2 Kings 6

In 2 Kings 6, we find a somewhat typical problem surface.  The guild of prophets have run out of room.  They came to Elisha one day and said “this place where we’re living…is getting cramped – we have no elbow room”.  Things had gotten a bit tight for everyone.  They needed some room.  They volunteer to “go down to the Jordan…get a log…build a roomier place”.  Sounds reasonable doesn’t it.  They identify a problem and just want to fix it.  Elisha agrees and they convince him to go with them down to the river where they “started chopping down trees”.  They were getting after it.  Then one of them had a problem.  “His axhead flew off and sank in the river….and it was borrowed”.  Not only had they lost use of an ax but it was a borrowed tool as well.  Seems like an overwhelming problem doesn’t it?  Not to Elisha.  “He cut off a branch and tossed it at the spot…the axhead floated up…the man reached out and took it”.  How is that for addressing a problem?  Elisha saw an issue and responded.  He helped his fellow workers get back at it and continue to be productive.  Yes – it was a miracle, but I think we can learn a lesson on leadership here.  Elisha didn’t feel bothered when someone came to him needed help with a problem.  He assessed the situation and acted.  He jumped in and helped resolve the situation so work could continue.  Sometimes I react differently when a situation like this presents itself.  I feel like it isn’t my job – that they should just figure it out themselves – rather than simply help evaluate and remediate the situation.  When people ask for help we need to be able to discern whether we should get involved and help them or they need to work through the problem on their own.  There is a time for both.  The key is discernment and sometimes we need to just help them move past the roadblock.  I feel that one of my major roles as a leader in my company is to remove things that keep my team from progressing.  That is what Elisha does here – he takes away the situation so they can continue to build.  He also shows being completely connected with God’s power when he is able to warn the king of Israel that the people of Aram were planning an ambush.  God enlightened Elisha who warns the king and they avoid the potential disaster.  He is identified by the enemy and next time we will find out what happens when the king comes after him.