Corona Devo 865
Do not underestimate the lift/power/strength/life/revival that we might impart into another by (merely) touching them with the love and Truth of Christ.
Elisha was a prophet of God in the Old Testament of the Bible. Being a prophet sounds regal, but really, Elisha was just a regular guy who loved God and answered God's call on his life to share the Truth of God's Word with others. Not many people were actively seeking God's truth at that time, and many were actively seeking their own versions of "truth" and fulfillment.
Sound familiar?
But Elisha stuck with God and stayed-the-course in sharing God's Word with others throughout his life. Some despised him for it, some sought-him-out for it, but anyone who met Elisha was affected by his commitment to God. Many were revived in their faith because of Elisha's touch on their lives. And once--the "revival" was literal:
Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. (21) Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the corpse into the tomb of Elisha and fled. But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! ~2 Kings 13:20-21
Sounds crazy! Seems impossible.
And while I am not suggesting that if people touch us (dead or alive) that we might raise someone from the dead, I can attest to the emotional and spiritual revival that God can bring through His people.
~~~~~
I can recall being dormant in sorrow as I grieved a close death. I was in that dark tunnel for quite a while. And while many things occurred (including the passage of time) to "revive" me from that "dead" place that I was in, I can remember a specific moment and "touch" in conversation and spirit with a sister-in-Christ, when she prayed for joy to return to my life, and it seemed (slowly and surely) from that moment on, I was revived. God had sent one of his "prophets" (a man or woman sharing Christ with others) to revive me.
But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! ~2 Kings 13:21
~~~
Early adulthood (mid-twenties-into-thirties) is a volatile time. Young adults trying to figure out work, rent, spending, saving, dating...adulting. It can be a dead time for many. The flesh wins in many areas, unless there is a prophet willing to speak God's life. I am grateful for a "prophet" pastor willing to breathe life into about 30 young adults. That "prophet's" touch grew thirty people into 1500 each Sunday. We were revived from dead places and reborn into God's good plans for us. There was revival, and "touching Elisha's bones" made us "jump to our feet" for Jesus. There was a call to holiness, God-centered marriages, and "dead" were revived.
But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! ~2 Kings 13:21
~~~
How about us?
Do we consider ourselves "prophets" of God? Yes, it sounds regal and out-of-our-league, but if we love God and answer His call on our life to share His Truth with others, then we are touching others in the name of Christ. Jesus breathes life into people and changes them. He changes our perspective, our focus, and Jesus Christ changes our lives. He revives the dead parts of us and brings us back to life!
Elisha had a legacy...people knew that He was going to bring God's truth to the table, whether they wanted to hear it or not. May we be as firm in our faith and the proclamation of the Bible.
Yes! That's the legacy we want to leave! What if others were able to be revived in God's plan for them...simply by coming in contact with us? (But as soon as the body touched Elisha’s bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet! ~2 Kings 13:20-21)
Can we touch someone today and revive them through the love and power of Christ?
The co-worker or student that "mentions" suicide. May their "body" touch our bones, and may their "dead" feelings be revived and may they jump to their feet because we see them, invest in them and love them~~acting as a "prophet" for God (2 Kings 13:21).
The friend/family member/stranger who (verbally) says very little, but whose body language and outward image shout for attention. May their "body" touch our bones, and may their "dead" feelings be revived and may they jump to their feet because we see them, invest in them and love them~~acting as a "prophet" for God (2 Kings 13:21).
Many are dead in depression, hopelessness, lack-of-truth, but Jesus Christ is in the revival business. You and I are satisfied customers, but that puts a call on our lives as prophets.
What if someone came in contact with (touched) us today and was revived in their dead places (through the power of Christ).
Yes! Like Elisha, that's the legacy we want to leave!
Blessings,
sarah
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