Message from Scripture: 2/11/2021

Today our message from Scripture comes from 2 Kings 5:11; “But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, ‘Indeed, I said to myself, “He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.”'”

Naaman was captain of the army of Syria, or Aram, as some translations say, and found himself with the curse of leprosy. A captured slave girl from Israel told his wife of the possibility of a cure in her home country, Israel. God’s prophet Elisha told him how to be healed, by dipping 7 times in the Jordan River. The problem is this didn’t fit what Naaman thought should be done. He was ready to leave and stay a leper, until one of his servants reasoned with him. When he relented and dipped 7 times in the Jordan, he was cleansed. His feelings almost stopped him from being cured.

Our personal opinions and thoughts can often get us in trouble when they’re not aligned with the will of God. The text tells us Naaman was furious at what he was told, and would have stayed a leper, if it hadn’t been for his servant getting him to reconsider what he was about to forfeit. Pride almost cost him what it was he really wanted! He learned humbling himself to the will of God brought him what he really needed, and wanted, what he wouldn’t find in his arrogance and own feelings.

Proverbs reminds us pride goes before destruction (16:18), and what we may think can actually lead to our harm (14:12). Paul wrote, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” (1 Cor. 10:12). How much better is it, rather than feel God will work everything like we want it, to know His word, and pray, and submit to what it says. Only then can we find His blessings and be confident we are right with Him. It’s so easy, but yet can seem so hard. Let’s humble ourselves to God, and find the best way for life, now and later. It will let you have a great day today and everyday. God bless.

Robert