2Ki 6:1 And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, Behold now, the place where we live with you is too small for us. 2Ki 6:2 Please let us go to Jordan. And let each man take a beam from there. And let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go. How Did That Happen? A Lesson in unintentional ineffectiveness

2Ki 6:3 And one said, Be content, please, and go with your servants. And he answered them, I will go. 2Ki 6:4 And he went with them. And they came to Jordan, and they cut down trees.

2Ki 6:5 And it happened as one was felling a log, the axe-head fell into the water. And he cried and said, Alas, master! For it was borrowed.

2Ki 6:6 And the man of God said, Where did it fall? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick and threw it in there. And the iron swam. 2Ki 6:7 And he said, take it up to you. And he put out his hand and took it.

Community Insight The men were part of a growing group The men were involved in a godly work Question Does growth always mean blessing?

None of the men were wealthy All of the men were industrious Neh 4:6 So we built the wall…. For the people had a mind to work. Once upon a time there were four men named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. But Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place. (anonymous)

The loss was during spiritual business Personal Application Insights The loss was during a spiritual high The loss was due to improper attention 2Ti 1:14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. A vision without a task is but a dream A task without a vision is a drudgery A vision and a task can change the world

Can you name a person in the gospels that lost vision because of the task? Martha Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Due to performance emphasis Martha was blind to her need

The man realized his need (concerned) He quit chopping Joh 15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. How would the average church committee solve the problem?

The man knew where to go Where do a lot of people go when they face problems in their spiritual life? Elisha, A Picture Of Jesus Our Lord Elisha cared - 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. The loss affected others

Elisha did not attack or criticize Mat 12:20 He will not break a bruised reed, Elisha came to help Heb 4:16 Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. With all this insight, how do you get back the axe head?

Solution Insights Be honest – Confess – Don’t blame 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Go to the one who can help 2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 He comforting us in all our trouble

He went back to the place it was lost The axe head was recovered supernaturally This is the Word of Jehovah …saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says Jehovah of Hosts. The Iron did swim