A passage that has fascinated me is 2Kings 5:1-19. It is the story of the healing of Naaman, who is the captain of the army of the king of Aram. He is a valiant warrior and well respected by his people but he has leprosy. Naaman is told by a servant girl that Elisha can heal him. So he goes off in search of Elisha. Naaman arrives and is told by Elisha to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. He is furious because he thought the healing would be more sensational than a simple dipping (v.11). Besides he has some rivers back home that are better (v.12). One of his servants suggested he go try Elisha's solution even though it wasn't quite what he wanted (v.13). So Naaman goes and dips himself in the Jordan and is healed (v.14). He returns to Elisha and praises the God of Elisha (v.15) for the healing. He promises never to sacrifice to another god again (v.17). He is converted and becomes a servant of the Lord. He recognizes his need to be loyal and serve God alone. However, because of his role as captain of the army he must go into a house of worship and assist his master (v.18). He knows what he is doing is wrong and goes against the promise he just made but he is not quite ready to make a clean break. He asks the Lord to pardon him for this violation and Elisha grants him a blessing as he leaves (v.19).
I really believe that this passage speaks to we Christians today as well. We will share Jesus with someone who is truly converted and wants to be loyal and do what is right. They may even recognize what is right but for whatever reason cannot stand as firmly as they should at that moment. I hope to grant them grace and a blessing, not to stay in their current state but to continue to grow and eventually say no to whatever they need to say no to. It would be nice if everyone we converted (ourselves included) could change immediately upon conversion. However, those of us who are spiritual need to allow them some time to grow. We don't expect our infant children to walk so we shouldn't expect babes in Christ to walk as firmly as they hopefully one day will. We also should realize that we will meet people who are not yet converted and our goal should be to get them into Christ. So preach Christ and him crucified and then once they pledge their loyalty to Christ, give them time to grow.
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7 comments:
I notice that the servants are the heroes and the ones with wisdom in this story. There has to be a lesson in that.
Peace.
I hadn't thought of that application, Steve, but it sounds worthy of pursuing.
That's some good advice. I am usually really disappointed when I notice a newly baptized Christian hasn't returned to church, and I tend to think that no one followed up with them or thought to tell them about being involved with a church family. Maybe they just need some time to grow and learn to change. Good thoughts, Dad.
I am really proud of Lisa, she notices. A lot of members don't even notice when new converts dont return. Changing and growing is a slow process and sometimes we go backwards, we all do--but with help and encouragement, growth is steady and change is evident. Thats why God made the church a collectivist society--we need each other.
Good post, brother
Neva
Neva, I think you think more highly of me than you ought to. We're a pretty small church, it's easy to notice when people are missing. But thanks. :) Wish I could give you a hug sometimes!! (You too, Dad, here's a big hug. Love you!)
Lisa, Paul says that we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Rom.12:3) but others can think more highly of us all day long (Rom.12:10).
Okay, whatever Dad. :)
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