Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Kings 4-5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: God’s Grace
SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 5:17-19
Naaman, commander of the armies of the king of Aram , after
being healed of his leprosy, says to the prophet Elisha…
17 …for your
servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god
but the Lord. 18 But may
the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the
temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also —
when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for
this."
19 "Go in
peace," Elisha said. (2 Kings 5:17-19 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
On reading this familiar story of Naaman, I was struck by
verses 18 and 19. But first let’s get some background and summarize Naaman’s
story. Naaman was the commander of the Aramaean army and beloved by the king of
Aram .
The Aramaeans were worshippers of the idol god Rimmon, and they were one of many
constant threats to neighboring Israel .
Naaman had sadly contracted leprosy and nothing could be done for him until an
Israelite slave girl suggested that the prophet Elisha in Israel could
heal his leprosy. The king of Aram
gave Naaman leave to seek out Elisha. Not to drag out the story too long, Elisha
tells Naaman to dip seven times under the waters of the Jordan
River . Naaman reluctantly but obediently does so and is
miraculously healed. He offers gifts to Elisha which Elisha refuses. The
experience has turned Naaman into a true believer of Jehovah, the God of
Israel. Then, as Naaman is about to return to Aram , we come to verses 17-19.
Naaman realizes that when he gets back to Aram he will still
be expected to accompany his king in the temple of Rimmon, yet he has now been
enlightened, proclaiming, “Now I know
that there is no God in all the world except in Israel” (verse 15) and, “I will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other
god but the Lord” (verse 17). He wants to know if the Lord can forgive him
when his duty demands that he join his king in the temple of Rimmon
APPLICATION:
It is comforting to know that the Lord knows the intent of
our hearts over and above outward appearances. Sometimes the world forces us to
comply with things our hearts do not agree with. It is certainly within our
purview to protest and resist. However, when it comes to the point that society
and the authorities in power forcibly compel compliance, take comfort in
knowing that God sees the intent of your heart, not an action forced upon you.
If such a situation should ever befall you and on the inside you are saying, “I
hate this! I don’t want to do this! I don’t agree with this! I love, worship
and serve the Lord God alone!” –then hear the voice of the Lord to you, “Go in peace.”
PRAYER:
My Lord and my God, Your loving graciousness is
overwhelming! Grant me the strength and courage to resist evil; to stand in
protest against wickedness. When men’s laws and societal mores constrain me
under severe punishment or even actual physical force to actions against my
will, thank You for the peace You offer me.
In and through Christ Jesus. Amen. -AP
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