2 Kings 5: A Proud General and an Eccentric Prophet
Israel is reeling- internally, from the corruption of King Ahab’s reign, and externally, from attacks by the neighboring state of Aram (the area known today as Syria). Shouldn’t Elisha, God’s current prophet in Israel, help his countrymen? Instead, chapter 5 tells of Elisha’s assistance to a high-ranking enemy general. Naaman’s pilgrimage shows how far Elisha’s fame has spread. A pagan king, hearing of Elisha, agrees to seek help from God’s prophet in Israel in order to get his general’s health restored.
Elisha’s brusque treatment of powerful people, such as the general Naaman, mentioned here, and of the king of Israel elsewhere, contrasts sharply with his tenderness toward the poor and oppressed. The bizarre procedure he prescribes as a medical treatment, along with his refusal to take payment, offends Naaman’s pride. Elisha, however, leaves no doubt that healing comes through God, not through magical powers or a shaman’s secret techniques. God requires obedience and humility- even from five-star generals with piles of gold.
In this incident, and also in another (8:7-15), Elisha serves the kingdom of Aram, an enemy of Israel. Jesus later refers to this story at the beginning of his ministry (Luke 4:27), underscoring Elisha’s point: Don’t try to “box in” God, who must be obeyed on his own terms, not manipulated.
Life Question: One writer, Harold Myra, has defined the Christian life as “living by God’s surprises.” Has God ever surprised you?
Israel is reeling- internally, from the corruption of King Ahab’s reign, and externally, from attacks by the neighboring state of Aram (the area known today as Syria). Shouldn’t Elisha, God’s current prophet in Israel, help his countrymen? Instead, chapter 5 tells of Elisha’s assistance to a high-ranking enemy general. Naaman’s pilgrimage shows how far Elisha’s fame has spread. A pagan king, hearing of Elisha, agrees to seek help from God’s prophet in Israel in order to get his general’s health restored.
Elisha’s brusque treatment of powerful people, such as the general Naaman, mentioned here, and of the king of Israel elsewhere, contrasts sharply with his tenderness toward the poor and oppressed. The bizarre procedure he prescribes as a medical treatment, along with his refusal to take payment, offends Naaman’s pride. Elisha, however, leaves no doubt that healing comes through God, not through magical powers or a shaman’s secret techniques. God requires obedience and humility- even from five-star generals with piles of gold.
In this incident, and also in another (8:7-15), Elisha serves the kingdom of Aram, an enemy of Israel. Jesus later refers to this story at the beginning of his ministry (Luke 4:27), underscoring Elisha’s point: Don’t try to “box in” God, who must be obeyed on his own terms, not manipulated.
Life Question: One writer, Harold Myra, has defined the Christian life as “living by God’s surprises.” Has God ever surprised you?
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Pretty much each day of my life. I'm in constant awe of His grace knowing so well that I'm a sinner who probably takes life's gifts for granted way too often. Getting ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I truly plan to cherish the time with my kids- the greatest gift that Christ has given me here on earth. The "surprises" that come from these three children make me laugh and cry pretty much every day of my life.
1 comment:
The surprises come when we think we have God figured out. He keeps me on my heels much of the time as He continually redefines the ways in which He works. He is Infinite in His knowledge and plans. Redemption and Holiness are His main calling cards. The Lord definitely has the element of surprise on His side and I have grown to expect the unexpected from His Hand.
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