2 Kings 6:1-17

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Miracle of the Floating Ax Head

BACKGROUND NOTES

What were the sons of the prophets doing by the River Jordan at this point?
What happened to cause some concern?
How did Elisha rectify the situation?
What is noteworthy about the workman?
Did God care about the workman in this situation?
What did God expect from the workman?
What is the applied meaning of the doctrinal point, “God cares about the ax head of His willing people?”

They were expanding their school by building new quarters.
While they were cutting down trees, an ax head flew off its handle and sank into the river.
He cut a stick and threw it into the river. The ax head floated up to it.
He was concerned about the ax head, for it was borrowed. He wanted to do the right thing. Also, he obeyed Elisha when the ax head floated by reaching out and picking it up.
God’s care was evident, in that through Elisha he performed a miracle of restoration.
He expected him to work, both in doing the work of the Lord (in this case, cutting down trees for the expansion of the quarters) and in reaching out during the miracle.
God cares about the small problems of life, the incidental things that cause us concern. By inference here, God expects us to be willing workers, participants in what we can do concerning our problems. He doesn’t do for us what we can do for ourselves.

How can you become more aware of God’s care for you? How does He care for small problems in your life? Recall times when you found this to be true.
List some of the “ax heads” in your life right now. What are you doing about them? And, most importantly, are you asking for God’s help?

“Please consent to go with your servants! Elisha answered, ‘I will go.” 2 Kings 6:3
“Pick it up yourself…’ He reached out his hand and took it.” 2 Kings 6:7