We’re continuing our study of the building blocks. Have you completed your Soul Care Plan for 2018? Soul Care Plan Link Today’s topic is building block “?”, for The Mystery Block.
Today’s scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-14 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
This journey I’m on (toward attaining an education in Religious Studies) has proven to be good for me on more than one level. Obviously there are the textbook facts and theories to learn. However, what is even more valuable are the lessons in humility.
Recently I have recognized a recurring theme in my life. I have allowed pride to push me to seek places I think I deserve to be, as opposed to serving God right where I am today.
This theme has manifested itself not only in my school life and work life but also in my church and personal life. I have believed that I deserved respect, a position, to be assigned a task, or to have the fairytale relationship based solely on what I thought others should think of me. But in all of these situations, what I have heard both from voices of authority and other voices I respect is that I still have much to learn. The Holy Spirit has been echoing that same message in my spirit.
In our reading today we find Naaman, a valiant warrior and leader of men, who was stricken with leprosy. He had learned from an unassuming servant girl that there was a prophet in Samaria who could cure his disease. So with his gold, medals, a letter of introduction from the King of Aram, and the other trappings of his station in life he journeyed to Israel to get his healing.
However, upon his arrival at the Prophet Elisha’s house, the healer did not even come out to greet the great warrior and his entourage. Instead Naaman was greeted by a lowly messenger who instructed him to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman was insulted! He wanted the prophet to make a grand event of the miraculous healing, wave his hand over Naamans wounds and send him on his way. The Jordan River was muddy and no great man would want to come down off of his horses and wade in the filthy water.
The lesson for me is clear. In order to have relationship with God and receive the healing gift of salvation, we must humble ourselves to the will of God and be obedient to whatever it is God says we must do. Jesus illustrated this principle for us through his life. Surely he could have come to this world on golden chariots and lived a life of rich comfort detached from poverty, temptation, struggle, and pain. However he chose to suffer with us and for us. Is there a greater definition of serving?
For my question mark (?) block, I want to focus on having a more humble spirit and serving God in humility. Instead of focusing on where I think I ought to be, help me, God, to look around and serve you exactly where I am today!
Thought for the day: A person’s pride brings them low, but a lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.