In our 2 Kings passages, we read about the great and mighty deeds of God, as done through the prophet Elisha. There was the multiplication of the widow's oil, which paid her debts and kept her family out of slavery. Then there was a miraculous birth, as foretold by the prophet. A child was raised from the dead, and an entire village was saved from potential poisoning. Then there was the miracle of multiplied grain, followed by the healing of a leper (not to mention the supernatural curse of leprosy which Elisha's greedy servant incurred upon himself). Later, that same servant was allowed insight into the spiritual dimensions, where he saw angelic defenders ready to protect him from his enemies. But of all the miracles recorded in these chapters, none stands out to me more than the miracle of the floating axe head. 2 Kings 6:1-7 says:
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.
Why does this miracle stand out above the rest, when it seems like the other miracles involved very important matters and this was a trivial concern?
That is exactly the reason why it excites me so much! Most believers know that God might choose to intervene in issues of great importance. They might dare to pray for a miracle in matters of life and death, serious illness, personal protection, or national security. But it's just such a surprise to read that God would care about a man's lost axe head.
Yet, God did care.
That axe head had been borrowed, and God cared about the man not losing face with his friend. Or, God knew that purchasing a new axe head might put a strain on personal finances. Still, you might say that it wouldn't put that much of a strain on anybody's money. That may be true--but the truer it is, the more it underscores the very important point that God cares about the little things.
If it's important to you, then it's important to God.
These men of God knew that if they could trust God to take care of the big things, they could also trust Him to take care of the little things. Too many believers will trust God for the big things in their lives, but they think that their smaller concerns are too trivial for the God of the universe to care about.
The miracle here is that the God of the universe cares about you!
What are the "axe heads" in your life, that you need to trust God for? Take your little problems to the Lord, as well as your big issues. Remember, if the big things aren't too much for Him, then He can certainly tare care of even your littlest needs!
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