Evening, January 13
Go To Morning Reading
“The iron did swim.”
2 Kings 6:6
The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honour
of the prophetic band was likely to be imperilled, and so the name
of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron
was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things
impossible with man are possible with God. I knew a man in Christ
but a few years ago who was called to undertake a work far exceeding
his strength. It appeared so difficult as to involve absurdity in
the bare idea of attempting it. Yet he was called thereto, and his
faith rose with the occasion; God honoured his faith, unlooked-for
aid was sent, and the iron did swim. Another of the Lord’s family was in grievous financial straits, he was able to meet all
claims, and much more if he could have realized a certain portion
of his estate, but he was overtaken with a sudden pressure; he sought
for friends in vain, but faith led him to the unfailing Helper, and
lo, the trouble was averted, his footsteps were enlarged, and the
iron did swim. A third had a sorrowful case of depravity to deal with.
He had taught, reproved, warned, invited, and interceded, but all
in vain. Old Adam was too strong for young Melancthon, the stubborn
spirit would not relent. Then came an agony of prayer, and before
long a blessed answer was sent from heaven. The hard heart was broken,
the iron did swim.
Beloved reader, what is thy desperate case? What heavy matter hast
thou in hand this evening? Bring it hither. The God of the prophets
lives, and lives to help his saints. He will not suffer thee to lack
any good thing. Believe thou in the Lord of hosts! Approach him pleading
the name of Jesus, and the iron shall swim; thou too shalt see the
finger of God working marvels for his people. According to thy faith
be it unto thee, and yet again the iron shall swim.