Sweeter Than Honey: The Story of the Axe Head

What if we spent a few quiet moments with God each morning? What if we were intentional about making time for it? What if we committed to doing that all year long and by the year’s end we found that we had read the entire Bible!?

How many times, on January 1, have you committed to reading the Bible from cover to cover in a year? I have made that commitment too many times to count, and I have failed too many times to admit.

​A few years ago though, I used a one-year, chronological order of book authorship, Bible Reading Itinerary.

Did you know that Genesis was not the first book of the Bible written? While plans like this vary somewhat, because it is simply impossible to put an exact date on some books of the Bible, the plan I used begins with the book of Job.

Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey ​that leads the reader
​through God's Word ​in chronological order of book authorship.

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Let me introduce you to Sweeter Than Honey, friend. It is patterned after that Bible Reading Itinerary.

On Tuesdays, now through the end of the year, I would love it if you and I could take a trip through Sweeter Than Honey together! I'd also like to encourage you to Join us over at the private, Sweeter Than Honey Facebook group and share your thoughts. You'll find like-minded, Christian friends there. Let’s do this! Come join us as we move through the book and God's Word together.

We're waiting for you!

​2 Kings 5-7: The Story of the Axe Head

“Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.’ And he answered, ‘Go.’ Then one of them said, ‘Be pleased 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 felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, ‘Alas, my master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. And he said, ‘Take it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.” (2 Kings 6:1-7)

This is one of the reasons I love reading God’s Word—you come across stories like this and wonder why did God record this in His Word. Clearly, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” So, this passage about the axe head must be profitable to us, right? ​

I’m not sure that this would fall under the “reproof, for correction” category, but possibly the “teaching” and/or “training in righteousness” categories. So what can we learn from the story of the axe head today?

The first thing I see in this passage is the recognition of the problem and the acknowledgment of authority. The sons of the prophets recognized that there was a problem. They saw that the place they were dwelling was too small for them. So, they came up with a solution, but they did not act on it until they went to the Prophet Elisha with their petition. 

The second thing I see is teamwork. The sons of the prophets did not act as individuals—they were a team. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?

The third thing is an invitation. Once Elisha agreed that this thing should be done, the sons of the prophets invite the prophet to accompany them.

The fourth thing is the concern for a borrowed item. This one who lost the borrowed axe head in the water is concerned for the lost piece, even though it was not his own. Finally, we see the miracle. ​

When we recognize a problem in our life, we should do as the sons of the prophets— go to the Authority. The sons of the prophets did not act alone. They went to the authority with the problem and then invited him to be part of the solution. We should do the same. Go to God with your problems, and ask Him to be a part of the solution. How often do we recognize a problem and strike out on our own to solve it without going to the Authority? How often do we, because of this mistake, miss the miracle?

I have to constantly remind myself to go to God with the problems of life, instead of trying to depend on my own strength and wisdom. How do you keep this in the forefront of your mind?

​About Sweeter Than Honey

When I read God’s Word each morning, I find inspiration and insight that keeps my day on track. Join me on this journey. Let’s settle in with His Word—it’s His Love Letter to us. Did you know that? Let’s read it like a Love Letter, expecting to glean something for our walk with Him every day. Let’s look for peace in the chaos and strength for our weaknesses. Even on our busiest days we can carve out a few minutes to refocus on the important. Can’t we? We may have to get up a little earlier, when the house is still and quiet, or stay up a few minutes after the others are tucked in for the night, but we can do this! I know we can!

Let's be intentional about focusing on God’s Word and the truths found there. Let's let it inspire us to live out our faith each day in a way that causes those we come in contact with to want what we have found. God sees you. He knows you by name, He knows the number of hairs on your head, and He cares about every detail of your daily existence. He wrote you a Love Letter. Let’s dive in! ​

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