Today’s devotion is a special Christmas devotion. The next devotion, God willing, will be on Thursday, December 26. Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 6:1-7.
“Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. Please let us go to the Jordan and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live.” So he said, “Go.” Then one said, “Please be willing to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I shall go.” So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.” Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, “Take it up for yourself.” So he put out his hand and took it.” 2 Kings 6:1-7.
—————
This miracle of Elisha of making the axe head float is so unusual!
Did you ever laugh with pure joy at a gift that was so surprising and so wonderful? A child opening gifts under a Christmas tree may come to our mind. This miracle by Elisha may make us experience a similar feeling.
Why would God do such miracles that shows such creativity by God that they are such delightful, even laughable, wonderful surprises?
God certainly could have provided for the return of the axe head in a more simple straight forward way! But, don’t we as parents want to see a reaction from our children of their unbridled joy and delight when they open Christmas gifts that we have given them?!
This miracle by Elisha leads us to meditate on three points, particularly at this time of Christmas.
When we read God’s word and also when we see what God has done for us in our lives, we should be a little more like a child willing and eager to be delightfully surprised and laugh with joy at all of the unusual gifts from God.
We may prefer checks or gifts by Venmo at Christmas. But, we should be receptive to other gifts by God, and not trust the gift, but rather, trust the Giver, our Faithful Heavenly Father.
We need to receive the kingdom of God like a child, and not think we somehow earned salvation by our works or by our wisdom or by our will. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
“but just as it is written,
“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
There are these warnings!
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17.
“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
Like a child, we don’t rejoice in our works nor in our wisdom nor in our will. We boast in the LORD, our Faithful Heavenly Father.
As the following Scripture exhorts us, we rejoice that our names are recorded in heaven.
“The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.” Luke 10:17-21.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 