THE FLOATING AXE: Are we missing the message of the miracle?

Most of the record we have of Elisha speaks of the many miracles he performed. One such occurred when he encouraged a young man to reach for the broken axe. While the miracle is fascinating it would not have happened if Elisha had not been a humble follower.

The sons of the prophets explained to Elisha that his way was too restrictive and told him they would go to Jordan to create a more relaxed space where they could live. Elisha told them to go ahead and go. What happens next is the most important part of the miracle of the floating axe. 

The best leaders know when to follow and when Elijah was invited to go with these young men he answered, “I will go.” If Elijah had allowed the authority of his position to get the best of him, if he had not been humble, he would not have been with the sons of the prophets when they needed his help.

Elisha was known to be gentle and affectionate. His heart was open and he was able to recognize that the sons of the prophets needed a different style of teaching/living. We are not all created equal but rather possess different qualities which require a unique set of circumstances. The miracle of floating axed occurred only because the performer of the miracle was humble enough to be where he was needed most.

2 Kings 6
1 And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
3 And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
4 So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
5 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.
6 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.
7 Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

HE KNOWS OUR THOUGHTS: It's not a cliche

It is often said that Heavenly Father knows our thoughts and is in the details of our lives. We may think of this as a cliche’ but it was never more real to me than last Sunday morning.

There have been times in my life when I have made a dedicated effort in a daily study routine. Lately I have been slack on my scripture study and gaining greater knowledge and insight into gospel truths.

Last Saturday night I made a conscious choice to watch Netflix instead of spending my leisure time preparing for the Sabbath Day. Just before turning on the TV I said to myself, “I could study and become spiritually prepared for tomorrow or I can sit and watch a mindless movie.” I chose the later. The next morning I woke earlier than usual and faced another decision, “I could read and ponder the scriptures or I could not.” I lay in my bed thinking that I had spent so many years studying and had a firm grip on the scriptures, the lessons, my testimony etc. I choose to take some sense of comfort in my lackadaisical behavior, yet deep in my soul I did not feel confident about my choice.

I was ready for church a few minutes before Ra. While I waited I decided to pick up my bible with the hope of read something quick that would prepare me to take the Sacrament. I literally had minutes before leaving the house. I sat down and, as we do so often, let the scriptures open at will. I read the first five verses of Hebrews 2. Clearly I was being reprimanded for choosing less important activities. The advice was to give “more earnest heed” to the directive to study with the intent to gain greater knowledge and connect more deeply to truth.

I have carried this brief but pointed experience with me through the week. I have examined inspiration during prayer and been cognisant of my time. I am keenly aware that I must use my time more wisely by balancing moments of work, leisure and study. Verse four helped me to realize that I have been gifted with capabilities and I have a responsibility to share the inspiration I have received. Thus, I will also make a greater effort to respond to promptings that implore me to reach out and share with others.

This experience has solidified for me the cliche that is constantly spoken, “He knows our thoughts.” I had heard the words so often and thought I knew the truth of the statement. But it was never more real to me than it was last Sunday morning. The love I have for Heavenly Father and my Savior must be the guiding force which prompts me to action.

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

The things we think we know will slip away when we choose a less committed lifestyle.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

How shall I escape if I neglect the word of God or the experience of Prophets and Apostles and written in scripture? Salvation comes by practical application of knowledge. How do I gain useful knowledge if I do not study truth?

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Heavenly Father has chosen people to speak on His behalf. He has performed miracles and opened their hearts and minds to eternal laws, principles and truths. He has done this through the power of the Holy Ghost and done so at His own will. Heavenly Father uses His children for the purpose of growth. Not only the growth of the individual who received the knowledge, but also the growth of others as that knowledge is shared in spoken and/or written word. It is not our place to judge the messenger. Instead we must feel the truth which lies in the message.

5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

We are subject to angels who once lived and sacrificed their lives for the truths that were shared. They had the courage to speak and then to write, we must have the courage to exercise faith and a willingness to “heed the things we have heard”