The Year of the Axe Head

A few nights ago, before I fell asleep I opened the Bible to 2 Kings 6:1-7. I was unsure why God sent me here, but upon further meditation and understanding, I began to see clearly what God wanted to communicate to me about the coming year. I feel led to share parts of what he said to me that I believe will speak life into the hearts of many who have experienced great challenges over the past several years or even decades. Though it is a short passage it is filled with powerful layers that are worth unveiling. If you are open and patient, let’s delve into the meaning of this passage.

2 Kings 6: 1-7 says, “The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.” Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water. “Oh no, my Lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.”

The first thing that the Lord highlighted in this story is that where the company of prophets had been growing and learning and serving was becoming too small. The Lord showed me in parallel that where you once were growing, learning, and serving is no longer sufficient for what God needs you to do in these coming years. Second, Elisha, the prophet, commands them to go and build. In the same way, I believe that the company of prophets who have been sitting and waiting for their cue to move, and build are about to be sent out by anointed and seasoned men and women of God. I believe that these anointed and seasoned people are going to go with them and show them the ropes to carry out God's plan together. In this story, there is one prophet in particular who is doing the work of the Lord and building but lost the head of his axe. In parallel, I believe that many have been working diligently for the Lord but have lost a part of their effectiveness along the way (the ax head). We then see the prophet cry out for help exclaiming it was borrowed. Elisha comes, assesses the situation, throws a stick into the water, and the stick causes the ax head to float. I believe that the man's cry for help and recognition that our gifts are not ours but borrowed (i.e. God's) is a reminder that we must remain dependent on God and humble. Next, Elisha, the prophet comes into the scene and uses a stick, which I believe reveals the truth of restoration through the cross to come. In the same way, many have been consumed by their losses. There is someone who is going to come into your life and point you back to the revelation of life birthed at the death of the cross. Many were there to witness this miracle, which I believe is also of great significance to the season some of you are in. People will witness the great miracle and testimony of your life laid out for Him. The ax head should have sunk to the bottom of the Jordan, yet it is brought back and restored with the stick. I believe that the stick represents Jesus' death on the cross and it is through his death we are co-crucified with Him and restored. It took the man crying out for help to fully activate the restoration of his ax (his ability to fully operate in his call effectively). In the same light, I believe that we must draw close to Jesus, share our pain and suffering with Him, and allow Him to restore us to the tapestry of His family. Apart from Jesus we are nothing and can do little to advance the kingdom. Only through Christ can we fully manifest His glory from heaven to earth in the building of His kingdom.

That same night the Lord woke me up out of a dead sleep at 3:00 AM, a time when the spiritual activity is often busy. He began to speak more intimately with me about what he had in store for me. While I cannot disclose it all there were a few things he said that I feel peace to release because there are others who will also receive and be blessed by these holy words.

"Thus says the Lord, just as the man cried out to me when he realized he lost his axe head in the water, I need you too to cry out to me. It is through my son Jesus that your axe head will be retrieved to restore you to your effectiveness. He will restore you and my hidden ones who have been crying out to me. You’ve kept the handle but could not build or grow without the axe head. You were ineffective. Yet, I the Lord will restore and redeem you this year as though you never lost your axe head. Know that this time your axe head will be sharper than before. This is on purpose. Your words will cut sharp with resolute purpose. You are going to effectively carry out the purpose I placed in you no matter what it looks like to others. The ax head had been lost floating in the water. Yet in this time of sinking, it was made clean, despite the naysayers who have doubted you and slung your name in the mud. Your name is made spotless and pure in my sight. The breaking of the axe head from the handle was necessary to see where your trust and faith resided. Now that you have shown me, it is me whom you go to in times of need I know I can entrust more to you. Because of your faith in me, much will be given to you. This axe head cuts through lies, deceit, and any twisting of the Truth.

You, my daughter, are protected by the Lion of Judah. You will be more gentle, compassionate, and fiercer than ever before. You will cut down the principalities of darkness in my name. You will violently obliterate evil with the Gospel of Peace. You are a part of my mightiest warriors that no one has suspected because you carried an axe without its head. They mocked you, ignored you, and shunned you, and hid you from plain sight thinking they could discourage you and contain you in a small box. Many were ashamed to be seen in public with you. Yet, I the Lord have not done these things, nor am I ashamed of you. This evil was used for your betterment and the building of your character and capacity to draw my broken-hearted ones from the grips of death. Thus says the Lord, yield to me in the spirit, give me the handle of the axe, and tell me where you lost me through repentance. I am a kind and merciful Father. I will restore you from the point you show me. What was lost will be found and many will witness...."

If I can leave you with anything it is this, the Lord is restoring the ax head to your handle and you will be more effective in all you do. Watch the Lord release his truly hidden ones. Watch and give thanks. Amen.