Obedience

Focus verses: II Kings 5:1-14

The name Naaman comes from a root that means pleasant or delightful. But Naaman was highly thought of because he was the commander of the army for the king of Aram when God gave the victory to Aram.

He is not an Israelite, but he does have leprosy. This term was used for all kinds of skin diseases, not just the actual disease of leprosy. In the battle, there was a captive Israelite girl who served Naaman's wife. She told him about Elisha.

But Elisha was not impressed. He didn't even see Naaman when he came to him for healing. He simply sent his servant to tell him to "dip in the Jordan seven times." What an odd thing!

Naaman was incensed. He expected that the prophet would come out and make a show and heal him on the spot. But go wash in the Jordan! He had rivers at home. Why wouldn't they do as well?

God has criteria for blessing. One of those criteria is obedience. Whether it seems to make sense to us or not. We are to obey God. It may be something silly. Or it may sound unwise -- even dangerous. But God expects obedience. Once you have ascertained that it is God telling you to do something, not obeying is a sure recipe for disaster.

And don't be deceived. Delayed obedience is disobedience. When God speaks, we are to move immediately. Naaman's obedience was rewarded with healing.

Father, God,

Keep us ever close to You so that we recognize Your voice instantaneously. Grant us the willing hearts for instantaneous and unquestioning obedience.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Completed Word

Focus verses: I Kings 22:28-36

When Ahab killed Naboth for his vineyard, the Lord told Ahab that the dogs would lick up his blood exactly where they licked up the blood of Naboth.

Can't you imagine that Ahab was very careful for his life from that day forward? Look at today's reading. The Israelites, both Israel and Judah, are about to go into battle against Aram. The king of Judah goes in his normal garb, but the king of Israel, Ahab, goes disguised as a nobody.

The king of Aram told his warriors to target the king of Israel, but with Ahab in disguise, they didn't know where he was. To all intents and purposes, Ahab was killed by a stray arrow. What a coincidence.

It is a coincidence only if you will accept my definition of the word: a small miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous, so if you don't want to see Him, you don't have to. But if you are looking, there He is.

The word of God never comes back void, but it always completes what it says. That is as true of the uncomfortable consequences as it is of the beneficial ones.

Father, God,

Help us to take all Your words as You meant them. Remind us that the uncomfortable truths in the Bible are just as valid as the reassuring ones. Keep us faithful to all Your truth.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

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