S (Scripture): 2 Kings 5:15 Namaan (the Syrian general healed of his leprosy, through Elisha) and his entire entourage returned to the prophet. Naaman came and stood before Elisha. He said, “For sure I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! Now, please accept a gift from your servant….5:18 May the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to worship, and he leans on my arm and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” 5:19 Elisha said to him, “Go in peace.”
O (Observation): Namaan is a Commander in the Syrian army. He is a foreigner to Elisha. Yet, he is called to heal this person anyway. This is a big deal, because this act of healing was a sign of grace and mercy to those outside of the Jewish people. That’s not really kosher.
Elisha risked a lot, including not knowing how the soldier would believe going forward. Would he become a God-follower? Would he thank God this one time and forget about God?
We catch a glimpse: Namaan promises no more burnt offerings to the other gods, but he does ask permission to bow to the other gods when his boss is around.
Now, after all Elisha has done, sticking his neck out for grace and mercy, you would think he’d demand more allegiance for God! Yet, here is Elisha’s response: “Peace be with you.” [drop mic; exit stage left]
A (Application): Holy cleansing, Batman!
Wow! All of the build up in this story leads to the key moment for me: Blessing those who might not fully bless you back.
God has always been about loving the world (all of creation, actually). God chose a people to love (Hebrew people) and used that nation as an example of what steadfast love and faithfulness means, even to a people who don’t necessarily return the blessing!
In this story of Elisha and Namaan, we have a microcosm of the whole. Namaan is healed, but only gives partial allegiance to God (through Elisha). The Hebrew people, rescued from slavery and given judges and prophets, respond through partial allegiance to the Lord, and partial allegiance to other gods.
Sounds like our story, too, doesn’t it? Salvation…a gift that is free and undeserved…comes to us. We receive it…but what do we do with it? We may go to church, but we also focus a lot on other gods: money, prestige, careers, etc.
Better yet, when we lack a healthy response to The Lord…The Lord still doesn’t demand our allegiance. God sets us free…but never coerces us. Instead, God forgives us, heals us, and says, “Peace be with you.” For a faith or love that is coerced is neither true faith nor true love.
How has God blessed you this week? What has been your response? Where have you failed to show appreciation?
Where have you succeeded in showing appreciation?
P (Prayer): Lord, heal me, and give me a generous heart, so I can joyfully pass on to others the blessings you’ve passed on to me. Amen.
Digging Daily with Pastor Michael 