When Dead Things Come Alive

As a teacher who has visited numerous homes, I have encountered many families and children who faced discouraging words and challenging situations. These individuals often felt lost, without direction

or hope, unsure of how to navigate their lives. However, witnessing the transformation in these children and families when they received encouragement, gained an understanding of their identity and purpose, and were provided with a roadmap for the future was truly inspiring.

I will never forget my conversations with students who initially appeared withdrawn and avoided eye contact. For each of these students, I shared a message that resonated deeply: “I believe in you. You have something truly special within you.” Their surprise was palpable; many had never heard such affirming words before. From that day forward, a remarkable change began to unfold. They started to come alive, not only academically but also spiritually and emotionally.

This experience brought to mind something extraordinary from Scripture…

Key Bible Verse

"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)

Biblical Connection

This unusual story in 2 Kings teaches us a profound lesson: even after Elisha's death, the anointing of God’s Spirit still rested on him. When the dead man’s body touched Elisha’s bones, he came back to life. Elisha had walked so closely with God and was so filled with God’s Spirit that even in death, he carried the power of God

.

Now contrast this with Colossians 1:13:

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”

In the Kingdom of God, we are called to bring life, not fear, competition, or criticism. We are not meant to weigh people down but lift them up. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, others should come alive around us.

Summary

Elisha’s story shows us that a life lived closely with God can bring life to others, even after death. But we’re not waiting for physical resurrection moments. Every day, we walk among people who are spiritually discouraged, emotionally dead, or relationally broken. When we walk closely with God and carry His Spirit, our presence can revive them. We speak the truth. We call out their identity. We love like Jesus.

Application: How to Bring Life

So, how can we become life-giving people in a world that often pulls others down?

1. Walk closely with God – Prioritise time with Him every day.

2. Be filled with His Spirit – Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions.

3. Speak God’s words and do His actions – Let encouragement, truth, and love be your default.

4. Tell people they are fearfully and wonderfully made – Speak God’s identity over them.

5. Encourage and believe in others – Let your belief in them spark something they’ve never seen in themselves.

   
   

Reflection Questions

1. Who in my life feels “dead” inside—discouraged, hopeless, or forgotten?

2. Am I regularly walking with God, or just occasionally visiting Him?

3. What words have I spoken lately—have they lifted others or weighed them down?

4. Do I really believe that my presence can bring life to others?

5. This week, what is one way I can speak life over someone who needs it?

   
   

Let’s be the kind of people who—when others come into contact with us—help them stand up and walk again. Because that’s what happens when we carry the Spirit of God. We don’t just exist… we bring resurrection.