One of the sons of the Prophets wanted to go to Jordan and asked him to go with them which he did. At Jordan, as they were cutting down trees, one of the workers axe head fell off into the water. He went to the man of God seeking help to retrieve the borrowed axe head. The man of God cast a stick into the water causing the iron to swim where he would be able to pick it up.
As I was reading this, I was thinking how many times do we need something but think the problem is too small to bother God with it so we try to take care of it ourselves. God wants us to call upon Him for all things not just when the problem seems too big for us to handle.
When the Syrians came down to battle God was with Elisha. He asked God to strike them blind and then Elisha led them to Samaria where God opened their eyes.The Syrians were fed and sent upon their way. How great is our God that He can win battles for us without bloodshed, and to imagine the example set for us in how to treat our enemies.
Four leprous men decided because there was famine in the city that they would go to the Syrians camp and ask for mercy. God once again caused the Syrians to retreat by making them hear horses and chariots that were not there. The lepers found the camp empty and went into it and ate and drank. They carried away silver, gold and raiment and hid it. They then went back to the city to inform the king of the empty camp. The king thought it was a trap. One of his servants asked that they take a few people down to check it out. They found it so and brought back the food and saved the city.
In Chapter 8 we find Jehoram the son of Jehosophat begins to reign as king. Like so many kings before him, he did evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord had promised David that He would always give a light to him and his children. So God did not destroy Jordan. When Jehoram died, his son Ahaziah reigned. Ahaziah also did evil in the sight of the Lord.
We see evil rulers all around us today. The Middle East is in an uproar against their leaders. Men who refuse to follow God. It still amazes me how one can turn their back on the one who created them and loved them enough to give them the very strength to turn from Him. God's blessing is so much greater than treasures here on earth. God tells us if we turn from our wicked ways and serve Him, He will heal our lands. Will we ever learn from history or will we continue to be like the Israelites of the Old Testament
Jeanette said....Boots, I, too, was wondering why something so trivial as retrieving the lost axehead would be worthy of mention in the Good Book!! I think you are right in saying it just gives us an example of how God is always there & ready to help us w/our little annoying problems as well as the big! Good observation. May we walk so closely w/Him that it would be natural to remember to seek His help in everything!!....(Saw a picture of Barbara's new grandboy today.....& boy is he GRAND!:) Congrats again, Grandma!!)
ReplyDeleteBoots, thanks for the reminder that God wants to hear about all of our problems-BIG & small. I tend to want God to just take care of the HUGE situations. He wants all of our lives. My niece who is 2 years old said to us the other day "God kissed my boo-boo." YES, HE DID!!! If we could just think as our children do!!!
ReplyDeleteIn SS today we talked about letting God solve our little problems but trying to take on our own big problems. While we say we are leaving it in God's hands, that we pick it up and take it back with us. Point is whether big or small if we have a problem and we take it to the Lord, leave it there. He can take care of it and will help us through the good and the bad times.
ReplyDeleteJust in case anyone was wondering, the sons of the prophets were a bunch of students studying for ministry. The Bible does record a Bible College!
ReplyDeleteI love all the examples of how Elisha met people's needs in these chapters. He shows people the personal nature of God. Just like you said Boots- no problem is too small. May we trust him with everything.
ReplyDeleteMs. Boots - I LOVE your point about God wanting us to turn over the little things to him as well as the big things. We cannot turn over only part of our lives to God...He wants it ALL!!!! So let's give it to Him!!!
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