Gtcotr/ss123018
2 Kings 6 NKJV
1 ¶ And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us.
2 “Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.”
3 Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.”
4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.
5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax headfell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
6 So 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.
7 Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.
Elisha is considered to be the leading prophet of his time and as such is a representative of Almighty God. Today we can use this story as more than a historical record … remember, Bible stories are roadmaps for us to follow.
Three things we can take home with us and our families today which will help us stay on course andfinish the year strong.
1. Exercise and resistance serve to strengthen us more than rest and relaxation.
a. These were difficult times for the Children of Israel under the idolatrous King Jehoram.
b. Yet, the school of the prophets had increased in numbers sufficient to be in great need of expansion.
c. However, as Exodus 1:12 says …
Exodus 1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew …
d. When things get tough – you get tougher. God is not making things difficult, in fact, He is the One Who created the law of resistance and exercise.
e. God will not allow His enemies to defeat you.
2. God will often work with you where He will not work without you.
a. These men didn’t just sit around looking at the problem … they got a plan.
b. Anyone can curse the darkness – the wise light a lamp.
c. They took initiative.
d. It’s harder for God to get people stepping than it is for Him to direct their steps.
e. While people are waiting on a move of God, God is waiting on a move of people.
2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
f. A willing worker will find His plans blessed by the Lord.
3. Stay Sharp
a. Don’t get so busy working that you lose what it takes to do the work.
b. We must pay attention to what it takes to doand get what we want to have and keep.
c. This man was working hard doing what he believed in and didn’t notice that he was losing his edge.
d. The prophet asked him, “Where did it fall?”
e. You will normally find it in the same place you lost it.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
Don’t loose your edge … if you do … Tell God where you lost it, He will apply the cross, but you’ll have to pick it up for yourself.
