2 Kings 13:20, 21 And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.… This miracle was wrought, in a time of prevailing unbelief, to teach a lesson to a faithless age. Strange sight indeed - for those who were engrossed with the sensual pleasures of the present world, thus unexpectedly to be brought face to face with the power of the Unseen! I. GOD'S POWER TO RAISE THE DEAD. Here was something which their heathen gods could never do. Heathenism, agnosticism, - these systems bring no comfort to the bereaved and sorrowing spirit. Christ alone has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. None but he has ever dared to say, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." II. THE UNDYING INFLUENCE OF GOOD MEN. "Non omnis moriar" was the saying of the old heathen poet. But the humblest Christian who is faithful to God may have confidence that his influence for good will continue long after he has passed away from earth. 1. Elisha's words were to continue. The prophet was dead, but his words still lived. His words were the words of God. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." We see in the twenty-fifth verse how Elisha's prediction to Joash was literally fulfilled. Three times Joash defeated the Syrians and recovered the cities of Israel. Elisha's words still remain, to be our consolation and comfort. 2. Elisha's work remained, fiche memory of his faithfulness to God, of the wonders he was able to do by God's presence with him, remained to be a help and stimulus to many faithful servants of God when Israel was growing worse and worse. A good man's influence - who can tell how long it may last, or what unexpected places and persons it may reach? - C.H.I. Parallel Verses KJV: And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. |
    |