Reliance on God’s Power
When Elisha and the sons of prophets decided to go to Jordan and build a dwelling there, the iron axe-head of one of them fell into water while cutting wood
“But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.”
2 Kings 6:4-5
Borrowed axe head
It symbolises the sorrows given to us by others. Their harshness, injustices, atrocities etc. are like an iron axe head which press us down, do not allow us to come to the surface and breathe the fresh air of freedom
And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
2 Kings 6:6
Iron did swim
Can we solve our problems with our own efforts? Can we take out the iron from the bottom of water by making arduous efforts? So, whom should we seek? The Word of God is like a stick which Elisha cast in the water. The result was that the iron floated contrary to the laws of nature and science! Similarly, laborious efforts and powers of the world cannot solve our problems.
We need to trust our Heavenly Father to take the ‘iron’ out of our lives by simply trusting Him that He is leading us through a perfect plan.
Divine Courage and Lord’s Forgiveness Reflected
Elisha had visionary powers which served to defeat every plan which the Syrians made to besiege Israel.
So, the King of Syria sent a host of troops to capture him. When Elisha’s servant informed him of the approaching troops, he was not at all moved or afraid.
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2 Kings 6:16
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1John4:4
Elisha used his power of prayer to make them all blind. Then, he led them to Samaria promising to hand over their target (he himself) to them, which they were unaware of. Then, he offered another prayer to restore their eyes.
When the King of Israel asked Elisha to smite them, the latter not only asked him to forgive them but directed him to serve their enemies with bread and drink.
After feeding his enemies, he safely sent them away. And after that the Syrian bands didn’t come to Israel.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;”.
Luke 6:35
When I feel pressed down in my life as human nature is very deceptive, I always rely on the love of Abba Father and His sovereign power. He works in ways which can defy the laws of nature. If we have enough faith, we can even walk on water as our Master did. It all depends on how much we submit to His will, remain focused on His teachings and listen to the voice of the Holy spirit.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us to always rely on you for all our physical,emotional and spiritual needs. May we always place our trust in God as with Him, nothing is impossible. May the peace of God always rule our hearts.
In Jesus’s name,
Amen.
Sol. Neelam Sharma