2nd Kings 6 UNSEEN REALITIES
In the teaching process, to follow chronological order is not always the best way to learn a lesson. Some subjects are best addressed in settings that are most suitable for the lesson to get maximum impact. The miracles the Lord performed through His servant, Elisha, covered a period of about fifty years. In the account of the axe-head that floated, the point of the incident is made for the benefit of those who are unbelievers. Is God interested in the small things that happen to us personally? Or are His concerns only with the life of a nation and the impact faith in Him has on the greatest number of people?
The "sons of the prophets" were not the greatest bunch of people. They didn't take care of the needs of a widow of one of their group even though it meant she would have to sell her sons as slaves. At least one of them was not aware of what was good and bad to eat so he probably was not used to going out on a regular basis to meet the needs of others. A third was not used to the physical labor needed to cut logs and lost his axe-head. Elisha was there to use his wisdom and maturity in divine service to meet the need of those who were incapable. His answer to the problem was to "cut" a stick and throw it into the water and the axe-head floated. Someone else was there who knew how to use an ax. When we fail, we need someone to turn to who knows what is needed and how to do it.
Making a larger meeting place for the people of God to meet does not escape the interest of God. To borrow a tool from another person is not wrong, but it is to be expected that it will be returned in good shape when one has finished. It may seem like a small thing, but one's character is made evident if when it is returned it is in as good or better condition than when it was borrowed. A broken tool that is brought back to the owner is a testimony that you are not as important to him as his own self-centered interest. Some will even lie to cover up their failure in some way.
The prophets needed a larger place. That was a good thing. They took steps to meet the need and during that time the axe head was lost in the river. That was a bad thing, particularly if it was caused by carelessness. It may have been simply an unfortunate problem if it was totally a surprise. In either case, "The borrower is servant to the lender," and it is up to the borrower to make restitution. To replace an item that would have been as scarce as an axe-head in that society in that day, would have been very difficult. God knows the circumstances of every situation and is able to meet the need according to His will. he chose to use His power to supersede the gravitational pull of nature, and that which could not happen, actually took place. A testimony of trustworthiness was maintained. A man's faith in the God he served was strengthened. Elisha's calling as a prophet was affirmed. The people of God have been assured of God's interest in the small things of life all through the passing generations.
Another lesson for us to learn is that no matter what is happening in the world at large, our omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent Lord is aware of it all. Decisions made by people in secret; plans made in self- interest; attitudes held - even "the thoughts and intents of the heart," are open before the Lord. The Syrian king could not get ahead with his invasion plans because of divine intervention on behalf of the people of God, even though they were not in obedience to Him.
Faith makes us conscious of the presence of God in every situation in life, whether it be good or bad. God's power is not limited even if our spiritual eyesight is. On the occasions when difficulties seem impossible to overcome, we need to remember there is a greater strength available to us because "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." Those who are "heirs of salvation" obey His commandments and listen to His voice, are ministered to by an "innumerable company of angels" who serve and care for us, even though we never see them. The eyes of Elisha's servant were opened to the unseen reality of the heavenly host that circled the city on the high ground with their horses and chariots of fire.
The same Lord who can open the eyes to see unseen realities, can close the eyes of those who oppose to Him to earthly realities. Blindness and defeat go together at times when people are in opposition to God. The Aramean army was blinded by the Lord and led into the center of the walled city of Samaria where they were taken captive by the power of God. He can make an axe-head swim in assistance to one of His own servants. He can bring a whole army to surrender without "firing a shot." Whether a matter is great or small , He is the sovereign God who can do what He chooses - and He gives us the privilege of serving Him.
Our God can also bring a whole nation to its knees by shutting off its food supply. "The fullness of the earth" is His and it is His choice as to whether the bounty beneath our feet is released or not. The actions of people under stress reveal what is in our hearts. When poverty and hunger strikes, our faith in God is put to the test. In spite of the ways God had miraculously worked on behalf of the nation, Joram still maintained his attitude of unrepentance and unbelief. Even when his people began behaving worse than animals, he still blamed God and His servant Elisha for his own sins and the consequences thereof. In his anger against God he tore his own clothes, rather than in repentance for his sin and the sorrow sin brings. National sin calls for national repentance. That calls for those who lead to humble themselves in repentance and turn to God. Then the citizens will be inclined to follow their lead.
Apparently Jehoram was about to surrender to the Syrians rather than bow to God. His blindness to heavenly and spiritual realities never was lifted because his faith was only in himself and the false gods he worshipped. It is wise for us to never be limited to that which is physical when it comes to the issues we face in life, whether they be small or great. God can make people blind to earthly reality and can give sight to spiritual reality. He waits for our faith to be demonstrated in appropriate actions in all matters of life we face.
2Kings 6:16. “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
UNSEEN REALITIES. Much around us is real though unseen. There is present with us now and always has been The air we breathe, the five senses we have – All the unseen realities are what God gave To remind us continually of His Person and Power – That Life-Source is revealed in mountains or flowers. We are without excuse to believe because what we can see – Makes us to consider all the unseen realities.
There are unseen persons that are not seen by men. Angels surround the saints and protect the children. There are heavenly hosts that honor and praise God. There are demonic foes we resist by the power of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is unseen and He dwells within The body of believers; also convicts unbelievers of sin. The Lord himself is in our midst when we gather; He promised to be with us, and also God the Father.
So even though we are in the world surrounded by enemies – We are protected and guided by unseen Realities. It is not necessary to see them for we live by faith – And experience these realities through God’s kindness and grace. It doesn’t make something right because I may see What I consider to be true because it’s a visible reality. My eyes may deceive me and cause me to stray – But unseen realities experienced by faith are with me to stay.
“Almighty God, revealed to us in so many ways: my mind and heart, my senses and life all remind me of Thy Person, Thy Power, and Thy grace. We are traveling today and I ask Thee that these unseen realities will guide and protect us through this journey. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”