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Elisha and The Floating Axe Head – Viral Believer
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Elisha and The Floating Axe Head

Today, we desire to share with you a profound moment in biblical history, where the mighty power of the Lord was revealed through His servant, Elisha.

The story of Elisha, found in 2 Kings 6:1-7, is not only a testament to God’s supernatural intervention in our lives but also serves as a reminder that the Lord is our Provider and Protector, attending to every intricate detail of our well-being.

In this account, we embark on a spiritual journey to discover precious gems of wisdom hidden within a narrative that demonstrates how the Lord interacts with His people and manifests His goodness in miraculous ways.

So, let us unite our hearts in fellowship and delve into the Word of God to experience the rich anointing of the Holy Spirit through the captivating story of . May our lives be forever impacted by the revelation of God’s love and power in this remarkable event, bringing us closer in our walk with Jesus.

I. The Miraculous Power of Elisha: A Testament to Unwavering Faith

The life of Elisha is a powerful testimony to the unwavering faith and the miraculous power available to believers who walk closely with the Lord.

Elisha, the successor to Elijah, had a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9) and performed double the number of miracles, demonstrating that unmistakable power of faith in the Lord. As we explore the miraculous power of Elisha, we are reminded to believe in God’s faithfulness and walk obediently in His ways.

One of Elisha’s most well-known miracles is healing the waters of Jericho. The people of Jericho complained to Elisha that their water was bad, causing the land to be unproductive.

Elisha poured a bowl of salt into the water source, proclaiming, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this water; from it, there shall be no more death or barrenness'” (2 Kings 2:21). God used Elisha to bring healing and restoration to this community, showing the transformative power of faith in our own lives.

Another miraculous feat Elisha performed was the multiplication of the widow’s oil. A widow approached Elisha, revealing her desperate financial situation and indicating her late husband’s debtors were planning to take her sons as slaves.

Elisha’s solution was divine: “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors – empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones” (2 Kings 4:3-4).

The widow followed Elisha’s instructions, and God miraculously multiplied the oil to fill all the vessels, allowing her to pay off her debt and live off the remaining oil.

Here are some more examples of Elisha’s miracles:

  • Ax head floats on water (2 Kings 6:1-7)
  • Raising a boy from death (2 Kings 4:32-37)
  • Curing Naaman’s leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-19)

As we learn from these stories of Elisha, we are encouraged to trust in the power of God at work in our own lives. He is still a God of miracles, intervening on behalf of His children to bring breakthrough and blessings. May we, like Elisha, have unwavering faith in the one true God and faithfully follow His guidance in our lives.

II. Divine Intervention: The Floating Axe Head and the Hand of God

One of the most compelling stories of divine intervention in the Old Testament can be found in 2 Kings 6, where we read about . This account serves as an outstanding reminder of how our all-powerful God is ever-present and ready to intervene in our lives on a personal and miraculous level.

The scene is set with Elisha and the sons of the prophets engaged in a building project near the Jordan River. In the midst of the work, one of the workers loses his borrowed axe head in the water.

Distraught over this loss, the man cries out to Elisha for help, who in turn responds with a supernatural act of divine intervention.

Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.” (2 Kings 6:6, NKJV) Elisha’s prayers and faith released the power of God to intervene, causing the axe head to defy the laws of nature and supernaturally float.

This extraordinary miracle reveals the kindness of God as He takes interest in even the seemingly small concerns of His children.

As we reflect on the story of the floating axe head, let us also consider other instances of divine intervention throughout the Bible, showcasing the Hand of God in dire situations:

  • Exodus 14: Parting of the Red Sea, where God created a pathway for the Israelites to escape the Egyptian army.
  • 1 Kings 17: Raising of the widow’s son, where the prophet Elijah, through God’s power, revived a young boy who had died.
  • Daniel 3: The fiery furnace, in which God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from the flames, unscathed.

These examples help us to appreciate God’s extensive love and care for all aspects of His people’s lives. His willingness to intervene in our lives is a testament to His faithfulness and answers our prayers for help. No matter the situation or the magnitude, God wants to be involved and bring about His divine resolution.

In our own lives, may we be reminded to involve God in all aspects of our daily walk, trusting that His divine intervention and guidance can lead us to experience the miraculous.

Whether it be in times of victory, struggle, or even for something seemingly insignificant like a lost axe head, we can be confident that our God is interested and invested in caring for our needs.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

III. Lessons on Trusting Providence and Overcoming Obstacles

In our walk with God, trusting in His providence is of utmost importance. This trust allows us to persevere through trials and overcome the obstacles that may seem insurmountable to us.

Let us explore some valuable lessons we can learn from the scriptures about trusting God’s divine providence and overcoming obstacles.

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” When we put our complete trust in God, He promises to direct our lives and guide us in the right direction.

This also means letting go of our limited understanding of situations and submitting completely to God’s will.

  • Reflect on a time when you trusted in God’s plan for your life. How did His guidance lead you through a difficult situation or decision?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to relinquish your own understanding and trust in God’s direction?

2. Overcome obstacles with faith: Time after time, the Bible demonstrates the power of faith in overcoming challenges. Consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David, a young shepherd, faced the giant warrior Goliath with nothing but a sling and a few stones.

Yet, his faith in God’s power enabled him to defeat the seemingly undefeatable foe. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When we exhibit true faith, we believe that God will fulfill His promises and do the impossible, even if we cannot see how it will happen.

  • What obstacles in your life seem insurmountable? How can you exercise faith to trust in God’s ability to help you overcome them?
  • What promises from God can you hold onto as you face these obstacles?

3. Be persistent in prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages believers to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Persistent prayer demonstrates our reliance on God’s provision and support.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow who continually sought justice from an unjust judge. Because of her persistence, the judge eventually granted her request. Jesus used this parable to teach His disciples about the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God’s timing.

  • How can you cultivate a habit of persistent prayer in your life?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to be more persistent in prayer, trusting in God’s timing and provision?

As we strive to trust in God’s providence and persistently seek His guidance through prayer and faith, we can confidently overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Let us hold fast to the promises found in His Word and rejoice in His unchanging love and faithfulness.

IV. The Timeless Message of Elisha’s Miracle: Hope, Humility, and Gratitude

Elisha’s miracle of healing the Syrian commander, Naaman, from a debilitating disease is a timeless message of hope, humility, and gratitude that we must embrace in our Christian walk. This miraculous account can be found in 2 Kings 5.

Once Naaman, a highly esteemed military commander, heard from a young Israelite girl that Elisha possesses the power to heal his ailment, he seeks permission from his king to make a journey to Israel. Thus, began Naaman’s journey of hope.

The hope that Naaman had in Elisha’s ability to heal is an example for us to believe and have faith in God’s divine intervention in our lives.

We can likewise, hold onto the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11, that states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God desires us to have hope in His power and presence during times of trouble and affliction.

Elisha’s simple prescription for Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times to be healed tests the commander’s humility.

Initially, Naaman was enraged and resisted the idea, expecting a more glorious and direct act of healing. However, after being counseled by his servants, he humbly heeds the instructions and receives cleansing through his obedience.

As Christians, we ought to have a humble heart, willing to submit ourselves to the will of our Heavenly Father to achieve His purposes.

In Proverbs 22:4, the Word of God reminds us, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” By keeping a humble and submissive heart, we open the door to countless blessings and guidance from the Creator.

Once cleansed, Naaman returns to Elisha filled with gratitude and praise to God. This act of giving thanks illustrates the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives and showing gratitude for the work He has accomplished in us and through us.

As the Apostle Paul exhorts us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A heart filled with gratitude acknowledges the goodness of God and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Elisha’s miracle in Naaman’s life continues to be a beacon of hope, humility, and gratitude for all who follow Christ.

The transformative power of hope, submitting to God in humility, and recognizing His blessings with gratitude, enables us to experience a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and receive His boundless love, grace, and mercy.

V. Living the Spirit of Elisha: Fostering a Faith-led Community Today

Just as Elisha demonstrated faith and dependence on God’s Spirit, we are called to foster a faith-led community today. One powerful example from Elisha’s life is the incident of the widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). Elisha encountered a widow who was left with nothing but a jar of oil, and she asked Elisha to help her.

He instructed her to gather empty vessels from her neighbors, shut the door, and begin pouring the oil into the vessels. Miraculously, the oil multiplied and filled every vessel, providing the means for her to pay her debt and support her family.

In this story, we see Elisha’s exemplary faith and reliance on God’s provision. As followers of Christ, let us emulate Elisha and foster this same trust in the Spirit to meet our needs and inspire us to serve others in our community.

Building a faith-led community today requires intentionality and commitment, as well as a culture of genuine love and mutual support. In order to create such an environment, here are some practical ways to follow Elisha’s example:

  • Pray together regularly, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every situation.
  • Study and meditate on the Word of God, letting it shape our hearts and minds.
  • Encourage and challenge one another to grow spiritually and live out the gospel message.
  • Put our faith into action through acts of compassion, service, and outreach within our local community.

These practices not only strengthen the bonds between the members of our faith community, but they also tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to the world around us.

Additionally, as we live out the faith-led lifestyle of Elisha, we open ourselves up to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within us. Thus, our churches and communities will be marked by the presence and power of God, and many will be drawn to the hope that we have in Christ.

Elisha’s spirit-filled life was not just an example for the people of his time but remains a model for Christians today. Alongside the practical steps mentioned above, let us always remember to cultivate humility, being open to correction, and maintain an attitude of gratitude for God’s blessings.

As we walk with the Holy Spirit and employ the practices Elisha exemplified, we enable our communities to become places where God’s Kingdom is powerfully experienced and visible.

So, take some time today to reflect on how you can personally contribute to fostering a faith-led community and embrace the Spirit of Elisha.

Conclusion

Elisha’s story is a reminder that through God, all things are possible. Though the odds were against him, his faith endured and he was able to perform a miracle with God’s guidance. Let Elisha’s story be an inspiration to us all, and remind us that with God, we can accomplish anything.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.