Scripture Reference 2 Kings 6:1-7 (NKJV)
And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. 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.” Then one said, “Please consent 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 cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.” 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. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.
Have you ever entered a contract? Do you stop to evaluate how binding contracts and covenants are? If they contain clauses that cause us some amount of discomfort, we have choices. We may either negotiate an adjustment or choose not to make a commitment. If, on the other hand, we agree with the written terms, we become obligated to place our signature on the dotted line. Thus signifying that we are bound by the terms.
One of the presidents of the United States coined a slogan: Yes, we can. As appealing as it was, many people are curtailed by influences that result in a lifestyle that demonstrates: No, I can’t. However, believers, by God’s power can do exploits. (Daniel 11:32)
Like Elijah, Elisha walked in the miraculous. As a leader, we expect that Elisha’s lifestyle depicted dedication and a walk that was perfect before God. We see the followers saying to him that, “… the place where we dwell with you is too straight for us”. This could mean that it was too small size wise, but in any event, it created restrictions.
The covenant that Abram had with God was that he should be perfect. (Genesis 17: 1-5). Yet we see him, after his name was changed to Abraham, sleeping with his maid, and disclaiming his wife. That is a far cry from a picture of perfection. Those
actions did not make null and void, the covenant that was made between Abraham and God.
When we become children of God, we automatically enter a relationship with God. One clause in that contract is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It distinctly states a condition: IF. Could it be that we choose to walk in a new direction? There are signs along the old path that attract us to walk close to the edge, but there is where we can fall off the cliff. Unbelievers watch us to see the evidence that we are new creatures.
We agree to put on the whole armor as is stated in Ephesians 6 :11. Another clause in the contract is 1 Peter 1: 3-5. Grace has helped us thus far and we are being sustained by God’s power through faith. When our faith shield is activated, there is no limit to what God can do with a surrendered life.
The terms of the contract have been directed at humans not angels. Therefore, since God commands us to be holy, He has given us the tools whereby we can exercise holiness. Let us ask ourselves, “What can’t God do?” He cannot wink at sin: outright, blatant disobedience to God. However what CAN GOD do? (Philippians 3:21)
As children of God, we seek to please Him. In striving towards perfection, we allow the Spirit to control, not only our thoughts, but also, our actions. The road becomes arduous when we try to walk the walk of faith in our own strength and abilities. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Elisha’s followers declared that the way was too confining. As a result, they chose to create their own space. In other words, they would be their own boss and make their own decisions. When the word of God is chiseled down for our convenience, it loses its efficacy. When God gives directives, it is incumbent on us to follow them if we should reap their benefits.
On our own, we struggle, make wrong decisions, and experience avoidable hardships. On their way to Jordan, the sons of the prophet took what they thought would be necessary for them to build. They envisioned a place of comfort that would be suitably large enough for them. Elisha gave them permission, but they wanted him to sanction their journey, by accompanying them. Although it was not the perfect plan, Elisha went with them.
No doubt, as a prophet, he sensed that all would not be well. Trouble was brewing. The fact that one of them told Elisha that he should, “Be content….” suggest that Elisha may have had some misgivings about their plans. We see the Prophet telling them to go, (2 Kings 6:2) then we see him agreeing to go with them (6:3).
Sometimes we are so determined to have our own way. Then we walk in God’s permissive will, as opposed to His perfect will: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Matthew 6:10; Romans 12: 1, 2; Psalm 18: 30-36.
GOD CAN control everything. Free agents also can choose either morality or immorality. The mind of Christ makes all the difference. The decision was made to create more space. The sons of the prophet craved more latitude. Sometimes we deem the Bible to be too restrictive, so we coin our own adjustments. Then subconsciously, we rehearse them. Overtime, we begin to believe and repeat them as if they were gospel.
Although they did not have their own tools to perform the job, one of the men decided to make a way at any cost. What lengths will we pursue to implement our plans? One way or the other, they would get wood to build their new place. Did they ask for Elisha’s opinions? Can’t we just imagine that they formed a committee, made their plans, and then presented their decision to Elisha?
Similarly, we make plans, present them to God, show Him the possibilities and advantages of those plans, and then we expect His approval. Then when things go contrary to our desires, we become shocked and wonder why God is not in agreement with us. Job had such an experience. He proposed questions to God, but God reminded him that He, Job, was nonexistent when He, God, created the heaven, earth and all that we enjoy. (Job 38: 3-7) We need to take inventory of what God has done and conclude that indeed, “HE CAN”.
The sons of the prophet just knew that they had Elisha’s approval because he went with them. They began the job. Up to that point, things seemed to be progressing well. If they were looking for signs as to whether they were on the right path, they would have been convinced that they were. Since Elisha did not object to their plan, that could have been interpreted as His stamp of approval. We are not told that they even consulted God.
Then came an interruption. One of the axes that was borrowed fell into the water. Needless to say, it sank. Can we hear the screams, the sighs of despair? Can we sense the hopelessness that pervaded the atmosphere? That was a day of trouble. What was the borrower to do: hide; concoct a story; face the fact?
The blame game could easily have been exercised. Elisha was not consulted about making more room. He was informed that there were restrictions to their flexibility on the path that they walked with him. Yet, he was the first person that was called to listen to their problem. At that point, he was addressed as “Master”. Had Elisha been recognized as such prior to their traumatic experience, his opinion would have been solicited, before they carried out their plans.
Who is our Master? Is God used as our Master or our Servant? We tend to switch His role when it seems convenient for us. We, His servants, work for Him. As such, we take orders and execute His will: whatever brings Him glory. The mountains, hills, valleys, rough places, and smooth paths all result in glory for God, if we allow Him to take us through. (Isaiah 43:2) Sometimes we see Him using dirt, spit, a touch, people, or even a word. He utilizes whatever He chooses to bring His desired outcomes.
Compassionately, Elisha ran to the rescue. What were they thinking about his inquiry? Why did it matter where the axe head had fallen? It was a whole expanse of water. Every drop looked similar. Likewise, our situations may appear similar, however, we may experience different results based on multiple factors. Even identical twins have subtle differences.
The axe was made of iron, so wherever it fell, that is where it should remain. The law of nature dictates that iron sinks because its substance is dense. Against all odds, it would have to be replaced, regardless of how priceless it had been. In asking about the whereabouts of the submerged axe head, Elisha must have had one thing in mind: a miracle was needed to retrieve it. If we are open to experiencing the miraculous, we must see God as being able. Doubt will defeat us every time. What if the servant began to rationalize all the impossibilities? The story would have had a different end.
What miracle are we reasoning away? The word of either faith or defeat is in our mouth. We need God’s grace to speak like God does. HE CAN subdue whatever. His will is perfect for us. What is our confession? John in his third epistle heard that Gaius was sick, and he said he wished above all things that Gaius would be healthy and prosperous. John spoke health even during sickness. (3 John verse 2) Therefore, we must practice speaking about our situations as if they have already been resolved. Our words can entrap the endless possibilities that God has for us.
The reality is that GOD CAN make all grace abound to us. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Inexplainable favor is available for us. The God of the impossible has abundant blessings that we cannot exhaust. If we fail to utilize them, they may be passed to someone else.
How can a piece of stick displace enough water to cause a piece of iron to float? Elisha had to follow some steps for this miracle to be materialized. His steps had to be: know the ability of his God; trust that God would demonstrate His power; use what was available to him and; act beyond natural reasoning. Should we also follow those steps, we too will experience God’s hand at work for us.
After the manifestation of Elisha’s faith, can we hear everyone asking, “How did you do that?” Paul answers that question for us in Hebrews 2: 18. God answers our calls of distress. Why? Because He can. We are equipped with mighty weapons to counteract strongholds. We need to use the weapons of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer because they are powerful enough to demolish the weapons that are formed against us. (Isaiah 54: 17)
We are in a covenant with God and He upholds His end. Yes, GOD CAN.
Dr. O. A. James
REFLECTION
Give a scripture reference and share an occasion when you proved that scripture promise to you.