The first song I remember about bones was “Dry Bones” recorded by the Delta Rhythm Boys. I enjoyed hearing how all the bones were connected, even though it was a long drawn-out musical expression. And then Randy Travis had the big country hit “Diggin’ Up Bones.” The Secret Sisters recorded “Rattle My Bones,” and Lauren Daigle recorded “Come Alive (Dry Bones).” As kids we sang the fun lyric, “with a knick-knack paddy- whack, give the dog a bone….” We even talk about bones: bone tired, funny bone, bag of bones, big boned, broken bones, you need backbone, bad to the bone, etc.
On the day that the prophet Elijah knew his ministry was coming to a close and Elisha would take his place, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (2 Kings 2:9). Rather than asking for worldly things, what he really desired was a large measure of the Holy Spirit to equip him for the prophetic responsibilities ahead. So as Elisha witnessed Elijah being carried by a whirlwind into heaven in a chariot of fire, the anointing he asked for was immediately transferred to him.
At the end of his obedient ministry, “Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. 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” (2 Kings 13:20,21 NIV). Verse 21 is a one-sentence miracle wrapped around the grave clothes of the prophet Elisha. Assuming the “dead” man had a wife and family, can you imagine the pandemonium when his happy feet walked into the house and he asked his wife, “What’s for supper?” Obviously, the double-portion anointing that Elisha had was alive and well even though he was dead. Death could not stop King Jesus, and death could not stop God’s power from working through the bones of Elisha.
As believers, what we desire and need in the spiritual realm is within our reach. God wants to do great things for us and through us. One of the most-important requirements is simply getting close enough to touch the Great I AM. If we will throw ourselves into God’s presence, He will anoint (empower) us to accomplish what He’s called us to do. The dead man that was thrown on top of Elisha’s bones was at the end of the road — until he came into contact with the anointing of God. If you’re living a broken or spineless existence, simply throw yourself at the feet of Jesus and ask for the miracle you need. Just hold on a little longer, help is on the way. Help won’t help tomorrow if you give up today.
Elisha was still influencing people after he was dead as a doornail. How deep does your influence reach in your part of the world? After you’re long gone, your impact and testimony will live on. Your legacy as a man or woman of God is eternal. You may not have your name and accomplishments recorded in a history book, but heaven knows all about your struggles and triumphs as a Christ follower. I double-dog dare you to leave a godly legacy of loving God and others.
The Key: Make your bones strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.