November 7 Servant Leader

2 Kings 6:1 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 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." 3 Then one of them said, "Be pleased to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go." 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, "Alas, my master! It was borrowed." 6 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. 7 And he said, "Take it up." So he reached out his hand and took it.

DO you find God's Miracle Number 11 through Elisha to be a bit odd? Doesn't God reserve his miracles for healing, feeding, resurrection and soul saving? Apparently there is more. He even used Elisha to find a lost axe head. What's the point?

    The point, as I see it, is that God pays attention to each aspect of his faithful people's lives. The axe was a means of livelihood and supply. Without the axe, the man couldn't earn a day's wage. Without the axe, the wood could not have been unavailable for the dwelling they were building. The axe head was necessary for completing the building task. God cares for each aspect of our lives, even our "daily bread". (Matthew 6:11)

    This story also points to servant leadership. Jesus taught how important it is for leaders to be servants to those they lead. (See John 13.) Elisha serves the "sons of the prophets" - those who were schooled and trained in teaching God's Word. Elisha has been their teacher. Their numbers had grown. Now he agreed to be alongside them as  they built new dwellings.

    Through righteous living, following our Lord's words and deeds, the Kingdom of God is a gracious place, filled with fellowship, leadership and servant hearts. Enjoy the work as you work together. Perhaps you will see a miracle.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for demonstrating servant leadership. Thank you, Father, for giving to us our daily needs. Amen.