December 18^th

LEAVING THE STRAIT PLACE

Scripture:  2 Kings 6:  1-7

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.

     The sons of the prophets were in a place that was too strait in their minds.  As a present truth, a strait place is one that leads to life (Matthew 7:15).  They sought and received Elisha’s permission to unto Jordan to make a larger place to dwell.  Jordan means to descend.  Elisha’s ministry is an example of ministry powered by Christ Jesus.  It is one that brings life to a situation of death, failure, or defeat.  Unlike evil, it is not intrusive, violent and destructive but instead waits for the bidding of a pure heart. 

     Although they were already situated in a place that speaks to us of a powerful location spiritually, they did not understand and sought to go on their own.  The wisdom in their action was inviting the man of God to accompany them.  Certainly, outside of the way that leads to life, an instance of failure only deliverable by the ability of God would arise. 

     They went to Jordan and cut down wood to build a dwelling place.  One’s borrowed axe head was fell into the water. Alas, Master was a cry of desperation needing immediate help.  The water, which represents the Word, makes for a powerful place of testing.  The circumstances start to change from enthusiasm and its sensual appeal to desperation.  An axe head of iron had fallen in the water, out of sight and apparently impossible to retrieve.  Elisha, a picture of the Helper was in the midst.  Had they gone without Elisha, a very serious condition would have emerged for which they were all helpless to reverse.  Invite the Holy Spirit to accompany you today and everyday!

Continued