The Anointing Does Not Die Series

THE ANOINTING DOES NOT DIE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 13:14-21

Supporting Texts: Romans 11:29; Psalm 89:20-29; Isaiah 10:27; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; Acts 19:11-12

INTRODUCTION:

In this remarkable passage, we find the prophet Elisha nearing the end of his life. Despite his illness, he remained a carrier of divine power. King Joash visited him, weeping over the loss of a national prophetic voice. Before his death, Elisha gave him prophetic instructions that determined the outcome of Israel’s battles.

After Elisha’s death and burial, something extraordinary happened—a dead man was thrown into Elisha’s tomb, and upon touching his bones, the man came back to life. This event was not just a miracle—it was a revelation: God’s anointing does not die with the man.

This account teaches us that the anointing of God is not limited by time, condition, or even death. It endures, empowers, and can still work beyond the physical presence of the vessel. It also warns us about the dangers of partial obedience to prophetic instruction.

1. THE ANOINTING REMAINS ACTIVE EVEN IN DECLINE

Elisha was sick, but still full of power.

a) Spiritual relevance is not tied to physical health (v.14)

Elisha was weak in body, but strong in the Spirit.

b) The calling of God is without repentance (Romans 11:29)

Your condition doesn’t cancel your commission.

c) The king recognised Elisha’s spiritual authority

He called him “the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.”

d) The anointing still flows from surrendered vessels, even in their weakest season

God uses whom He chooses, regardless of appearance.

Biblical Example: Jacob, while dying, prophesied over his sons with accuracy (Genesis 49:1-28).

2. PROPHECY REQUIRES FULL OBEDIENCE TO PRODUCE FULL RESULTS

Joash was instructed to strike the arrows, but he held back.

a) Elisha told him to shoot an arrow of deliverance (v.17)

The act was prophetic—symbolising future victory.

b) The king only struck three times, showing hesitation (v.18)

He was casual with a divine moment.

c) Elisha was angry, because incomplete obedience limits breakthrough

He said Joash would only defeat Syria three times.

d) God releases potential, but man must act in faith to see its fulfilment

Partial obedience leads to partial results.

Biblical Example: King Saul lost his throne for incomplete obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

3. GOD’S POWER IS GREATER THAN DEATH OR LIMITATIONS

A dead man came back to life through Elisha’s bones.

a) The man revived instantly when he touched the prophet’s bones (v.21)

Anointing doesn’t die with the prophet—it remains.

b) Divine power can linger on physical objects used by anointed people

God can use mantles, garments, bones—even shadows.

c) The grave could not bury the grace upon Elisha’s life

Even in death, he was raising the dead.

d) Anointing is not in the flesh—it is in the Spirit of God who rests on yielded vessels

The source is God, the vessel is human.

Biblical Example: Handkerchiefs from Paul’s body healed the sick (Acts 19:11-12).

4. GOD IS LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO WILL PLACE A DEMAND ON HIS POWER

The anointing does not benefit the careless—it flows to the hungry.

a) Joash had access to power but showed weak desire

His half-hearted action cost him full victory.

b) Desperation draws the anointing into action

The dead man had no prayer—just contact.

c) Reverence, expectation, and obedience activate divine flow

We must not treat the presence of God casually.

d) God is not moved by position—He is moved by pursuit

King Joash missed his moment due to lack of spiritual hunger.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus by faith and received healing (Mark 5:25-34).

5. THE ANOINTING OUTLIVES THE VESSEL BUT DEMANDS CONTINUITY

Though Elisha died, the next generation needed to carry on the fire.

a) The presence of the anointing is not enough—it must be preserved and passed on

Israel lacked another Elisha to sustain prophetic covering.

b) Generational transfer must be intentional

Discipleship and mentorship ensure continuity of fire.

c) Anointing can outlive a man, but not forever without fresh vessels

Every move of God must find new wineskins.

d) Honour the anointing while the vessel lives—don't wait for bones to perform miracles

Recognising God's grace in people now is wisdom.

Biblical Example: Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha through intentional mentorship (2 Kings 2:9-14).

CONCLUSION:

This story is more than a miracle—it is a divine message: the anointing is not a man’s invention; it is God's deposit. And once released, it continues to work, sometimes beyond the life of its original carrier. However, each generation must learn to honour the anointing, obey prophetic instruction, and seek the mantle for themselves.

Don’t take divine grace lightly. When God sends a word, act on it fully. When He releases power, draw from it with faith. And when you walk with the anointed, position yourself to continue the fire.