplete obedience and weak faith can limit the results of a divine promise.
c) Elisha was angry—not because of disobedience, but because of lack of spiritual aggression
God responds to passion, persistence, and wholehearted belief.
d) Joash’s half-heartedness led to only partial victories (v.19)
Great doors may be closed by small responses.
Biblical Example: Peter walked on water as long as he kept his focus in faith (Matthew 14:29-30).
2. THE ANOINTING DOES NOT DIE WITH THE VESSEL
Even after Elisha's death, God's power was still active through his remains.
a) Elisha died and was buried—yet his calling had not been buried with him (v.20)
A life yielded to God leaves a residue of glory that endures beyond the grave.
b) A dead man was thrown into Elisha’s tomb, and upon contact with his bones, he revived (v.21)
God’s power is not bound by human limitations. His Spirit remains where He has worked.
c) The miracle was unplanned and unexpected—yet fully divine
This was not an orchestrated act, but God's sovereign move to honour His prophet.
d) The legacy of the righteous continues to speak long after they are gone
Anointed lives don’t just touch the present—they impact the future.
Biblical Example: Abel’s faith still speaks after his death (Hebrews 11:4).
3. GOD HONOURS HIS COVENANT EVEN WHEN HIS PEOPLE FAIL
Though Israel repeatedly sinned, God remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
a) God showed mercy to Israel because of His covenant (v.23)
Covenant carries generational weight—even when present leaders are unfaithful.
b) Despite the failures of kings, God raised deliverers to rescue His people
God’s mercy often overrides our rebellion—for His name’s sake.
c) The preservation of Israel during this season was not based on merit but on God’s promise
Even in judgment, God’s heart yearns for restoration.
d) God still works behind the scenes to fulfil His word
Elisha's bones raising the dead was one such silent act of divine intervention.
Biblical Example: God preserved David’s line despite the failures of Solomon (1 Kings 11:12-13).
4. SPIRITUAL LEGACY IS MORE POWERFUL THAN EARTHLY INFLUENCE
Elisha's posthumous miracle had more impact than many royal actions.
a) Prophets may die, but their impact does not end
True spiritual legacy continues to inspire, convict, and produce results.
b) One miracle from a buried prophet shook the nation’s memory
God uses the unusual to restore faith in forgotten generations.
c) Our goal should not be popularity but divine impact that endures
Elisha didn’t just live in power—he died full of it.
d) The memory of the righteous is blessed (Proverbs 10:7)
Heaven remembers those who honoured God in their lifetime.
Biblical Example: Jesus referred to the faith and legacy of Elijah and Elisha centuries later (Luke 4:25-27).
5. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT GOD CAN STILL DO THROUGH YOUR LIFE
Even when your strength is gone, God’s assignment through you may still be active.
a) Elisha remained effective in death because he stayed faithful in life
Consistency in consecration builds a lasting anointing.
b) God can use your past obedience to birth future miracles
Your yieldedness becomes someone else's resurrection.
c) What you leave behind can still deliver others
Let your walk with God be so deep that even your "bones" carry power.
d) God finishes what He starts—Elisha’s life ended with a miracle, not just a memory
Faithful finishers carry divine fire to the end.
Biblical Example: Paul said, “I have finished my course”—his epistles still change lives today (2 Timothy 4:7).
CONCLUSION:
The story of Elisha’s last days and posthumous miracle is a reminder that the power of a life lived in God’s will does not die with the individual. Your consistency, obedience, and faith may outlive you. Whether you feel weak or forgotten, know that if you’re walking with God, He is storing power in your life that may yet raise others.
Let us learn to respond fully to God’s instructions, value prophetic direction, and aim to leave behind a lasting spiritual legacy.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to respond to Your word with full faith and total obedience.
2. May my life carry a lasting anointing that impacts generations.
3. Father, keep me consistent in consecration, even when no one is watching.
4. Let Your power flow through my life—even beyond my lifetime.
5. Raise up more vessels in our generation who will leave behind powerful spiritual legacies.
