Do Axe Heads Float?

"But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”    2 Kings 6:5   NKJV

Life for a student can be hard work - lots to do, essays, exams and home work each evening. Add to this they may have very little cash to live on, and getting a part time job can be a priority.

We read that Elisha had started a School for Prophets which was well attended. However, after time, the place in Jericho was found to be too small for the students. Therefore, they decided to go and build a new place near the Jordan and asked Elisha to go with them, which he agreed to.

One day as they were cutting down trees, one of the students, lost his axe head and it sank into the deep water. He was beside himself with worry. The axe, which was an expensive one, had been borrowed and the student had no way of retrieving the axe or buying one in replacement. Furthermore, as it was borrowed, he would need to pay the cost to who had loaned him this. It was an impossible task - and impasse, and the student was out of his head with worry and fear. He did the right thing and ran to Elisha and blurted out what had happened. Elisha asked him to show him where it had occurred.

They both looked into the water but it was not possible to see it. So Elisha, cut a stick and threw it into the water where it had fell. Immediately, the axe head floated to the surface. Elisha said, 'Well I've done my bit, now you can do yours. Pick the axe head up. (my words)' Notice that God will do what He has to do but, will expect you to do your bit too. This was a mind-blowing miracle. This axe head was solid iron and very heavy. There is no way that this could float - was there? Yes, as we've seen time and time again, nothing is too hard for God to do. He cares and is interested.

God saw the student's problem. He was in debt with no chance of paying for it. He could go to jail for this but, God saw all of this and rescued the student from the clutches of being a debtor. The Formula was:

THE PROBLEM  The axe head was very heavy and costly too. The student had borrowed this, probably like we would from a hire service. They would want their axe head or money back. But the student couldn't do this. He was in an impossible place to be.

THE MIRACLE  Elisha got a stick and threw it into the water in the area the axe and sank. With that, the axe head rose out of the water and floated on the surface.

THE MEANING  This shows God's care and compassion for His people. This young chap was on the brink of a wonderful career but without the axe head, he was in big trouble. God, reached down and changed the situation.

And He will continue to do this as we walk in step with Him. He is interested in the big and the very small areas of our life and is willing to demonstrate this whenever there is a need. Are you missing an axe head? You just need to call on Him!

'If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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