The Lost Axe Head

There is a story in the bible about the sons of the prophets who borrowed an axe. The axe head fell into the river as they were using it to fell trees. The problem was identified immediately and help was sought from Prophet Elisha. The axe head was retrieved and the sons of the prophet were able to continue with their work.

2 Kings 6:1-7 “And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So he answered, “Go.” Then one said, “Please consent to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.” So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.”

It is the axe head that gives identity to the axe. Without the axe head, the axe loses its identity. What is the use of an axe without a head? It will cease to be called an axe but rather an ordinary stick. What can you cut with a stick? Without the axe head the work cannot continue. If you try to continue, it will be hard labour, no progress and a lot of frustration.

The axe head can be likened to Christ. Without him, man loses his identity in God. He is the power and the wisdom of God. He is the express image of the living God. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the light of the world. Living your life and doing things without a relationship with him is like cutting down a tree with an axe without a head. More time is spent, more energy is expended and little or nothing is achieved. Every man on the surface of this earth needs Christ because he is the only person who gives meaning to our lives.

If you are already a Christian you still need to depend on him every day. Christians must stop expecting God to follow the plans that they have made for themselves. Instead, he wants us to be fully dependent on him. This becomes easy when we form a relationship with him and involve him in every area of our lives. We must stop running our lives without him.

The axe head can also be likened to the word of God. Without the word of God in our hearts, life becomes a struggle. This is because the word of God is our inheritance and a great substance to hold onto. It is only the word of God that gives victory in this wicked and sinful generation. The word of God is very powerful to heal, to give sight to the blind, to liberate those who are bound by the deceptions of the enemy. The word of God likened to the axe head cuts off what is not of God in our lives. It cuts through obstacles and barriers making way in those places where you have lost hope.

The word of God is alive. It has all the seven characteristics of living things. Living things respire and so does the word of God because God breathes on it. All living things feed in order to derive energy. The word of God derives its energy from the power of God. Living things grow; however the growth of the word of God is unlimited compared to any living thing on earth.

Living things move; the word of God moves at a great speed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Living things respond; the word of God responds when spoken in faith. Living things excrete; there is no waste product in the word of God which signifies its purity. All living things have the ability to reproduce. The word of God is produced by God himself; so it has the ability to reproduce itself wherever it is sent.

Hebrews 4:12 (New King James Version) “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Your prayer becomes more effective when you use the word of God. If the word of God is not used, it will be like cutting down a tree without the axe head. Do you know that praying in the spirit is an express way of getting the job done? This is because you are speaking from the heart of God with the help of the Holy Spirit who resides in you. Your life will be reformed and starts to align to the plan and purpose of God for your life.

Retrieve your axe head today, and start to cut down the trees. This is because the temple of God must be built, his sanctuary must be built, and your life must be built. His church must be built and this nation must be built.

Enjoy the blessings of God