Elisha, 3of3

~ A Man of God: Interactions With Saints ~

The Book of 2 Kings provides three differing views in three successive chapters regarding Elisha—a “man of God”—and his relationships with others. 

In Chapter 4 we see Elisha’s interaction with the Savior.

In Chapter 5 we see Elisha’s interaction with the sinners.

In Chapter 6 we see Elisha’s interaction with the saints.

Elisha Was A “Man of God”  ~  Like Chapters 4 & 5 there are clear statements that Elisha was a “man of God” (2 Kings 6:6, 9, 10, 15).

Elisha’s Interaction With the Sons of the Prophets  ~  “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” (2 Kings 6:1-7).  In this third successive chapter we see the power of God continuing to be manifested through this “man of God.” 

observations  ~  First, the ax head may be a type (or symbolic) of our testimonies—our cutting edge.  Second, notice that he realized it was lost (6:5).  Third, a key step in recovering is realizing where the sinking occurred and going back to that point for confession and recovery (6:6). 

Finally, recognize that God usually does the unexpected as He rewards the faith of His children.   A couple of examples from just a little earlier in Scripture include God sending ravens to feed the starving prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-7) and the account of the poor widow’s bin of flour and jar of oil holding out (1 Kings 17:8-16).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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