Welcome to the May Project. I hope you will commit to joining us in this endeavor through the month of May. We have been challenged to read the book of Proverbs over the month of May. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." OK. I want that - don't you? Not just knowledge ... but all the way to wisdom - all the way to being able to carefully handle knowledge - to use it in Godly ways.
The guidelines for this particular project are:
1. Read one chapter of Proverbs each day - the chapter number corresponding to the day of the month.
2. As you read, if a particular verse jumps off the page for you, stop there and reflect on it. Write it down to carry with you that day. Post it on this site with a comment about why it stood out to you.
3. If you miss some days, don't give up the project! The chapter corresponds to the day's date - so pick up and keep going. Remember, "anything you do is better than doing nothing at all!"
4. The umbrella that covers this project is the following prayer:
Lord, Your servant James told us that if we wanted wisdom, we were to ask You. Here we are, asking. We want Your wisdom, not just knowledge. We want to be able to use knowledge in Godly ways. We long to walk in Your wisdom in our lives, in our homes, in our relationships and in our churches. Teach us Lord. We are seeking You ...
I look forward to hearing from you. We all look forward to learning how God is teaching us wisdom as we pursue this treasure.
April 28, 2010
April 27, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 13
We have reached the end of this particular journey. Today our reading will take us to the end of Elisha's earthly life.
Read 2 Kings 13: 14 - 23
Our protagonist has grown old and is sick. Jehoash, king of Israel goes to pay his last respects to the old prophet. The use of the phrase "My Father" was typical of the times when a younger man was showing respect to an older. And the use of "the chariots and horsemen of Israel" links Elisha with Elijah. It is a tribute. This king is truly honoring the prophet.
The interchange in verses 15 - 19 seems strange to our ears. Obviously there is symbolism regarding Israel's victory over their enemy, the Arameans. What is it about this striking of the ground that we read in verses 18 - 19? Most of the commentators that I read think that it is symbolic of half-hearted commitment by the kings of Israel to devote themselves to God - to fully trust God. If that is true, the lessons literally leap off the page! How is your commitment to trusting God with your life? Are you in the "strike the ground 3 times only" group, the half-hearted group, the "I'll go along a little way, but not too far" group? Those who will talk of commitment to Christ, to His church, as long as it is easy and convenient? Our God requires all of us - not part, not "one day a week". His requirement is "all".
Scripture is full of the concept of "all". Listen to Jesus when asked about what really matters: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." I don't want any half-hearted response from me. Do you? Give it all. Pray that God will open your eyes to see where you are holding back your trust in Him.
And Elisha died and was buried. (verse 20a) Such understatement!
While the detail around his death and burial is so sparse, God allows us to see the strength, the power, and the significance of this prophet of His. Verses 20 - 21 are almost comedic. God raised a dead man because his body touched the bones of this great prophet. Wish I had been there to see that!
Elijah - the dramatic prophet - the voice calling Israel back to her God - a beacon in his time.
Elisha - the gentle prophet - one by one calling Israelites, calling kings, back to their God - a light in his time.
What about you? Whatever your personality, whatever your style, wherever your circumstances take you ... God has placed the same mission in our laps ... calling people back to their God. Be a light ... be a light in your family ... be a light in your circle of influence.
"This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let is shine.
This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ... ALL the time ... let it shine."
I pray that you will ... and I pray that I will ... Let's be light!
Read 2 Kings 13: 14 - 23
Our protagonist has grown old and is sick. Jehoash, king of Israel goes to pay his last respects to the old prophet. The use of the phrase "My Father" was typical of the times when a younger man was showing respect to an older. And the use of "the chariots and horsemen of Israel" links Elisha with Elijah. It is a tribute. This king is truly honoring the prophet.
The interchange in verses 15 - 19 seems strange to our ears. Obviously there is symbolism regarding Israel's victory over their enemy, the Arameans. What is it about this striking of the ground that we read in verses 18 - 19? Most of the commentators that I read think that it is symbolic of half-hearted commitment by the kings of Israel to devote themselves to God - to fully trust God. If that is true, the lessons literally leap off the page! How is your commitment to trusting God with your life? Are you in the "strike the ground 3 times only" group, the half-hearted group, the "I'll go along a little way, but not too far" group? Those who will talk of commitment to Christ, to His church, as long as it is easy and convenient? Our God requires all of us - not part, not "one day a week". His requirement is "all".
Scripture is full of the concept of "all". Listen to Jesus when asked about what really matters: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." I don't want any half-hearted response from me. Do you? Give it all. Pray that God will open your eyes to see where you are holding back your trust in Him.
And Elisha died and was buried. (verse 20a) Such understatement!
While the detail around his death and burial is so sparse, God allows us to see the strength, the power, and the significance of this prophet of His. Verses 20 - 21 are almost comedic. God raised a dead man because his body touched the bones of this great prophet. Wish I had been there to see that!
Elijah - the dramatic prophet - the voice calling Israel back to her God - a beacon in his time.
Elisha - the gentle prophet - one by one calling Israelites, calling kings, back to their God - a light in his time.
What about you? Whatever your personality, whatever your style, wherever your circumstances take you ... God has placed the same mission in our laps ... calling people back to their God. Be a light ... be a light in your family ... be a light in your circle of influence.
"This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let is shine.
This little light of mine ...
I'm gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ... ALL the time ... let it shine."
I pray that you will ... and I pray that I will ... Let's be light!
April 22, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 12, Day 3
We left Samaria in desperate conditions in our last reading. The city was surrounded by an enemy army and shut off from any resources and help. It was surrender or die. There was famine so severe within the city that cannabalism was being practiced. It is with that horror in our minds that we go back to scripture today ...
Read 2 Kings 7: 3 - 20.
As we observe the relief that comes to Samaria, there are two things that stand out to me.
First, you can't help but notice how the Lord took care of the enemy army without any help from the Israelites. They did NOTHING! As I read about that, I was reminded of Zechariah 4:6 which says, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." I so often think that God needs my help to accomplish His will. When the reality is ... His will and work WILL be done. The question is whether I will participate in that or not. God doesn't need me ... He allows me. He offers me the privilege of joining in, of experiencing His work. Jesus taught us to pray ..."Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) I think this is a statement of fact, of reality. And it will be - not because of our might or power or cleverness or persuasiveness - but by the Spirit of God. I long to do my part ... not because it won't get done without me ... but because it is a divine privilege to work alongside the Lord Almighty. Never forget that the Lord is able to handle whatever problem you encounter. Sometimes He may have you work with Him to a solution ... and sometimes He may do it without your help at all! Bottom line is ....... trust Him!
Secondly, did you notice that God used lepers to be the first to find the deliverance? Our God so often uses the disenfrancised from society to reveal divine splendor. Remember He chose shepherds to receive the only formal announcement of the birth of Jesus. The first missionary that we read about in scripture was a Samaritan woman of unsavory repute! (John 4) Be careful before you write someone off as being unworthy of revelation from God!
I love the moment when these lepers' consciouses kick in gear. They realize that the treasure they have "stumbled upon" is too great to keep to themselves. You see, they KNEW they were dying. And they KNEW they had found food. And they KNEW the knowledge was too splendid to selfishly hold for themselves alone.
Do you give witness of the gift of life that you have received from the Lord? I often wonder if we are so hesitant to speak up because we really do not believe we were dying. O my friends ... give testimony to the saving grace of our Lord! Be willing to speak it. Let these 4 lepers be your example ... "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves." (verse 9)
To whom will you speak the good news of our "living bread" this week? Who needs to hear your voice talk about never being hungry or thirsty again? Let your voice be heard ...
Read 2 Kings 7: 3 - 20.
As we observe the relief that comes to Samaria, there are two things that stand out to me.
First, you can't help but notice how the Lord took care of the enemy army without any help from the Israelites. They did NOTHING! As I read about that, I was reminded of Zechariah 4:6 which says, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." I so often think that God needs my help to accomplish His will. When the reality is ... His will and work WILL be done. The question is whether I will participate in that or not. God doesn't need me ... He allows me. He offers me the privilege of joining in, of experiencing His work. Jesus taught us to pray ..."Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) I think this is a statement of fact, of reality. And it will be - not because of our might or power or cleverness or persuasiveness - but by the Spirit of God. I long to do my part ... not because it won't get done without me ... but because it is a divine privilege to work alongside the Lord Almighty. Never forget that the Lord is able to handle whatever problem you encounter. Sometimes He may have you work with Him to a solution ... and sometimes He may do it without your help at all! Bottom line is ....... trust Him!
Secondly, did you notice that God used lepers to be the first to find the deliverance? Our God so often uses the disenfrancised from society to reveal divine splendor. Remember He chose shepherds to receive the only formal announcement of the birth of Jesus. The first missionary that we read about in scripture was a Samaritan woman of unsavory repute! (John 4) Be careful before you write someone off as being unworthy of revelation from God!
I love the moment when these lepers' consciouses kick in gear. They realize that the treasure they have "stumbled upon" is too great to keep to themselves. You see, they KNEW they were dying. And they KNEW they had found food. And they KNEW the knowledge was too splendid to selfishly hold for themselves alone.
Do you give witness of the gift of life that you have received from the Lord? I often wonder if we are so hesitant to speak up because we really do not believe we were dying. O my friends ... give testimony to the saving grace of our Lord! Be willing to speak it. Let these 4 lepers be your example ... "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves." (verse 9)
To whom will you speak the good news of our "living bread" this week? Who needs to hear your voice talk about never being hungry or thirsty again? Let your voice be heard ...
April 20, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 12, Day 1
Today, read 2 Kings 6: 8 - 23.
These verses contain one of my favorite events in all of scripture. I love the interchange between Elisha and his servant. A massive, armed contingency, complete with horses and chariots, encircle Elisha's home city, ready to capture the prophet and take him to the King of Aram.
The servant saw them first. And he was scared! I would be scared. Would you? What to do ...
Elisha responded to his servant in the same manner that God so often responded to his frightened leaders. He said, "Don't be afraid." Why not? It's an incredibly frightening situation!! Because, Elisha continues, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (verse 16)
I can sense Elisha's calm alongside the panic in the servant's spirit. That spirit of calm is what I long to feel and exhibit in the heat of frightening circumstances. And we all have them from time to time - those horrifically huge giants that loom before us - sometimes physical health, sometimes financial, ocassionally tragedy and loss and abandonment - those giants whose shadows threaten to swallow us whole. Close your eyes and listen for the whisper of God ... "Don't be afraid. I am with you. You do not face this one alone. I am bigger and stronger than this crisis. Don't be afraid."
Then Elisha prays ... not for strength, not for protection ... he prays that his servant's eyes can be opened to see reality. And God responds. Opens his eyes. I think that actually needs to be our continual prayer for ourselves. Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see what is real and what is temporary illusion. I think we would be amazed if we could see into the spiritual realm. Open our eyes ...
Then we observe the enemy army blinded ... led into the very capital of Israel ... delivered to the king of Israel. Killed? No. Put into a prison camp? No. They are treated to a great feast! Now where is the logic in that? Only our Lord would do something like that. Only Jehovah. A feast when bread and water is deserved. Honor when punishment is deserved. Only God. Are you beginning to see yourself in this scene? From the Renovare' Spiritual Formation Bible: "This feast is one of those still points in history, a foretaste of a world thoroughly transformed by God. For the Church, this foretaste is also the Eucharist, a meal that allows us to stock our experience and imagination with powerful images of hospitality and peace."
A picture of what is to come ... a reminder of grace and mercy.
Close your study time today reflecting on the words of another prophet, Isaiah, as he foretells ...
These verses contain one of my favorite events in all of scripture. I love the interchange between Elisha and his servant. A massive, armed contingency, complete with horses and chariots, encircle Elisha's home city, ready to capture the prophet and take him to the King of Aram.
The servant saw them first. And he was scared! I would be scared. Would you? What to do ...
Elisha responded to his servant in the same manner that God so often responded to his frightened leaders. He said, "Don't be afraid." Why not? It's an incredibly frightening situation!! Because, Elisha continues, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (verse 16)
I can sense Elisha's calm alongside the panic in the servant's spirit. That spirit of calm is what I long to feel and exhibit in the heat of frightening circumstances. And we all have them from time to time - those horrifically huge giants that loom before us - sometimes physical health, sometimes financial, ocassionally tragedy and loss and abandonment - those giants whose shadows threaten to swallow us whole. Close your eyes and listen for the whisper of God ... "Don't be afraid. I am with you. You do not face this one alone. I am bigger and stronger than this crisis. Don't be afraid."
Then Elisha prays ... not for strength, not for protection ... he prays that his servant's eyes can be opened to see reality. And God responds. Opens his eyes. I think that actually needs to be our continual prayer for ourselves. Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see what is real and what is temporary illusion. I think we would be amazed if we could see into the spiritual realm. Open our eyes ...
Then we observe the enemy army blinded ... led into the very capital of Israel ... delivered to the king of Israel. Killed? No. Put into a prison camp? No. They are treated to a great feast! Now where is the logic in that? Only our Lord would do something like that. Only Jehovah. A feast when bread and water is deserved. Honor when punishment is deserved. Only God. Are you beginning to see yourself in this scene? From the Renovare' Spiritual Formation Bible: "This feast is one of those still points in history, a foretaste of a world thoroughly transformed by God. For the Church, this foretaste is also the Eucharist, a meal that allows us to stock our experience and imagination with powerful images of hospitality and peace."
A picture of what is to come ... a reminder of grace and mercy.
Close your study time today reflecting on the words of another prophet, Isaiah, as he foretells ...
"On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food
for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the
the finest of wines. On this mountain He will destroy the shroud
that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe
away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His
people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken."
April 19, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 12, Day 2
Today's work is difficult. The passages we will read take us into horrific places. They remind me of movies I have seen like "Schindler's List" and "Hotel Rwanda" - movies that take us into wretched times of evil and suffering and pain. Scripture is carefully realistic. And this is a fallen world where evil and rebellion and wickedness abound - where war and inhumanity are viewed in technicolor. We cannot gloss it over or pretend it does not exist and does not effect us. So take a deep breath, pray for God's Spirit to be your teacher and let's read ...
Some time has passed, we don't know how much, from the events we studied in Day 1.
Read 2 Kings 6:24 - 7:2.
We are going to observe negative examples today. So many times in our lives we stand at crossroads and have to make decisions about which way to go. What makes it difficult is that we seldom get to see the end of the road. We choose using some criteria. In this passage, God, in His mercy, allows us to see the END of some of the roads that are chosen by humanity.
In the farthest reaches of my imagination I cannot imagine this scene. But here it is. Starvation leading to cannibilism. But a mother? Her child? I can imagine that this woman has chosen SELF at all of the crossroads in her life. Her driving force has been to meet her own needs ... first ... and at all costs. On the early part of this road, it doesn't seem so bad. In fact, culture convinces us that it is a good thing! I mean, if you don't look out for your own needs, who do you think is going to?! So we choose SELF ... We find this woman at the end of this road of SELF and her life-long focus allows her to do this unthinkable thing.
Lessons for us? Don't get on that road! Of course I do not mean that you don't take care of yourself. You can't serve anyone - God, family, others - when you are sick and unhealthy. Pray that God will show you healthy ways to express your own needs. You can't ignore them ... but they can't be the primary driver in all your life decisions. God must be that driver! His truth, His Word, His presence must be that driver.
A second negative example in these verses is found in the King of Israel. He is appalled when he hears this woman's request! He is overwhelmed. He is in mourning for his country, his capital, his people, himself. But he never takes the crisis to Israel's God! Instead, he lashes out in rage against God. And since he cannot kill the Almighty God, he goes after God's prophet - he seeks to kill Elisha. I mean, you have to blame someone for this tragedy. He certainly would take no responsibility upon himself ... so go after God.
Have you ever been there? Or have you ever witnessed someone choosing that road? Life crashes in, tragedy strikes, the unthinkable actually happens. Casandra Martin says that the King illustrates people who "use God as a vending machine. I have put in my money, or time. Now, God, do what I want." And when God does not seem to do what we want, there is outrage ... blame. And at the end of this road, we witness people saying exactly what this king said in verse 33, "This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I hope in the Lord any longer?"
Lessons for us? Where can you release the rage and frustration and hopelessness that can come in times of great crisis? I think we need to take our signal from David, the writer of many of the Psalms. He takes his cries, his anger, his frustrations, his self-pity, his vengeful thoughts ... he takes them all to God in brutal honesty. You can feel him raging in so many of the Psalms. But at the end, he always returns to giving thanks and to praising God. ALWAYS!
Close today by remembering ... GOD IS GOD ... I AM NOT ... THAT IS GOOD!!
Some time has passed, we don't know how much, from the events we studied in Day 1.
Read 2 Kings 6:24 - 7:2.
We are going to observe negative examples today. So many times in our lives we stand at crossroads and have to make decisions about which way to go. What makes it difficult is that we seldom get to see the end of the road. We choose using some criteria. In this passage, God, in His mercy, allows us to see the END of some of the roads that are chosen by humanity.
In the farthest reaches of my imagination I cannot imagine this scene. But here it is. Starvation leading to cannibilism. But a mother? Her child? I can imagine that this woman has chosen SELF at all of the crossroads in her life. Her driving force has been to meet her own needs ... first ... and at all costs. On the early part of this road, it doesn't seem so bad. In fact, culture convinces us that it is a good thing! I mean, if you don't look out for your own needs, who do you think is going to?! So we choose SELF ... We find this woman at the end of this road of SELF and her life-long focus allows her to do this unthinkable thing.
Lessons for us? Don't get on that road! Of course I do not mean that you don't take care of yourself. You can't serve anyone - God, family, others - when you are sick and unhealthy. Pray that God will show you healthy ways to express your own needs. You can't ignore them ... but they can't be the primary driver in all your life decisions. God must be that driver! His truth, His Word, His presence must be that driver.
A second negative example in these verses is found in the King of Israel. He is appalled when he hears this woman's request! He is overwhelmed. He is in mourning for his country, his capital, his people, himself. But he never takes the crisis to Israel's God! Instead, he lashes out in rage against God. And since he cannot kill the Almighty God, he goes after God's prophet - he seeks to kill Elisha. I mean, you have to blame someone for this tragedy. He certainly would take no responsibility upon himself ... so go after God.
Have you ever been there? Or have you ever witnessed someone choosing that road? Life crashes in, tragedy strikes, the unthinkable actually happens. Casandra Martin says that the King illustrates people who "use God as a vending machine. I have put in my money, or time. Now, God, do what I want." And when God does not seem to do what we want, there is outrage ... blame. And at the end of this road, we witness people saying exactly what this king said in verse 33, "This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I hope in the Lord any longer?"
Lessons for us? Where can you release the rage and frustration and hopelessness that can come in times of great crisis? I think we need to take our signal from David, the writer of many of the Psalms. He takes his cries, his anger, his frustrations, his self-pity, his vengeful thoughts ... he takes them all to God in brutal honesty. You can feel him raging in so many of the Psalms. But at the end, he always returns to giving thanks and to praising God. ALWAYS!
Close today by remembering ... GOD IS GOD ... I AM NOT ... THAT IS GOOD!!
April 17, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 11, Day 3
This week we are reading 2 Kings 5 - that intriqueing story about Commander Naaman's miraculous healing from leprosy.
Today, read again verses 19 - 27.
Elisha's servant, Gehazi, just couldn't stand it! Money was offered and Elisha refused to take it. For the prophet of God, there were more important things at stake than money. I suspect Elisha NEVER wanted Naaman to doubt the healing he had received from God. It was pure grace. Naaman did not earn it ... deserve it ... or buy it. Isn't it difficult to just accept grace. We are so programmed by our culture that "nothing is free" - "you get what you pay for" - "there's no free ride"! Therefore when we bump up against the grace of God, we don't know how to react. And so we struggle with the concept. We have a hard time believing that we REALLY CANNOT EARN OR DESERVE GOD'S GRACE! So we work hard at religion to deserve it - can't be done. We try and try to be "good" to earn it - can't be done. These are fine things to focus attention and energy upon ... but if the motivation is to deserve God's gift ... then the motivation is wrong. God's grace is pure gift. As a believer in our Lord, you are a recipient of this priceless treasure - wholeness as a gift of God. Response? Say with Naaman, "Now I know that there is no God except You." And offer yourself ... again ... in gratitude and wonder.
As I have mentioned to you earlier, I have become quite a Naaman fan as I have reflected on this chapter this week. But we also see an example in these verses that we need to learn from in a negative aspect. Gehazi.
I see some greed in that man's heart. Couldn't stand to let some money pass him by when it was there for the taking. I see a good rationalizer. I can say that because I am a bit of an expert in that arena! Did you notice how Gehazi rationalized what he wanted to do? Forget that Elisha had said, No" to the offer. Forget that Gehazi was Elisha's servant and, therefore, not the one to overturn the decision. Forget that Naaman was already "some distance" away ... Gehazi wanted it. So he goes - deliberately, intentionally, after Naaman. Then we see the third strike against Gehazi. He is dishonest. He devises a tale that it totally untrue to get what he wants. I have a theory ... I think Naaman would have given him some money if Gehazi had just asked for it for himself. But he did not have that much courage. He did not have the strength of character or the courage to speak the truth. And he continued the lie when he returned to Elisha. But wait, we know about that ... how a lie grows.
Truth matters. Being a person whose word is dependable matters. In Proverbs 6: 16 - 19 there is an interesting list of things that God hates. It is surprising to me what is there ... and what is NOT there. But for our discussion today, most interesting is that "a lying tongue" is number 2! On down the list, in position 6 is "a false witness who pours out lies."
Truth matters. To God. And Paul tells us how to deliver truth. In Ephesians 4:15 Paul tells believers to "speak the truth in love." You see, both aspects are vital. If one speaks the truth, and there is no love present, it can come out harsh, even mean, and will sound judgmental. If one only speaks with love - no truth - it can be mushy and sentimental and weak. So both components are necessary. Truth ... Love. They go together.
The challenge I see for us as we close this week ... more like Naaman: generous, willing to listen, eyes to see God ... and less like Gehazi: greedy, deceptive.
And before you leave this site today ... say with me (out loud!)
For the word of the Lord is right and true;
He is faithful in all He does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of His unfailing love. (Psalm 33: 4 - 5)
And so we worship ...
Today, read again verses 19 - 27.
Elisha's servant, Gehazi, just couldn't stand it! Money was offered and Elisha refused to take it. For the prophet of God, there were more important things at stake than money. I suspect Elisha NEVER wanted Naaman to doubt the healing he had received from God. It was pure grace. Naaman did not earn it ... deserve it ... or buy it. Isn't it difficult to just accept grace. We are so programmed by our culture that "nothing is free" - "you get what you pay for" - "there's no free ride"! Therefore when we bump up against the grace of God, we don't know how to react. And so we struggle with the concept. We have a hard time believing that we REALLY CANNOT EARN OR DESERVE GOD'S GRACE! So we work hard at religion to deserve it - can't be done. We try and try to be "good" to earn it - can't be done. These are fine things to focus attention and energy upon ... but if the motivation is to deserve God's gift ... then the motivation is wrong. God's grace is pure gift. As a believer in our Lord, you are a recipient of this priceless treasure - wholeness as a gift of God. Response? Say with Naaman, "Now I know that there is no God except You." And offer yourself ... again ... in gratitude and wonder.
As I have mentioned to you earlier, I have become quite a Naaman fan as I have reflected on this chapter this week. But we also see an example in these verses that we need to learn from in a negative aspect. Gehazi.
I see some greed in that man's heart. Couldn't stand to let some money pass him by when it was there for the taking. I see a good rationalizer. I can say that because I am a bit of an expert in that arena! Did you notice how Gehazi rationalized what he wanted to do? Forget that Elisha had said, No" to the offer. Forget that Gehazi was Elisha's servant and, therefore, not the one to overturn the decision. Forget that Naaman was already "some distance" away ... Gehazi wanted it. So he goes - deliberately, intentionally, after Naaman. Then we see the third strike against Gehazi. He is dishonest. He devises a tale that it totally untrue to get what he wants. I have a theory ... I think Naaman would have given him some money if Gehazi had just asked for it for himself. But he did not have that much courage. He did not have the strength of character or the courage to speak the truth. And he continued the lie when he returned to Elisha. But wait, we know about that ... how a lie grows.
Truth matters. Being a person whose word is dependable matters. In Proverbs 6: 16 - 19 there is an interesting list of things that God hates. It is surprising to me what is there ... and what is NOT there. But for our discussion today, most interesting is that "a lying tongue" is number 2! On down the list, in position 6 is "a false witness who pours out lies."
Truth matters. To God. And Paul tells us how to deliver truth. In Ephesians 4:15 Paul tells believers to "speak the truth in love." You see, both aspects are vital. If one speaks the truth, and there is no love present, it can come out harsh, even mean, and will sound judgmental. If one only speaks with love - no truth - it can be mushy and sentimental and weak. So both components are necessary. Truth ... Love. They go together.
The challenge I see for us as we close this week ... more like Naaman: generous, willing to listen, eyes to see God ... and less like Gehazi: greedy, deceptive.
And before you leave this site today ... say with me (out loud!)
For the word of the Lord is right and true;
He is faithful in all He does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of His unfailing love. (Psalm 33: 4 - 5)
And so we worship ...
April 14, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 11, Day 2
We are in 2 Kings 5 this week, the story of the miraculous healing of Naaman. Today, read again verses 9 - 19a.
Were you surprised at Naaman's first reaction to the instructions from Elisha? They were incredibly simple. I suspect Naaman was accustomed to a certain level of deference from people. After all, he was a powerful man - one with the ear of the king. Elisha was not rude. He just treated Naaman as he would have treated anyone - no better, no worse. Naaman was used to being treated better! And I think it took him off guard. Have you ever been there? Ever been caught off guard and reacted badly? I think most of us can remember times when our reactions have been less than stellar!
That is the very reason I think we can learn a valuable lesson from Naaman. We see another servant willing to speak the truth to this master. First it was a young girl from Israel ... now it is a male servant traveling with the commander. How they must have trusted this man's character. They were not afraid of him. They were willing to give their opinions. And this master was willing to listen and weigh the words delivered to him, even from servants.
I see much in these verses that leads me to prayer. Are you willing to join me in this prayer?
Our Father ... I pray that You will put people in my life who are willing to tell me the truth. I pray that You will give me the eyes to see what kind of atmosphere I am creating in my own home. I long for it to be one of openness, of honesty, of gentleness. I want to be the kind of person that people are willing, unafraid, to say hard things to - even my children - those who may be "under" me. Give me Your wisdom so that I will be able to evaluate all things said to me. Give me a heart that is willing to change when needed. Help me lay aside the pride that wages war in my spirit. Thank You for preserving this encounter so that I can know about Naaman. You are the God of miracles ... of healing ... of courage. I join Naaman in saying, 'I know there is no God except You'. I worship You this day.
Were you surprised at Naaman's first reaction to the instructions from Elisha? They were incredibly simple. I suspect Naaman was accustomed to a certain level of deference from people. After all, he was a powerful man - one with the ear of the king. Elisha was not rude. He just treated Naaman as he would have treated anyone - no better, no worse. Naaman was used to being treated better! And I think it took him off guard. Have you ever been there? Ever been caught off guard and reacted badly? I think most of us can remember times when our reactions have been less than stellar!
That is the very reason I think we can learn a valuable lesson from Naaman. We see another servant willing to speak the truth to this master. First it was a young girl from Israel ... now it is a male servant traveling with the commander. How they must have trusted this man's character. They were not afraid of him. They were willing to give their opinions. And this master was willing to listen and weigh the words delivered to him, even from servants.
I see much in these verses that leads me to prayer. Are you willing to join me in this prayer?
Our Father ... I pray that You will put people in my life who are willing to tell me the truth. I pray that You will give me the eyes to see what kind of atmosphere I am creating in my own home. I long for it to be one of openness, of honesty, of gentleness. I want to be the kind of person that people are willing, unafraid, to say hard things to - even my children - those who may be "under" me. Give me Your wisdom so that I will be able to evaluate all things said to me. Give me a heart that is willing to change when needed. Help me lay aside the pride that wages war in my spirit. Thank You for preserving this encounter so that I can know about Naaman. You are the God of miracles ... of healing ... of courage. I join Naaman in saying, 'I know there is no God except You'. I worship You this day.
April 12, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 11, Day 1
We are nearing the end of our study. I want to commend you for staying the course and reaching Lesson 11! I also want to encourage you to finish well. I find that starting things is actually quite easy. But finishing well - that's a different story. You have made it to the final lap - the last quarter mile! Keep on my friends!!
This week our focus will be on 2 Kings 5. Read the entire chapter to keep the flow of the story. Then, go back and focus on verses 1 - 8 for our thoughts today.
First, consider the two new characters to whom you are introduced in these verses. There is Naaman. You may not recognize the country, Aram. It is on the northern boundary of Israel and is more commonly know as Syria. Naaman is a Syrian military commander. An important, powerful man. Then there is this young girl, an Israelite, we don't know how old, currently a house slave serving Naaman's wife. An insignificant, no-power girl. What two extremes from our human evaluation.
Secondly, don't miss what is indicated in verse 1. Aram had been given military victory by God because of Naaman. He is obviously a man of character. But wait, Naaman was not Jewish. No, he was Syrian. That one phrase in verse 1 reminds us that God is the God of the universe. He created all peoples. He loves all peoples. He is sovereign over the affairs of mankind. All mankind. His eyes roam to and fro over the earth in search of hearts that seek Him. Remember, "for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ..." (John 3:16) Lesson for me? There is no room for "better than" thinking among the people of God - regardless of race, nationality, economics, education, etc. God grants His favors on whom He delights. There may be some people not in your "group" that God favors!
Third, disease has a powerful way of leveling the playing field! Disease is it's own cruel master. Because of disease, this powerful man became needy. And he couldn't fight his way out with his own skill and strength. This had to be taken to God. And he was receptive ... he was desperate. Disease does that to us. Whether physical or spiritual or psychological, take your own dis-ease to the sovereign Lord. Place it in His hands. And listen ...
Another thing that impresses me in these verses is the apparant comfortable atmosphere in Naaman's home between his wife and her servant girl. I think I would like these people - Naaman and Mrs. Naaman. This young slave girl did not seem hesitant to speak up, to give her opinion on the matter at hand. She was obviously concerned about her master and trusted her mistress enough to speak up. I am impressed by both her courage and her faith. And that is the essence of being light wherever you are - the courage to speak the name of God and the faith to trust the outcome in His hands.
We learn lessons from unlikely people in unlikely places. Keep your eyes open today for what God would have you learn ...
This week our focus will be on 2 Kings 5. Read the entire chapter to keep the flow of the story. Then, go back and focus on verses 1 - 8 for our thoughts today.
First, consider the two new characters to whom you are introduced in these verses. There is Naaman. You may not recognize the country, Aram. It is on the northern boundary of Israel and is more commonly know as Syria. Naaman is a Syrian military commander. An important, powerful man. Then there is this young girl, an Israelite, we don't know how old, currently a house slave serving Naaman's wife. An insignificant, no-power girl. What two extremes from our human evaluation.
Secondly, don't miss what is indicated in verse 1. Aram had been given military victory by God because of Naaman. He is obviously a man of character. But wait, Naaman was not Jewish. No, he was Syrian. That one phrase in verse 1 reminds us that God is the God of the universe. He created all peoples. He loves all peoples. He is sovereign over the affairs of mankind. All mankind. His eyes roam to and fro over the earth in search of hearts that seek Him. Remember, "for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ..." (John 3:16) Lesson for me? There is no room for "better than" thinking among the people of God - regardless of race, nationality, economics, education, etc. God grants His favors on whom He delights. There may be some people not in your "group" that God favors!
Third, disease has a powerful way of leveling the playing field! Disease is it's own cruel master. Because of disease, this powerful man became needy. And he couldn't fight his way out with his own skill and strength. This had to be taken to God. And he was receptive ... he was desperate. Disease does that to us. Whether physical or spiritual or psychological, take your own dis-ease to the sovereign Lord. Place it in His hands. And listen ...
Another thing that impresses me in these verses is the apparant comfortable atmosphere in Naaman's home between his wife and her servant girl. I think I would like these people - Naaman and Mrs. Naaman. This young slave girl did not seem hesitant to speak up, to give her opinion on the matter at hand. She was obviously concerned about her master and trusted her mistress enough to speak up. I am impressed by both her courage and her faith. And that is the essence of being light wherever you are - the courage to speak the name of God and the faith to trust the outcome in His hands.
We learn lessons from unlikely people in unlikely places. Keep your eyes open today for what God would have you learn ...
April 10, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 10, Day 3
We are still in "Elisha's Photo Album". (Look at Day 2 if that makes no sense to you!) In photo 1, we saw the beautiful picture of redemption. Christ is our redeemer.
Photo 3: Read 2 Kings 4:42 - 44
Remember that this event takes place in a time of famine. There is a 7 year famine in Israel at the time of this event. That fact makes this man's offering all the more poignant. Twenty loaves of bread and some ripe grain from the FIRST of his harvest - not the left-overs. God told Israel to bring Him the firstfruits of the land - produce and livestock. Have you ever thought about why? God is about encouraging faith in us. Trust Me - He says in a myriad of ways. Firstfruits is an act of trust. It says that I will offer to my God the first in my hand ... and I will trust Him for my care. This is a man of faith. Am I? What about you? Consider your offering to God. Is it firstfruits of your life and your resources ... or is it leftovers?
As we look for images of Jesus in these pictures ... listen to 2 Corinthians 15:20
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
Many of you will recognize this multiplying of food from the story in the New Testament when Jesus did this very thing. You find it in Matthew 14:13 - 21. One thing that continues to impress me is the reality that God is sufficient - even abundant. God's provision is sufficient for me. In fact, Christ Himself is my nourishment. Hear Jesus say, "I AM the bread of life." (John 6:35) Have you taken Him into yourself? Are you feasting on Him every day? He is your life!
Photo 2: Read 2 Kings 6: 1 - 7
In this scene we see the impossible being made possible by God. Iron does not float. And yet God caused this iron axehead to raise up from the bottom of that dirty river. It was lost ... and yet became found. Consider ...
*Is there anything in your life right now that seems impossible to resolve? Don't give up. Pray. Be patient. Nothing is impossible to God.
*Do you feel that you are so far down that nothing can bring you back up? Never fear. You cannot go so far that God does not have His eye on you. And since God is sovereign ... and wise ... and powerful ... He can bring you back to Himself. Trust Him. Talk to Him and trust Him.
Close your time today with these words from Psalm 52: 8 - 9:
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
I will praise You forever for what You have done;
in Your Name I will hope, for Your Name is good.
Photo 3: Read 2 Kings 4:42 - 44
Remember that this event takes place in a time of famine. There is a 7 year famine in Israel at the time of this event. That fact makes this man's offering all the more poignant. Twenty loaves of bread and some ripe grain from the FIRST of his harvest - not the left-overs. God told Israel to bring Him the firstfruits of the land - produce and livestock. Have you ever thought about why? God is about encouraging faith in us. Trust Me - He says in a myriad of ways. Firstfruits is an act of trust. It says that I will offer to my God the first in my hand ... and I will trust Him for my care. This is a man of faith. Am I? What about you? Consider your offering to God. Is it firstfruits of your life and your resources ... or is it leftovers?
As we look for images of Jesus in these pictures ... listen to 2 Corinthians 15:20
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
Many of you will recognize this multiplying of food from the story in the New Testament when Jesus did this very thing. You find it in Matthew 14:13 - 21. One thing that continues to impress me is the reality that God is sufficient - even abundant. God's provision is sufficient for me. In fact, Christ Himself is my nourishment. Hear Jesus say, "I AM the bread of life." (John 6:35) Have you taken Him into yourself? Are you feasting on Him every day? He is your life!
Photo 2: Read 2 Kings 6: 1 - 7
In this scene we see the impossible being made possible by God. Iron does not float. And yet God caused this iron axehead to raise up from the bottom of that dirty river. It was lost ... and yet became found. Consider ...
*Is there anything in your life right now that seems impossible to resolve? Don't give up. Pray. Be patient. Nothing is impossible to God.
*Do you feel that you are so far down that nothing can bring you back up? Never fear. You cannot go so far that God does not have His eye on you. And since God is sovereign ... and wise ... and powerful ... He can bring you back to Himself. Trust Him. Talk to Him and trust Him.
Close your time today with these words from Psalm 52: 8 - 9:
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
I will praise You forever for what You have done;
in Your Name I will hope, for Your Name is good.
April 7, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 10, Day 2
I love photo albums. While enjoying the instant nature of digital photography, especially the 'delete' feature, I prefer holding photos in my hand. Maybe it is age and familiarity, maybe I am a kinesthetic person and need to touch something. Whatever the reason, I love photo albums. A snapshot tells a story. I look at a photo of my daughter and I see my husband. I pick up a photo of my granddaughter and see my daughter's eyes.
For the next two sessions, we are going to look at some events in the life of Elisha that remind me of snapshots - quick pictures of people and events, of life and trauma and joy. And yet there is a common thread that runs throughout. Look for images of Jesus as you read these scenes.
Scene 1: 2 Kings 4: 38 - 41
I find it interesting that Elisha does not tell them to throw the poisoned stew away. Just dump it out and we will start over. This batch is bad. I have certainly done that often in my kitchen! While this pot of stew was all messed up and even carrying death, it was still redeemable. Has life "poisoned" you in any way? Life outside of God is a path to death. Sin is a path to death. Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 that the "wages of sin is death". I am grateful to God that He finds me, and you, redeemable. In essence God says to us, "No, my child, we don't need to throw you out. I can deal with the poison. I can make you good."
Elisha puts flour in the stew and it becomes nourishing. Odd. Maybe not. We know that in the Jewish worship and sacrifice system, one of the required offerings was called the "sin offering". It was necessary as a sacrifice for the person's sin. It was the way to cleansing, to purity. We learn in Leviticus 5: 11 - 13 that if a person had no money for the required animal to use as a sin offering, he was allowed to bring a handful of flour for the sin offering. Offer the flour and the redemption, the clean-ness would follow ... as a gift from God.
Can you see Jesus? Romans 8:3 says, "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering." Our Lord is the flour! Our Lord is the source of any clean-ness, any wholeness, any goodness in me or you. It is He, and He alone, that can take the "death out of the pot"!
Close today with the words from Psalm 51: 1 - 2: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."
I have a new image in my mind with these verses after today's reading. Not only can I picture standing under a shower of water and washing clean ... we can now add the image of being covered with flour! All over! White! Thank you Lord!!
For the next two sessions, we are going to look at some events in the life of Elisha that remind me of snapshots - quick pictures of people and events, of life and trauma and joy. And yet there is a common thread that runs throughout. Look for images of Jesus as you read these scenes.
Scene 1: 2 Kings 4: 38 - 41
I find it interesting that Elisha does not tell them to throw the poisoned stew away. Just dump it out and we will start over. This batch is bad. I have certainly done that often in my kitchen! While this pot of stew was all messed up and even carrying death, it was still redeemable. Has life "poisoned" you in any way? Life outside of God is a path to death. Sin is a path to death. Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 that the "wages of sin is death". I am grateful to God that He finds me, and you, redeemable. In essence God says to us, "No, my child, we don't need to throw you out. I can deal with the poison. I can make you good."
Elisha puts flour in the stew and it becomes nourishing. Odd. Maybe not. We know that in the Jewish worship and sacrifice system, one of the required offerings was called the "sin offering". It was necessary as a sacrifice for the person's sin. It was the way to cleansing, to purity. We learn in Leviticus 5: 11 - 13 that if a person had no money for the required animal to use as a sin offering, he was allowed to bring a handful of flour for the sin offering. Offer the flour and the redemption, the clean-ness would follow ... as a gift from God.
Can you see Jesus? Romans 8:3 says, "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering." Our Lord is the flour! Our Lord is the source of any clean-ness, any wholeness, any goodness in me or you. It is He, and He alone, that can take the "death out of the pot"!
Close today with the words from Psalm 51: 1 - 2: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."
I have a new image in my mind with these verses after today's reading. Not only can I picture standing under a shower of water and washing clean ... we can now add the image of being covered with flour! All over! White! Thank you Lord!!
April 5, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 10, Day 1
Before we leave the Shunammite woman, there is one other bit of information we get to read about her. Read 2 Kings 8: 1 - 6
Did you see again the faith of this woman? She so trusted God that when His spokesman, Elisha, told her of a coming famine, she believed him and responded. We read it so quickly - in such a few sentences - it is easy to miss the impact of the event. This woman is faced with a decision that is monumental. Leave your house ... leave your community ... leave your country ... go to a foreign land among people you do not know. All scripture tells us is: "the woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away ..." (verse 2) I just don't think it was all that simple! Many of you have moved - some of you have moved a LOT. You have first hand knowledge of what all is involved in relocating. And while the times were different and the culture was different - I don't think women are different. She left her home and her community. Because God warned her through His prophet.
I think of the many warnings that come to us through the pages of scripture. Do I respond? Or do I want to wait and see if the dire things are really going to happen? In this study, we are getting a crash course on the effects of idolatry on a people - on a country. Do you believe it? What is your response?
Paul, in Colossians 3:5 says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." I am not a Greek scholar. So I don't know if the use of idolatry applies to "greed" or to the whole list of earthly, fleshly stuff. Either way, I see what God considers idolatry from me - from you. And I see this as a warning from God through the pages of scripture as much as the woman from Shunem received a warning from God through Elisha. God said to her, "Get out of there". And she did. God says to us, "Get rid of ...". And how will our story read?
I love this woman!
As we close today, enjoy a chuckle about God's timing. This lady "happened" to walk into the king's presence as Gehazi "happened" to be telling the king about Elisha raising a boy from the dead. And, what do you know, here she is!
Don't doubt God's timing in your life as well. Even when you can't see the end of something ... know that our sovereign Lord has timing well in control. And it is different from ours! Trust Him.
Did you see again the faith of this woman? She so trusted God that when His spokesman, Elisha, told her of a coming famine, she believed him and responded. We read it so quickly - in such a few sentences - it is easy to miss the impact of the event. This woman is faced with a decision that is monumental. Leave your house ... leave your community ... leave your country ... go to a foreign land among people you do not know. All scripture tells us is: "the woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away ..." (verse 2) I just don't think it was all that simple! Many of you have moved - some of you have moved a LOT. You have first hand knowledge of what all is involved in relocating. And while the times were different and the culture was different - I don't think women are different. She left her home and her community. Because God warned her through His prophet.
I think of the many warnings that come to us through the pages of scripture. Do I respond? Or do I want to wait and see if the dire things are really going to happen? In this study, we are getting a crash course on the effects of idolatry on a people - on a country. Do you believe it? What is your response?
Paul, in Colossians 3:5 says, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." I am not a Greek scholar. So I don't know if the use of idolatry applies to "greed" or to the whole list of earthly, fleshly stuff. Either way, I see what God considers idolatry from me - from you. And I see this as a warning from God through the pages of scripture as much as the woman from Shunem received a warning from God through Elisha. God said to her, "Get out of there". And she did. God says to us, "Get rid of ...". And how will our story read?
I love this woman!
As we close today, enjoy a chuckle about God's timing. This lady "happened" to walk into the king's presence as Gehazi "happened" to be telling the king about Elisha raising a boy from the dead. And, what do you know, here she is!
Don't doubt God's timing in your life as well. Even when you can't see the end of something ... know that our sovereign Lord has timing well in control. And it is different from ours! Trust Him.
April 2, 2010
A Light in the Darkness: Lesson 9, Day 3
I am not ready to leave this Shunammite woman yet. Let's read 2 Kings 4: 8 - 37 again today, looking for things about this woman that impress us.
I think this woman will go on my personal "heroes of faith" list. I so wish I knew her name! I see so many characteristics and behaviors from her that I want to emulate.
1. We looked at her spirit of hospitality in Day 2.
2. She used the resources available to her for good. This particular woman had many resources it seems, but that does not make it a "given" that she would use them for good. I know women with much ... and I know women with little. And I have both witnessed and been a recipient of generosity from those with much and with little. A woman can be greedy and stingy with much or with little - 0r she can be generous. It is the heart within her that dictates the use of those resources. And the size does not matter. Lessons for us? Use what you have for good. Help when and where you can. I hear the apostle Paul saying, "Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10) I challenge us to examine our hearts - and practice generosity of spirit ... with what God has placed in our hands.
3. She had learned to live with a spirit of contentment. When Elisha asked her what he could do for her ... the response, in essence, was: I am well. She had learned to be content in her circumstances. Did she have everything she longed for? Obviously not. As most women, she had longed for a child - and had none. But that emptiness did not turn her into a bitter person. Again, I hear the apostle Paul saying, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11) Lessons for us? See the fullness in your own life - focus on the fullness - think on the fullness. And practice saying, "I am well."
4. When crisis hit ... she went to God. Her passion to get to Elisha, knowing him to be the prophet of God, shows us that she knew where to take her situation, her heart's desire, her crisis. She did not go to Elisha when she had exhausted all other possibilities. She went to him first. That is a heart of faith. She reminds me of Jacob when he wrestled with God and would not turn loose. You read about that in Genesis 32: 22 - 32. I hear him saying, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Lessons for us? Take it to the Lord - whatever your "it" may be. And don't quit ... don't turn loose. Go to God first. He may very well send you to some other person. But go to God first. Spend time wrestling with Him over the situation first.
5. And finally, I watch this woman respond to God in pure worship. The encounter closes with these words: "She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground." (verse 37) That is the heart of worship. The contemporary Christian song, "The Heart of Worship" has this phrase: "I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it. When it's all about You." Worship is a heart bowed low before the sovereign Lord. True worship is not about forms and styles. It is about God and my heart before Him. Lessons for us? Worship God - with your whole being. Worship.
Yes - this woman from Shunem goes on my "heroes of faith" list. I want look more like her in my particular circumstances and behaviors. She was truly "light" in her dark, idol-worshiping culture. I want to be that kind of light. Join me?
I think this woman will go on my personal "heroes of faith" list. I so wish I knew her name! I see so many characteristics and behaviors from her that I want to emulate.
1. We looked at her spirit of hospitality in Day 2.
2. She used the resources available to her for good. This particular woman had many resources it seems, but that does not make it a "given" that she would use them for good. I know women with much ... and I know women with little. And I have both witnessed and been a recipient of generosity from those with much and with little. A woman can be greedy and stingy with much or with little - 0r she can be generous. It is the heart within her that dictates the use of those resources. And the size does not matter. Lessons for us? Use what you have for good. Help when and where you can. I hear the apostle Paul saying, "Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10) I challenge us to examine our hearts - and practice generosity of spirit ... with what God has placed in our hands.
3. She had learned to live with a spirit of contentment. When Elisha asked her what he could do for her ... the response, in essence, was: I am well. She had learned to be content in her circumstances. Did she have everything she longed for? Obviously not. As most women, she had longed for a child - and had none. But that emptiness did not turn her into a bitter person. Again, I hear the apostle Paul saying, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11) Lessons for us? See the fullness in your own life - focus on the fullness - think on the fullness. And practice saying, "I am well."
4. When crisis hit ... she went to God. Her passion to get to Elisha, knowing him to be the prophet of God, shows us that she knew where to take her situation, her heart's desire, her crisis. She did not go to Elisha when she had exhausted all other possibilities. She went to him first. That is a heart of faith. She reminds me of Jacob when he wrestled with God and would not turn loose. You read about that in Genesis 32: 22 - 32. I hear him saying, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Lessons for us? Take it to the Lord - whatever your "it" may be. And don't quit ... don't turn loose. Go to God first. He may very well send you to some other person. But go to God first. Spend time wrestling with Him over the situation first.
5. And finally, I watch this woman respond to God in pure worship. The encounter closes with these words: "She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground." (verse 37) That is the heart of worship. The contemporary Christian song, "The Heart of Worship" has this phrase: "I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it. When it's all about You." Worship is a heart bowed low before the sovereign Lord. True worship is not about forms and styles. It is about God and my heart before Him. Lessons for us? Worship God - with your whole being. Worship.
Yes - this woman from Shunem goes on my "heroes of faith" list. I want look more like her in my particular circumstances and behaviors. She was truly "light" in her dark, idol-worshiping culture. I want to be that kind of light. Join me?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)