2 Kings 13:20-21 – Living to impact others

If we want to learn how to make an impact both in life and in death, Elisha is one prophet we should emulate. We see him as a prophet who was passionate to educate others about God so as to build faith in Him. He was a man with a solid resolution. Once he had made up his mind to serve the LORD, he pursued that path unwaveringly. He could not be dissuaded until Elijah’s mantle fell on him. Four times in their journey from Gilgal to Jordan, he was told to stop pursuing Elijah, but he would not until he had received the double portion he was seeking.  

Even in his final breath, he was still making an impact. When Joash came to visit him, he was inflicted with a disease he would eventually die from. Even in that stage, he was offering his service to the desperate king who wept over him. He gave him a dramatized prophesy from God. This shows how much he respected his ministry and even in his dying moments, he would not stop doing his duty.  

Now in 2 King 13:20-21, we see how his life continued to make an impact in death. The account tells of how in his grave, he brought life to a dead body. A group of men was interrupted by Moabite raiders while conducting a burial for a dead man. In fear, the man threw that corpse into the tomb which happened to be where Elisha was buried. Immediately, that corpse returned to life and stood on his feet after touching the prophet's remains. Even in his death, he was still bringing life.  

Though none of us can raise another from the dead, we will all leave memories behind. In Hebrews 11 is a whole host of men and women who left rich legacies of how to live for God with unflinching faith. They all died without regrets. What would we want others, especially our loved ones, to think about us? What legacy are we leaving behind? Live for God, do His will and fulfill His purpose. That’s the best legacy we can leave behind.