2 Kings 4:38 - 15:26
There are numerous stories in the Old Testament that make you scratch your head and ask, "Why is that story in there?" What in the world can we learn from a floating axe head?
Well, apparently quite a bit. One pastor wrote a serman called "Losing the Cutting Edge" about regaining the power of the Holy Spirit", another about the "Miracles of Elisha." But what is most interesting is this story's capability of foreshadowing the gospel.
2 Kings 6:4b-7 "They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. 'Oh my lord' he cried out, "it was borrowed!" The man of God asked, 'Where did it fall?' When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 'Lift it out, ' he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it."
Losing the Axe head
The axehead fell in the water.
We were made in the image and likeness of God. We had the ability and capability to walk with God, to hear His voice, and speak to Him. But sin has marred both our ability and capability to have that privelege. Sin has devastating effects on our "spirit." It dulls our sense of truth and prohibits us from accessing God.
The Cry of the Lost
When the prophet lost the axe head, he cried out.
At some point, we realize that there is something missing. As we attempt to go about our lives, we find out that what we are doing isn't working and doesn't make sense. Through God's providence, we are convicted and called.
The Significance of Borrowed
Iron was extremely rare and expensive during this time. It would have been impossible for the prophet to pay back the debt he owed to the person who lended the axe.
We also have a debt that can never be paid, by any actions on our part. It is impossible for us to repair the damage that sin has done.
Cut a Stick
Elisha cut a stick and threw it in the water and the axe head floated.
In Old Testament pictures we see God's power and authority exhibited through staffs and rods. Moses used his on many occasions. Eventually, God's plan involved Jesus dying on a cross and providing a remedy for the sin that barred our access to God. He provided the atonement for our guilt. But just as important Jesus enabled believers to live in the image and likeness of God again through the Holy Spirit's power.
Reach Out Your Hand
The only thing left is to reach out and grab the axe head, now that it is floating on the water.
God has done all the work to make salvation possible, we just have to reach out and grab it.
God has provided the restoration and means to be whole again, we just have to reach out and grab it.
How amazing is a God that cares about lost axe heads. (Mine would be the blunt one)
P.S. If you want to know how the axe fits back on the handle, God provided for that too. It can be found in the example of Jesus.
