Lesson 73 - Elementary

Memory Verse

"Arise, and be not afraid" ([MAT:17:7])

Notes

The Lost Axhead

We have read of the many great things Elisha did. In this lesson we read of more of the good work he did with God's help. Some boys were with Elisha, perhaps in a school, and one day they came to him and said that their place was too small. They said that if every boy would bring a piece of lumber, they could build a bigger place. Elisha told them to go ahead and do it. But while one of them was cutting wood, his axhead fell into the water. He was no doubt very sorry to lose the axhead, so he told Elisha about it and also told him that it was borrowed. Then Elisha took a stick and threw it into the water, and the heavy axhead swam. The man lifted it out of the water.

When we borrow something from another person, we should take good care of it, so that we may return it in good condition to the one from whom it was borrowed. If we break or lose a borrowed article it should be replaced. We must never be careless with other people's things. It is very likely that Elisha had taught the boys that lesson.

Elisha's Contact with God

The king of another country was planning to fight against the Children of Israel, but the king of Israel always found out where the enemy was hiding. The Syrian king thought some of his men must be telling the Israelites about his plans. But one of the Syrians seemed to know that the Prophet Elisha was the one who told them. Perhaps he did not know that it was God who told Elisha because Elisha lived and walked close to God.

God's Protection

The king then sent men to bring Elisha to him. A great army was around the city. Elisha's servant rose early one morning and saw the city surrounded with horses and chariots, and he was afraid. But Elisha told him not to be afraid. Then he prayed to God to open the eyes of the servant. The Lord heard his prayer and let the servant see that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire, sent from Heaven to protect Elisha and his servant. We do not know how many times God protects us. We find a wonderful promise in [PS:34:7]: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” In [PS:91:11] we read: "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” So we know that if we love the Lord with all our heart, He will protect us.

Back to Their Country

Elisha asked the Lord to cause the enemy to become blind. The Lord again heard the prayer of his faithful servant. They were easily led away. Elisha said to them, "Follow me.” He led them to Samaria. Then he prayed that their eyes might be opened, and they saw. No doubt they thought they would all be killed, but Elisha did not have a "get even” spirit. He had the people fed and sent back to their homes.

Showing Kindness

God teaches us to be kind to those who are not kind to us. He never wants us to have a feeling of wanting to "get even” with those who are unkind to us. God says He will punish such people. God will love and bless the children who do not fight back because someone has hit them or has done something they do not like.

Teachings of Jesus

When Jesus was here upon earth, He preached many wonderful sermons to the people. He taught the people how to live; He taught them how to pray; He taught them how to treat others; He taught them how to prepare for Heaven. In one of His sermons He said, "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.”

Elisha lived many years before Jesus was born, and did not have the New Testament which we have today, but he knew how to treat his enemies. He did just what Jesus taught when He came – he did good to those who hated him. In [ROM:12:21], we read, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Questions

How did Elisha measure up to the following teachings of Jesus?

1. "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” [LUK:6:27]).

2. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” [LUK:6:36]).

3. "Give, and it shall be given unto you” [LUK:6:38]).

4. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” [MAT:5:7]).

5. "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” [MAT:5:9]).

6. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven” [MAT:5:10]).

7. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [MAT:5:16]).

8. "Have faith in God” [MAK:11:22]).