Today I read 2 Kings 13, in which Jehoahaz, king of Israel was given mercy by God; Jehoash, king of Israel was blessed with victory through Elisha; and Elisha’s bones revived a dead man. Today I considered that God can grant mercy to those committing sin, the bereaved can be blessed, prayers of the sickly can have power, and Elisha’s bones carried power even in death.
Mercy for Sinners
The sinner still sinning asked for mercy and God gave some relief (2 Kings 13:1-9). Jehu’s son Jehoahaz reigned over Israel and continued to commit evil. God’s anger kindled at their sin allowing Syria to continually defeat Israel. Jehoahaz cried out to God for help and God allowed them to get from under the hand of Syria. Jehoahaz died and his son reigned. God granted a level of reprieve for sinners even while they were still sinning.
Blessings for the Bereaved
The king of Israel cried over Elisha being very sick and Elisha blessed his kingdom (2 Kings 13:10-25). Jehoahaz’s son Jehoash reigned over Israel. When Elisha became sick, Jehoash cried over him. Elisha put his hands over Jehoash’s hands holding a bow, then had Jehoash shoot an arrow out of the window. Elisha declared Israel’s deliverance from Syria. Elisha had Jehoash strike the ground with the arrows. Since Jehoash only struck three times, he would defeat the Syrians only three times. Jehoash recovered cities Syria took from Israel three times. God can bless those who care about the sick.
Elisha’s Bones
Even in death those divinely blessed by God, have power (2 Kings 13:20-21). Israelites went to burry someone and quickly threw the corpse in Elisha’s tomb because Moab raiders were coming. The corpse touched Elisha’s bones, revived, and stood up. Elisha saved someone even while dead.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God can give mercy even to those doing evil. God grants relief for sinners, how much more will he grant for His children. Can you give an example of the mercy God has granted to some of His children?
Even in sickness, the prayers of priest Elisha were powerful. It does not matter whether the person praying is sick. What matters is that the prayers of the righteous are powerful. What prayers made by sick individuals have you seen answered?