THE INFLUENCE OF A SERVANT EVEN AFTER DEATH
2 Kings 13:21
Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; 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
INTRO: When we talk about influence we have to take into consideration the past. For we see around us that the past has played a real important part in our present, influencing us in our daily life. De la Vince, Picasso in art; Bach to Beethoven in music; Charlie Chapman to Linda Carter (Wonder Woman) in movies. Whether we accept it or not, our lives are part of those that inspired us, touched our lives, moved our emotions and impacted our spirit.
The Bible tells us of those that even after death, they still moved the lives of those that lived. Though they were dead, they continued to be a blessing. As Bro. _______ was preaching yesterday he mentioned, “Death is cruel” he blessed me and inspired this morning’s sermon.
Let us see the Biblical men and how they blessed us even after death.
I. THE INNOCENCE OF A MAN CALLED ABEL
A. Gn 4:10 “The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Followed the example of his older brother: Brought an offering unto the Lord
B. Gn. 4:4 “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,” God saw his innocence and gratitude as he did in ____________ as he gave not only the best of his years to his wife and family but also to the calling
II. THE ANOINTING MAN CALLED ELISHA
A. 2 Kings 13:21 “Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; 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.” The Doble Portion of Elijah’s spirit had come upon him
1)There was never a moment of escape for _________ from a Concilio, School of Pastors, Seminar or Spiritual event
2)How many times did he got close to other servants of God, as did Elisha, for he knew what to ask for “A doble portion of your spirit”
B. Always willing to impart, what he himself had received!
III. THE HUMBLENESS OF MOSES
A. Judas 9 “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
B. Truly there was a spiritual battle going on during this past 100 days in the hospital
C. When you visited __________ in the hospital – or during his other times of sickness, trails and suffering – always with the spirit of humbleness – never bittered, never resentful, never complaining
D. Though he was a Servant of the Almighty God – Willing to serve!
E. You would see him at the Minister’s Meeting, Church Rallies, Councils, Radio Station, Night Bible School, always willing to give himself and never with a boastful heart!
F. Truly Satan wanted to battle against his body!
IV. A VOICE IN THE DESERT CALLED JOHN THE BAPTIST
A. Jn 1:23 “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.
B. B. Mt. 11:7-9 “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” Mt 24:20-21 “20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
CONCLUSION:
He might have been just a voice in the desert of West Texas –
