Saturday, June 2, 2012

Is this the time to take ...?

2 Kings 5:1-27
Naaman was commander of the army of the king Aram. Through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
A visit is arranged through diplomatic channels.
If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How great more, then, when he tells you,"Wash and be cleaned!'
Naaman did as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
Naaman asked Eliha two things 1)Let him be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. 2)When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning o my arm and I bow there also.
Elisha said to Gihazi, "Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olives, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants?"
Why?
This story like many others that God's concern is not limited to Israel. Syria was often at war with Israel, and Naaman was the commander of the enemy army.
The prophet's instructions are not what Naaman expected. But his staff persuaded him to try, and he is healed.
Gehazi's greed might have ruined everything, and could not go unpunished.
Because at the time it was believed that a god could be worshiped only on his own land.
To be a servant of the Lord don't have to do everything like general human beings. Elisha was tested Naaman's heart, is he really believed what he said.
Elisha has nothing at that time, he refused to accept gifts from Naaman, because he wanted Naaman become a follower of the Lord.
How?
Live for the Lord by humble myself but honor the name of the Lord.
Is this the time to take everything I wanted?


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