The Recovery of Lost Essentials (2 Kings 6:1-7)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
29 October 2023
In the days of the prophet Elisha one of prophets in the school of prophets lost an axe head. This axe head was eventually recovered. There are noteworthy similarities between this axe head story and the Protestant Reformation.
The prophet was involved in the extension of God’s kingdom. Martin Luther, whose life we commemorate today, was also involved in the extension of God's kingdom.
The axe head was essential but was lost. In Luther's day the Bible was essential, but for centuries it was lost in the abyss of tradition and superstition.
The axe head was entrusted to the prophet for use. The Bible is entrusted to Christians for use. Great men in England such as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale, and in Europe men like Luther and Calvin took their charge seriously and preached the Bible message of salvation.
The lost axe head caused the prophet to cry for help. The Reformers were men of faith and prayer. They cried out to God for the recovery of the gospel. Their prayers were answered.
A miracle was wrought and the axe head floated to the surface. In Luther's day an extraordinary work was wrought and multitudes of people came to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Just as the axe head reappeared, so the gospel reappeared after being hidden for centuries.
The recovery of the axe head meant the work of God could continue. The recovery of biblical authority in Luther's day ensured the ongoing work of gospel. What was the Reformation about? It was about the recovery of lost essentials. The recovery of the Bible, its translation into the common language, its authority in matters of faith and life, were all essential. They were lost but recovered. The Reformation restored the Bible to its essential place in the church.
The lesson for us is God can recover lost essentials. The prophet Joel speaks of God restoring the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Jesus restored the life of men like Peter and Paul. He can restore your wasted life.
Love is essential, but can be lost. This was the charge against the church at Ephesus (Rev.2:4). You can lose your love for God, your love for your spouse, your love for people in general. The Lord is in the work of restoring love.
Life can be wasted in youth or in sinful living. But wasted years can be recovered. Jesus came to give life. He said, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28).
Rejoice in the Reformation. The recovery of essentials at the Reformation applies to us personally. We can recover lost years. We can be renewed by the power of Christ’s gospel. Thanks be to the Lord.