Lessons from an Axe Head

What would you do if the iron axe head you had borrowed fell into the water and quickly sunk to the bottom of the river?

The prophets were having an awesome time learning from Elisha. The depth of wisdom that he shared was just what they needed to hear in the midst of all that was going on around them. This company of prophets had become so great that they decided to build a bigger place to accommodate everyone who desired to listen to Elisha.

Elisha graciously agreed with this idea and willingly accompanied them to the Jordan River where they would cut down trees for the new dwelling.

Fueled by their desire to finish the task as quickly as possible, each prophet grabbed an axe and got to work. Some of the prophets had borrowed axes on their way to the river, promising to return them as soon as they finished the job.

As one of the prophets lunged at one of the trees, the iron axe head of his borrowed axe separated from the handle and with a splash, landed in the waters of the Jordan!

“Oh no! What am I going to do? How will I get the axe head back?”

The prophet was beside himself with worry as he ran to Elisha for help.

“Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” (2 Kings 6:5b NIV)

Elisha, cool as a cucumber as always, responded, “Where did it fall?”

The prophet thought to himself for a split second as he tried to remember the exact spot where it fell. As he did so, he wondered whether it would make a difference showing Elijah where the axe head fell. It had probably been washed downstream by the fast-moving waters of the Jordan.

“It fell right here,” he told Elisha, pointing at the water.

Elisha cut a stick from a nearby tree and threw it at the spot where the prophet pointed. Everyone watched with bated breath to see what would happen next.

Suddenly, they saw something shiny floating in the dark waters of the river.

“Look! It’s the axe head!”

The prophet was dumbfounded. How could a stick make an axe head float?

“Lift it out,” Elisha instructed.

The man reached for the axe head and lifted it out of the water. He could not believe his eyes. He didn’t have to worry about paying for the lost axe head. God, through his prophet Elisha, had intervened.

As I read this story a few days ago, I put myself in the prophet’s shoes for a minute. He must have been quite stressed as he saw the axe head disappear into the water.

“This axe head was borrowed. Where will I get the money to buy another one?”

“It will sink right to the bottom before I even get close enough to catch it.”

“How will I complete this task without it?”

This guy was stressed, really stressed.

We have all had such moments.

As I visualized the scenario above, I thought about the various options that God had for sorting this out.

Miraculously providing the man with another axe head…

Touching the heart of the owner of the axe head making him forgive the man for losing his precious axe head…

Making the axe head fly out of the water (I know I am stretching things here…)

But God chose to return the same axe head, using His servant Elisha. Not a new one, and not a different one. The same one, right at the place where it fell in.

What a miracle!

This may seem like a simple miracle for us, and I can tell you that many times I have read this story, brushing it off as just another miracle. This time, however, the lesson was different.

GOD CARES.

Yes, God cares.

It was just an axe head! It was not money, possessions, land, a family member, or health. It was just an axe head that could probably be replaced at a local market. To the prophet, however, it was not just an axe head. He had borrowed it, promising to return it when he was done. His honor and integrity were at stake. Remember, at that time prophets were not a respected lot. Many people looked down on them because they had chosen to follow the Lord. If he didn’t return it like he said he would, the owner would probably think that all of the Lord’s prophets did not keep their word! This person would also be quick to tell everyone around not to trust these prophets because they were not people of integrity!

Now, do you see how important getting the axe head back was for the prophet?

Have you lost hope? Have you been praying for something and it’s like you are talking to a brick wall? Are you feeling like He is far away and in no hurry to answer your prayers?

I have news for you. GOD CARES.

You may not see God’s hand in your life right now. You may not feel His presence with you. You may be in a place where things are going from bad to worse. Let me remind you, however, that the Lord cares for you. He has not forgotten you and He knows exactly what you need right now. He loves you more than you would ever imagine.

Lord, today I pray for myself and anyone who has read this article and is feeling like You are so far away. I pray, Lord, that You would reveal Yourself to us. Show us Your mercy and love. Send little reminders of Your love and care our way to encourage our hearts. Give us the strength to keep trusting in You, and help us to wait patiently for the answers to our prayers. Amen.