Ripple Effect

Google Images

Have you ever seen an axe head float?

The laws of physics insist this is impossible.

And yet Elisha dropped a stick in the Jordan where an axe head fell in, and it floated to the top.

Some might question, what kind of magician was this man? But his response would be likely to point us to his source of power. The LORD, his God. And given that God created the universe, including the laws of physics that dictate the ability of iron to swim, He can also break the rules for His own purposes. And in so doing, He receives glory and awe.

But why would He choose an axe head? Wasn't it an insignificant object?

Well. No. Actually, let's consider this. The servant told Elisha that the axe head was borrowed. He would have to return it. Or pay for it. And it's likely he didn't have the money to replace such a tool. I mean, if he could afford an axe, couldn't he have owned one?

Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there."

And he answered, "Go."

Then one of them said, "Be pleased to go with your servants."

And he answered, "I will go." So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, "Alas, my master! It was borrowed."

Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?"

When he showed him, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. And he said, "Take it up." So he reached out his hand and took it.  (2 Kings 6:1-7 ESV)

Like a stone splashing in the water, causing ripples to spread and multiply many times the stone's size, the axe head created waves expanding its reach beyond the school of prophets at the Jordan. Can you imagine this servant returning the axe to its owner? Perhaps his brother ...

"I've come to return your axe."

"Yeah? How'd it go? Any trouble?" He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. With a slight shake of his head, "I have to be honest. I was a little worried someone might get injured. After you left, I remembered the axe head was loose and I meant to tighten it." He fingered the handle, then turned the axe head over in his hand. "How'd you fix it?"

"I-I didn't." The servant shook inwardly. It was already loose? It could've flown off and hit the man of God ... he wouldn't worry about that right now. "It fell into the Jordan, and Elisha tossed a stick into the water, and it floated to the surface." If he hadn't witnessed it, he'd be sure he was a liar.

His brother narrowed his eyes and glared. "Iron don't swim."

"I know it sounds ..."

"It sounds like you hit your head. That's what it sounds like."

He did have a point. But the servant knew what had happened. He was there.

~~~

One thing leads to another. Either the story grows out of proportion to reality, or the truth's reach touches a far greater radius than anticipated.

I love this story. It doesn't matter how you spin the tale, there were witnesses to the event. Either everyone lied, or it truly happened.

Iron swam that day.

What lesson can we take from this? Let's ask the Word.

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)

"For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

"I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." (Job 42:2)

"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)

I am sure we can each name something that we think we've lost and are unable to retrieve. Relationship. Health. Finances. Time. You fill in the blank.

We have Someone to whom we can go for the redemption of the lost thing. A gentle thought: He might not restore the thing (it might have been unhealthy), but He will heal the wound and restore your ability to trust and your hope.

We can ask for restoration:

"Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we may be saved!" (Psalm 80:19)

"Restore us to Yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old--" (Lamentations 5:21)

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12) 

Courtesy Google Images

 What's your floating axe head? Ask, and He will restore in ways only He can.

Until next time,  make heaven crowded.  💜 Karlene J 💜

Stay tuned. Coming next: The Miracle of His Protection