The resurrection of the dead is one of the most profound demonstrations of God's power. Throughout Scripture, we find numerous instances where God raised the dead to life through His servants. Even more remarkable is the fact that Jesus empowered His followers to do the same. This write-up is designed to expose believers to their God-given potential, eliminate every trace of doubt, and provide a faith-filled template for raising the dead.
1. Biblical Examples of Resurrection
Old Testament Resurrections
Elijah Raises the Widow's Son
"Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, 'Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!' The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived." (1 Kings 17:21-22)
Reflection: Imagine Elijah’s state of mind. He was in a desperate situation, staying with a widow who had offered him shelter, and now her son was dead. Elijah’s cry to God was born out of compassion and a deep dependence on God’s power. His persistence in stretching himself over the boy three times shows a faith that would not give up until the miracle happened. Elijah’s actions reflect the words of James 5:16, which states, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Aftermath: The widow’s faith in God was strengthened, and she declared, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth." (1 Kings 17:24)
Prayer: Lord, give me the kind of faith that perseveres in the face of impossibility. Let my prayers be fervent and effective, and may Your power be demonstrated through me. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that my prayers are powerful and effective. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I will see life restored where there was death.
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
"When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord... The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes." (2 Kings 4:32-35)
Reflection: Elisha’s action of shutting the door suggests the importance of focusing on God without distraction or doubt. He prayed, showing his reliance on God’s power, and persisted until life was restored. This aligns with Matthew 6:6, where Jesus teaches, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen."
Aftermath: The Shunammite woman’s faith in God and in His prophet was solidified. This miracle demonstrated God’s compassion and faithfulness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to shut out every distraction and focus solely on You. May my prayers be filled with faith and persistence until I see Your power at work. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I will focus on God in every situation. I will not be distracted by doubt or fear, but I will trust in His power to bring life.
A Man Raised by Contact with Elisha’s Bones
"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)
Reflection: This miraculous event shows that even after Elisha’s death, the power of God was still present and active. It reminds believers that God’s power is not limited by time or circumstance. This aligns with Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Aftermath: The resurrection served as a testimony to God’s enduring power and presence among His people.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that Your power is limitless and ever-present. Let Your enduring power be demonstrated in my life, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that God’s power is alive and active in me. I carry the resurrection power of Christ wherever I go.
Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones
"He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign Lord, you alone know.' Then He said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'" (Ezekiel 37:3-4)
Reflection: Ezekiel was confronted with a valley full of dry bones—a picture of total hopelessness. God instructed him to prophesy life into the bones. This teaches believers that through the Word of God and the power of prophecy, they can call forth life even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Aftermath: As Ezekiel prophesied, the bones came together, flesh formed on them, and breath entered them, resulting in a vast army. This vision symbolizes the restoration and revival that God can bring.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to speak Your Word with boldness. Let my words, empowered by Your Spirit, bring life to every dead situation around me. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that by the Word of the Lord, every dry bone in my life will live again. I will see restoration and revival in Jesus’ name.
New Testament Resurrections
Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter
"He took her by the hand and said, 'Talitha koum!' (which means 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!'). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around." (Mark 5:41-42)
Reflection: Before raising Jairus’s daughter, Jesus dealt with the unbelief in the room by sending out those who mocked Him. This teaches believers the importance of surrounding themselves with faith-filled individuals during spiritual battles. Mark 9:23 reminds us, "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Aftermath: Jairus’s faith in Jesus was rewarded, and those present witnessed the power of God firsthand.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remove every source of doubt from my environment. Surround me with those who believe in Your power and encourage my faith. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I am surrounded by faith-filled believers. I will not be influenced by doubt, but I will stand firm in faith.
Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain
"Then He went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, 'Young man, I say to you, get up!' The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother." (Luke 7:14-15)
Reflection: Jesus was moved by compassion for the widow, showing that miracles often flow from a heart of love and empathy. He spoke with authority, and life was restored instantly. This reflects Colossians 3:12, which calls believers to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
Aftermath: The crowd was filled with awe and praised God, saying, "A great prophet has appeared among us." This miracle brought glory to God.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with compassion. Let my actions be driven by love and empathy, and may Your authority be evident in my words. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I am filled with the compassion of Christ. I will act in love and speak with the authority of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Raises Lazarus
"When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen." (John 11:43-44)
Reflection: Before raising Lazarus, Jesus thanked God publicly, demonstrating His confidence in His relationship with the Father. He acted with boldness and authority, knowing that God’s power would be displayed. John 11:25 records Jesus saying, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Aftermath: Many who witnessed this miracle put their faith in Jesus, though it also led to increased opposition from the religious leaders.
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in boldness and confidence, knowing that You have given me authority over every situation. May my actions lead others to faith in You. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I walk in boldness and confidence. I have the resurrection power of Christ, and I will see miracles in His name.
Peter Raises Tabitha (Dorcas)
"Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up." (Acts 9:40)
Reflection: Peter first removed all distractions and doubt by sending everyone out of the room. He then prayed, seeking God’s power and direction, and acted in faith by commanding Tabitha to rise. This act reflects the importance of prayer and faith-filled action in bringing about miracles.
Aftermath: This miracle became widely known, and many people in Joppa believed in the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pray with faith and boldness, trusting in Your power to bring life where there is death. May my actions glorify You and lead others to believe. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I will act in faith and boldness. I carry the resurrection power of Christ, and through His name, I will see the impossible made possible.
Paul Raises Eutychus
"Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. 'Don’t be alarmed,' he said. 'He’s alive!'" (Acts 20:10)
Reflection: Paul’s immediate response to the crisis was one of faith and action. He didn’t panic but instead trusted in God’s power to restore life. His calm assurance and quick action demonstrate the importance of remaining composed and faith-filled in critical situations.
Aftermath: The resurrection of Eutychus brought great comfort to the believers, and Paul continued to teach and strengthen them in their faith.
Prayer: Lord, help me to respond with faith and assurance in every crisis. Fill me with Your power so that I may bring hope and life to those in need. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I will respond to every situation with faith and boldness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I will be a vessel of life and restoration.
The Faith of the Hebrew Boys in the Fiery Furnace
- "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)
Reflection: The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the face of certain death is a powerful example for believers today. They did not waver in their trust in God’s power, nor did they demand a specific outcome. Instead, they stood firm, knowing that God was able to save them but choosing to trust Him regardless of the result. This unwavering faith is the kind needed when confronting impossible situations, such as raising the dead. Their story teaches us that God honors faith that remains steadfast even when the outcome is uncertain.
Aftermath: God honored their faith by delivering them from the fire, and His power was made known to the entire kingdom. King Nebuchadnezzar declared, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants!" (Daniel 3:28)
Prayer: Lord, give me the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Help me to stand firm in the face of trials and trust in Your power, no matter the outcome. Strengthen my heart to remain steadfast in You. Amen.
Declaration: I declare that I have unwavering faith in God. I trust in His power and His will, and I will stand firm in the face of every trial, knowing that He is able to deliver and restore.
2. Believers Are Empowered to Raise the Dead
Jesus explicitly stated that His followers would do the works He did, including raising the dead:
- "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)
He further instructed His disciples:
- "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:8)
The power to raise the dead is not limited to a select few; it is a mandate given to all believers who have faith in Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: Do you believe that God can use you to raise the dead? Are you willing to step out in faith and trust His power working through you?
3. Eliminating Doubt: Building Unshakable Faith
Doubt is one of the greatest hindrances to operating in the supernatural. When Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter, He first removed those who were filled with doubt and unbelief:
- "After He put them all out, He took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with Him, and went in where the child was." (Mark 5:40)
Faith is essential for miracles. James admonishes believers:
- "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:6)
Steps to Build Faith:
Immerse Yourself in God’s Word: Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Pray in the Spirit: Praying in tongues builds up your faith (Jude 1:20).
Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Believers: Fellowship with those who believe in God’s power strengthens your faith.
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my faith. Remove every trace of doubt and unbelief from my heart. Help me to trust fully in Your power to bring life where there is death. Amen.
4. Template for Raising the Dead
When faced with a situation where someone has died, believers can follow this faith-filled template:
Step 1: Seek God’s Will and Guidance
Begin by praying and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Ensure that your heart is aligned with God’s will.
- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Step 2: Build an Atmosphere of Faith
Remove doubt and unbelief from the environment. Surround yourself with faith-filled believers who will stand in agreement with you.
Step 3: Command Life in the Name of Jesus
With boldness and authority, command the dead person to rise in the name of Jesus.
- "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
Step 4: Declare the Word of God
Speak life by declaring Scriptures that affirm God’s power over death.
- "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, is living in you." (Romans 8:11)
Step 5: Give Thanks and Praise
Thank God for His power and faithfulness, regardless of the outcome.
- "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
5. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
Raising the dead is not a human effort; it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers must rely completely on His power and leading.
- "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8)
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power. Use me as a vessel to demonstrate Your resurrection power. Let Your glory be revealed through me. Amen.
Closing Encouragement
Raising the dead is a profound demonstration of God’s power and love. As believers, we are called to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who conquered death and gave us authority over it. Do not allow doubt or fear to hinder you. Stand boldly in faith, trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, and be a vessel through which God brings life.
- "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues... they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (Mark 16:17-18)
Believe. Act. Trust. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
Comments
Post a Comment