The Man of Power and the Man of Grace

The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us. Please let us go to the Jordan where we can each get a log and build ourselves a place to live there." "Go," he said.

Then one said, " please come with your servants."

"I'll come," he answered.

So he went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water, and he cried out, "oh, my master, it was borrowed!"

Then the man of God asked, "where did it fall?"

When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. Then he said, "pick it up." So he reached out and took it. 2 Kings 6:1-7

This story has an almost surreal feel to it. This community of prophets are so well mannered, obedient and 'nice'. Don't you agree? Almost like an Amish community.

Elisha was a good influence. He was a good teacher, a good example and we have to remind ourselves a powerful man of God. It was only in the last chapter that Gehazi was punished for his lying and deceit.

There seems to be an ordinary niceness to Elisha as well as the powerful prophet. He seems obliging. He went along with the men to cut down trees to build a new residence. It seemed no effort to solve the problem of the lost axe head, he switched straight away into the powerful 'man of God'.

Elijah was a moody, depressive, recluse, yet God took him up in a chariot. What is there about him that we do not know? He trained Elisha, in a sort of fashion. What Elisha learned was more probably caught that taught. Fortunately Elisha had a normal upbringing, this helps him relate and teach in a way Elijah was unable to do.

Tonight I went to see the movie: ' Man of steel'.  It was a fast moving, very destructive tale but an enjoyable one. I needed to watch something heroic after working most of the day. The image of Superman was similar to Elisha. A well mannered young man who was very powerful but loved the people he served. A usual good versus evil scenario. 

I am so grateful for scripture for it tells true stories about real heroes. Through the stories I see my God and His love for people, His people. I see how people who yield to Him are mighty in His hand. He is truly good! Amen!