Obedience!

Obedience!

4:13

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed!  2 Kings 5:14 (NLT)

The story in the Bible about Naaman and the Prophet Elisha is a powerful one that teaches us about obedience to what God commands. In the story, Naaman, who was a commander in the Aramean army, had leprosy and was sent by the King of Aram to Samaria in the hopes of seeing the Prophet Elisha for healing. When he finally gets to the Prophet’s home, Elisha does not come out and greet him but instead sends a messenger to tell Naaman to go to the Jordan River and dip seven times, and then he would be healed. Naaman was furious at this response for two reasons. First, because Elisha did not come out to greet/talk to him as Naaman expected due to his rank and the distance he traveled. And two, the Prophet told him to go and dip in what he considered a dirty and inferior river to the ones back in his own country. Luckily for Naaman, his servants/advisors convinced him to try and see what happens. So Naaman listened and as a result, was completely healed of his leprosy.

The story is powerful in that it shows that if we are obedient and do the tasks that God has told us to do, we will see God’s blessings for us as well as others. In the Bible story, not only did God want Naaman to go and dip in the river, but He also instructed him to do it seven times! So not just once, or twice, or four times, but seven! The same could be said for us as well. Perhaps God wants us to keep going in our various ministries even though we want to give up after a while. We may not see the whole picture or understand why; however, God knows that if we press on and do not give up, the blessings and rewards await. By being obedient and dipping seven times as instructed, Naaman was completely healed and restored. Also, an important part of this story is not only Naaman’s physical/spiritual healing and restoration, but those who traveled with him were more than likely affected as well. They came from a culture that worshipped pagan gods with their various rituals and practices. Even though the Bible does not record it, I truly believe most of them (if not all) were also changed by what they witnessed.

How many times in our lives has God spoken to us and asked us to go, using our gifts and talents to spread His gospel to a sinful and dark world? Often, we do not want to go because of our feelings and what others may say or think. For some, they agree to go, but they want a “one and done” scenario; however, God is saying continue. There are many instances in our lives where God wants us to be obedient and follow His precepts as outlined in the Bible. For example, in romantic relationships, many will follow the dictates of the world or mix worldly views with God’s word to fit their wants/desires into their lifestyle. But in doing what we want and what we feel is right, is that being obedient to God?

Prayerfully, just like Naaman, may we choose to be obedient, and may we have individuals in our lives that will guide us with wisdom and council according to God‘s word. God may not ask us to go and dip in a river seven times but whatever He is asking us to do, may we be obedient and gladly seek to follow Him for the rest of our lives.

Blessings,

Angélique

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