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The Weekly Word: The floating ax-head

By Pastor Paul & Dixie Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

They came to the Jordan and started chopping down trees. As one of them was felling a timber, his ax-head flew off and sank in the river.

“Oh no, master!” he cried out. “And it was borrowed!”

Elisha said, “Where did it sink?”

The man showed him the place. He cut off a branch and tossed it at the spot. The ax-head floated up.

“Grab it,” he said. The man reached out and took it. 

— 2 Kings 6:4-7 

The Weekly Word: The floating ax-head
Paster Paul and Dixie Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

Can you imagine this man’s despair when he lost that borrowed ax-head? Have you ever lost or broken something that you borrowed? It’s not a good feeling.

Back in Elisha’s day an ax was a necessary tool for survival. He probably thought it was gone forever when it sank to the bottom of the river. Elisha asked a simple question, “Where did it sink?”

In a matter of moments the ax-head was floating on top of the water. I wish we had a video account of this story. I’d love to see the man’s face when this supernatural miracle took place.  The lost had been found.

God still cares when we lose things in our lives. Hearts become very heavy when we suffer the loss of a job, a spouse, a marriage, a child, or our health. Fill in the blank with what loss you are facing today.

We cannot escape heartache this side of heaven, but we are not left comfortless. God is the God of all comfort. He wants to come to each one of us and help us. His presence has “lifting” power.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

— 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Burdened hearts are heavier than iron ax-heads, but Elisha gives us a great example when he cut off a branch and tossed it in the water. I believe that branch is a type of the Cross.

When the Cross of Calvary touches the loss in our lives, something miraculous takes place. Heavy hearts rise with fresh hope and new life. Broken hearts can beat again. Only God has the power to make all things work together for our good and His glory.

That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. 

— Romans 8:28

Be encouraged today. If you are walking through loss, God sees and cares. He will not leave you comfortless. Reach out to Him. The God of Elisha is your God, too. Your story isn’t over yet. He still lifts heavy hearts and gives strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

— Jeremiah 29:11

• • •

Pastor Paul and Dixie Phillips have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church, 205 Madison St., in Floyd, since 1981. Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. To find out more about the church and ministry go to www.floydslighthouse.com

 

 

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