Naaman was an important man. His name means 'pleasantness'. He was in favour with the king of Syria and was the commander of the army. Everyone respected him. But he was a leper. On one of the raids into Israel they captured a little servant girl, who became a maid to the Queen. She is not named in the Bible, but must have been well liked, and also liked Naaman. In passing she mentions that there was aprophet in Israel who could heal Naaman of his leprousy. The king gets to hear of it. Amazing how a snippet of news can travel to the right ears, isn't it? And without any requests from Naaman himself, a letter is written to the king of Israel, with gifts for him. So off he goes, to meet with the important dignitaries of the country. Almighty God can pull a few strings when needed!
He did not like it when Elisha sent his servant with instructions to Naaman telling him to go to the River Jordan and wash in it seven times. Naaman expected some great happening with the Prophet calling on the name of the Lord and waving his hand over the leprousy. What he really wanted was some great display of magic! Not to be told to dip in the muddy Jordan. But he had good servants who told him that he should do what the prophet said. So he went to the Jordon and dipped in it seven times as instructed 2 Kings 5:13. No more, no less! And he was made clean.
It is so easy to think that God would have us do some great thing to accomplish the purpose at hand. However, He is looking for humble hearts that will obey. He often calls us to do things we don't want to do, or be with people we secretely despise, as a test of our willingness. God does not measure in small or great, He just measures in our obedience. Obedience can open a wide door! What are you putting off doing because it seems so small and insignificant?
'Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.'
1 Peter 5:5,6
No comments:
Post a Comment