You Must Protect Your Axe Head!

YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR AXE HEAD!

1. 2 KINGS 6:1 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. 4 And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” 6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.

2. ECCLESIASTES 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

INTRO: YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR AXE HEAD

The Story Of The Lost Axe-Head Is One Of A Miracle Of Recovery And Restoration especially where there is a desire to genuinely work for God. Thank God, He is still able to perform such miracles in our lives! In this incident, Elisha typifies the Lord Jesus; the company of the prophets typify Christian workers; and the axe-head speaks to us of the power, the anointing and the enablement of the Holy Ghost, without which all service is ineffective. This is an encouragement to those who desire to serve God. Work with focus knowing that God who has called you is more than able to sustain you even in the times of losses. Because committed and genuine church leaders are under attack from within and without, protect you axe head. It gives value to the wood. Paul says in Acts 20: 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.

THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY AND THE AXE HEAD

The Story Here Centers Around Elisha. Who is he? 1n 2 Kings 2, immediately before Elijah was caught up to heaven, his armor-bearer Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah being under God’s anointing replies that Elisha's request would be granted but not until Elijah is taken to heaven. How possible was it for a double anointing from this great MOG to fall on another?

Elijah: Know That This Man Elijah Performed 14 Miracles: Caused The Rain To Cease For 3½ Years (James 5:17). Was Fed By Ravens. Brought Widow's Son To Life. Made Barrel Of Meal & Jar Of Oil To Never Run Dry. Called Fire From Heaven On The Altar. Caused It To Rain. Prophesized Ahab's Sons Would Be Killed. Prophesized Jezebel Would Be Eaten By Dogs. Prophesized King Ahaziah Would Die Of His Illness. Called Fire From Heaven On 1st 50 Soldiers Of Samaria. Called Fire From Heaven On 2nd 50 Soldiers Of Samaria. Parted Jordan River With His Garment. Prophesized Elisha would Have A Double Portion Of His Spirit. Was Caught Up To Heaven In A Whirlwind.

Could Any Man Receive A Double Portion Of Elijah’s Spirit & Do 28 Miracles? Yes! God Gave That To Elisha: Parted The Jordan. Healed The Polluted Waters. Curse Children Who Mocked Him & 42 Eaten By 2 She-Bears. Miracle Of The Oil That Multiplied. Prophesized Shunammite Woman Would Have A Son. Resurrection Of The Shunammite Woman's Son. Healing Of Naaman. Cursing Gehazi With Leprosy. Floating Of Axe Head (14th Miracle). Could See Syrian Battle Plans. Struck Syrian Army With Blindness. Restored Sight Of Syrian Army. Prophesized End Of The Great Famine. Prophesized The King's Advisor Would See But Not Partake Of The Abundance. Revealed Hazael's Cruelty To Israel. Resurrected The Man Touched By His Bones (2 Kings 13:21).

A LOOK AT ELISHA, THE SONS OF THE PROPHETS AND THE AXE HEAD

A. When This Elisha Appeared, The Sons Of The Prophets Discovered Their Potential: 2 Kings 6:1 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us.

1. In 2 Kings 4, these sons of the prophets had been at Gilgal – Story of Poisoned Soup & Flour. Gilgal means wheel, circle, rolling. Things were rolling great at Gilgal.