The Parable of the Axe Head (Grace in a Nutshell)

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. (2Ki 6:1-7)


This unusual incident actually illustrates an important lesson about sin and grace. Can you see it?

A man was chopping down a tree and the iron axe head "flew off the handle" and landed deep into the Jordan river. Unfortunately, the axe head was borrowed and the man was unable to retrieve the axe head. Also iron was an expensive commodity in those days so an iron axe head was quite expensive.

So what is the point of this unusual story?  Notice that the man's physical inability to do the right thing did not excuse him. The man was clearly still responsible for returning the iron axe to his lender even though it was beyond his ability. Judging by the man's reaction (Alas! It was borrowed!) he knew this too.

At some point, every person finds themselves in the same situation as this man. The righteousness we need can not be earned through our best efforts. Most of us can live up to our society's standards through our efforts. Some of us can quit smoking or lose weight through our own willpower. But it is impossible for us to reverse our basic nature and our addiction to ego, sin, and self through our own resources. We have become "addicted" to sin, so to speak. Because our various sins have become such a part of our nature, even our best efforts are often have mixed motives and unclean methods. (Isa 64:6, Rom 3:11-23) "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good who are accustomed to doing evil." (Jer 13:23)

But righteousness is available to us, if we ask for it! We must ask because what is not possible with man is possible with GOD. (Luk 18:27) Our Loving Father would not withhold any good gift from us, His children. (Mat 7:11) But imagine if the man had reasoned thus: "Oops, the axe head seems to have fallen into the water! Well, it's ok. The guy who lent it to me will just have to understand... accidents do happen. He can certainly afford another one. Boy I'm glad I'm saved by the blood of Jesus and not by legalism!" Is that bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance? (Luk 3:8) What happened to the man at the wedding feast who did not dress himself in the clothes that were freely provided for him? (Mat 22:11-14, Rev 19:8-7)

Next, the man was told to "put out his hand" and "take it for himself." GOD put the axe-head within the man's reach, not in the man's lap. Notice that GOD did not take away the man's responsibility...instead He gave the man the tools he needed to fulfill his responsibility. Sometimes it will be easy. But sometimes the righteousness we ask for will require 100% of our focus, effort and resources to attain. (Mat 13:44, Mar 12:30, Luk 9:23-24, Rev 12:11) And it will be impossible to exert ourselves fully for GOD if our loyalties are divided with the cares of this world. (Luk 14:33, Mat 6:24, Mat 13:22, Jam 1:8) What did Jesus tell the rich young man was the "one thing he lacked?" (Mar 10:21)

What is being shown in this incident is grace. We are saved through both mercy and grace. Mercy forgives our sin and excuses our debt while grace gives us the ability to overcome our sin and pay our debt. They are different but both are needed! Mercy forgives us when we make a mistake, grace allows us to do better next time. The Grace of GOD does not mean we will never fall again. But it does mean we are given a new nature that is taking over our life completely. And when we do fall, the Mercy of GOD will forgive us, and the Grace of GOD will help us to stand again. For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Pro 24:16) Who is left among us who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength?