Naaman was commander of the king of Aram's army. So important was Naaman that his master, the king, leaned on his arm when entering the temple of Rimmon. Yet even with all of Naaman's success and importance, he had some type of skin disease. The "leprosy" must have caused him some degree of distress to the point that a young slave girl from Israel told her mistress about Elisha and how he could cure Naaman.
So one thing leads to another. Naaman, a military man, follows the chain of command. He first requests permission from the king of Aram to go see "the prophet", and a letter is sent to the king of Israel requesting that the king of Israel heal Naaman. (This is totally odd to me since Aram and Israel were at war off and on.) Now to me the kings involved knew exactly who the prophet was. The kings themselves and/or their father's had had dealing with Elijah and Elisha for years. Elijah and Elisha were constant sources of irritation to the kings of Israel and Aram. The king of Israel, definitely knew who Elisha was and where he was but he did not request for Elisha to come. Why??? Because he was Ahab's son and the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. Instead, the king of Israel tore his robes and threw a hissy fit complaining that his enemy was trying to pick a quarrel with him.
Can you imagine Elisha's face when he heard the account of Israel's king tearing his robes and carry on so? If I were Elisha, I would likely have to have a little laugh while I sent my message to the king. Remember Elisha's message to the king of Israel "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will see that there is a prophet in Israel?" I just see the king of Israel turn red in the face and fume when reading the message. Oh to be a fly on the wall.
We have heard the account of Naaman many times. After all, Elisha didn't even come out to talk to him but had his servant tell Naaman what to do which was to dip seven times in that nasty dirty river Jordan. So he headed home the same way as he arrived only he was in a rage on the way home. His servants finally talk some sense to him after they chip gently away at this ego. So Naaman finally followed Elisha's instruction and dipped seven times in the river Jordan and was healed. I agree with those who think that he wasn't healed until after that seventh dip. Naaman returns to thank Elisha and give him gifts. Elisha wants nothing to do with any of the gifts. Naaman vows to only sacrifice to Elisha's God, even to the point requesting as much dirt as two donkeys can carry so he can have a piece of land not defiled by all of Aram's idolatry. This shows Naaman has an idea of understanding of God's requirements of true holy offerings and relationship. Naaman also requests God's forgiveness ahead of time for assisting his master the king into the temple of Rimmon and bowing since his master leans on his arm. Elisha tells him to go in peace.
In 2 Kings 6:32-7:2 we read an account of a second officer on whose arm a king leaned but this time it is the king of Israel. We read how the king of Israel is furious at Elisha because of the famine God sent because of Israel's sin. The king sends a messenger. Elisha tells them that the famine in the city of Samaria will be totally the opposite in about 24 hrs; from famine to feast plus more. The officer on whose arm the king was leaning states" Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?" Elisha tells him that he will see it with his own eyes but he will not eat any of it.
2 Kings 7:3-8 tells of the lepers findings the Aramean camp where they had fled and left everything behind. After enjoying themselves and taking what they wanted they decided that maybe they should share the good news to keep themselves out of trouble. So they headed for the palace but only got as far as the city gate and shouted the news to the gatekeepers. After a short investigation proved them right all of Samaria wanted a part of the pie. 2 Kings 7:17-20 tells us that the officer arm the king leaned was in charge of the gate and the prophecy regarding him seeing the abundance but not any of it came true as he was trampled by his own people as they rushed to get their share.
The first account shows God's mercy to an Aramean (basically a non believer and a non Jew). It shows how a young girl made a big difference in a leaders life. It shows that God doesn't care who we think we are or what "appearances" we like to maintain. God deals with Naaman directly in his heart.
The second account shows God's expectation of an Israelite. True, Israel had practiced idolatry for years but that officer was still one of Abraham's offspring. The officer's lack of belief in God's abilities cost him his life. The officer may not have seen God's blessings but he definitely had heard the accounts of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha.
When I read these events I pray that I will rightly discern what God is trying to teach me through His Word and through preaching. That I will rightly discern what He is trying to teach me through events that occur directly and indirectly in my life. I pray that I will have a heart like David.
God bless and Bon appetit
Jackie
Let's read the Bible through in 2013
Monday, June 20, 2011
David's grief and God's plan.
I have to comment on the lives of David and Solomon before going forward.
First of all about David, a shepherd boy, who became king after a lengthy and dangerous transition period. David, a worshipper and a servant of God, who knew what true praise and worship could do. David, a man after God's own heart, who was acquainted with personal sin and God's forgiveness. David, a husband, who knew about adultery and disrespect from a wife. David, a friend, who knew about how to be a real friend. David, a king, who was a defender of the faith and God's people. David, a father, who knew about grief and estrangement regarding a child.
David loved Absalom perhaps to the fault of spoiling him or not providing the guidance Absalom obviously needed. Nothing can break the heart of a parent like a child. David's and Absalom's relationship was bumpy at best. Can you imagine, your son rising against you to the point that he has people willing to kill you. A son who has so little respect that he sleeps with David's wives and concubines. David had many reasons to grieve about Absalom. The event recorded in 2 Samuel 18 is the outcome of a son filled with arrogance and selfishness. There David waited for word of the battle between his men and Absalom's army. The outcome for all to hear was David's heart breaking cry "O my son Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absalom my son, my son!" Yes, David knew the joy and the heartbreak of being a parent. His hopes dashed for his son's future as king of Israel. Absalom just wasn't willing to sumbit to God's plan and timetable. Absalom just wanted things done his way. Yet, God had a promise to keep to David. God had promised that someone from David's lineage would always sit on the throne. It makes me wonder if God knew that Absalom was not the right person for the job and that this was God's way and plan for David's and Israel's future. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. One thing is for sure, Absalom did not fulfill the commandment that held a promise. Honor your father and mother fournd in Exodus 20:12 holds the blessing of a long life.
Then there is the account of David's and Bathsheba's first born child's death. Here is David desperately seeking God for the child's life. Psalm 51 records David's earnest petition for forgiveness of his sin which he knew could hold the penalty of death even by David's own estimation. Then Nathan shows up again in 2 Samuel 12:13 ("Nathan replied: The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.") Why was the son going to die?? It wasn't because of the sin of adultery and murder directly but because David had caused God's enemies reason to mock Him. Just goes to show that to whom much is given much is required. When God blesses us and the world sees that we are blessed of God, God holds us responsible to live our lives as holy as possible so that the world doesn't have reason to mock God because of our actions. I can hear him praying and sobbing, begging God not to hold the child accountable for his sin. He knows what Nathan has said but as long as the child is alive there is hope. Can't you hear him saying " Please oh God, I have asked you forgiveness for my actions with Bathsheba and having Uri killed. I know it was wrong and I have sinned against you. Please, oh please dear God, don't hold my child responsible for my sins. Oh God I know his illness is my fault due to my sin and actions but if there is some other way oh Lord....." There was not another way. After about 7 days of fasting and prayer, the boy dies. David gets up washes and eats then goes to Bathsheba to comfort her. His hope now is that he will see his son again in eternity. Here is the most interesting outcome of the union between David and Bathsheba. God choses their son Solomon as the next king. God choses the son of two people who committed adultery and one of them murder.
If this isn't an example of God's grace and mercy, I don't know what would be. If you ever are in a position where you doubt that God can forgive you; read this account. If you are ever in a position of condemnation over a past sin: read this account. If you ever doubt God's grace and mercy; just try to follow David's example of admission of sin, servanthood and worship.
In a couple of days, I'll post on Naaman. I'll get caught up. I promise. LOL
Bon Apetit and God Bless
Jackie
First of all about David, a shepherd boy, who became king after a lengthy and dangerous transition period. David, a worshipper and a servant of God, who knew what true praise and worship could do. David, a man after God's own heart, who was acquainted with personal sin and God's forgiveness. David, a husband, who knew about adultery and disrespect from a wife. David, a friend, who knew about how to be a real friend. David, a king, who was a defender of the faith and God's people. David, a father, who knew about grief and estrangement regarding a child.
David loved Absalom perhaps to the fault of spoiling him or not providing the guidance Absalom obviously needed. Nothing can break the heart of a parent like a child. David's and Absalom's relationship was bumpy at best. Can you imagine, your son rising against you to the point that he has people willing to kill you. A son who has so little respect that he sleeps with David's wives and concubines. David had many reasons to grieve about Absalom. The event recorded in 2 Samuel 18 is the outcome of a son filled with arrogance and selfishness. There David waited for word of the battle between his men and Absalom's army. The outcome for all to hear was David's heart breaking cry "O my son Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you - O Absalom my son, my son!" Yes, David knew the joy and the heartbreak of being a parent. His hopes dashed for his son's future as king of Israel. Absalom just wasn't willing to sumbit to God's plan and timetable. Absalom just wanted things done his way. Yet, God had a promise to keep to David. God had promised that someone from David's lineage would always sit on the throne. It makes me wonder if God knew that Absalom was not the right person for the job and that this was God's way and plan for David's and Israel's future. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. One thing is for sure, Absalom did not fulfill the commandment that held a promise. Honor your father and mother fournd in Exodus 20:12 holds the blessing of a long life.
Then there is the account of David's and Bathsheba's first born child's death. Here is David desperately seeking God for the child's life. Psalm 51 records David's earnest petition for forgiveness of his sin which he knew could hold the penalty of death even by David's own estimation. Then Nathan shows up again in 2 Samuel 12:13 ("Nathan replied: The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.") Why was the son going to die?? It wasn't because of the sin of adultery and murder directly but because David had caused God's enemies reason to mock Him. Just goes to show that to whom much is given much is required. When God blesses us and the world sees that we are blessed of God, God holds us responsible to live our lives as holy as possible so that the world doesn't have reason to mock God because of our actions. I can hear him praying and sobbing, begging God not to hold the child accountable for his sin. He knows what Nathan has said but as long as the child is alive there is hope. Can't you hear him saying " Please oh God, I have asked you forgiveness for my actions with Bathsheba and having Uri killed. I know it was wrong and I have sinned against you. Please, oh please dear God, don't hold my child responsible for my sins. Oh God I know his illness is my fault due to my sin and actions but if there is some other way oh Lord....." There was not another way. After about 7 days of fasting and prayer, the boy dies. David gets up washes and eats then goes to Bathsheba to comfort her. His hope now is that he will see his son again in eternity. Here is the most interesting outcome of the union between David and Bathsheba. God choses their son Solomon as the next king. God choses the son of two people who committed adultery and one of them murder.
If this isn't an example of God's grace and mercy, I don't know what would be. If you ever are in a position where you doubt that God can forgive you; read this account. If you are ever in a position of condemnation over a past sin: read this account. If you ever doubt God's grace and mercy; just try to follow David's example of admission of sin, servanthood and worship.
In a couple of days, I'll post on Naaman. I'll get caught up. I promise. LOL
Bon Apetit and God Bless
Jackie
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
God I need to see you.....
I first want to apologize for my lack of maintaining this blog. I asked God's forgiveness first since I believe it was He who told me to do this. Most of you know my excuses; all having to do with illness and family. Primarily, I have been pre-occuppied about our little Hudson.
Today's entry is more about what has been going on in my life. A testimony. After all, we are overcomers by the word of our testimony.
In the weeks prior to Hudson's birth, my petition to God was "God I need to see you active in MY LIFE, not someone else, not through prayers I pray for someone else. I need to see you working actively in my life. I want first hand experience". And then Hudson was born. My first reaction was an attitude of "Thanks a lot God. I ask for you to show yourself active and real in my life and what you give us is a handicapped child." I bet you can guess what God said.
This journey with Hudson is surreal right now. All the literature that we read and the literature that has been given to us to read paints a fairly bleak picture. He has been diagnosed with Cry of the Cat or 5minusP. Worse case scenario is a child that harms himself, wears a helmet, has no verbal skills, unable to walk or feed himself, no emotional connection, or knowledge of the world around him or ability to recognize the people who love him or even to recognize love. In saying the above, that is what I felt was the worse case scenario. The fact that over half of these children do not live through infancy was not the worse that could happen in my eyes. I'm just being real here.
Last week, Hudson was examined by the geneticist who said he didn't see anything wrong with him and that he is doing remarkably well and he didn't need to see him for a year. PTL!!! Please understand, Hudson still has Cry of the Cat. His chromosomes aren't going to change short of a miracle. Hudson, right now is defying the disease. He's not suppose to be able to suck or swallow or have an appetite BUT he's eating baby cereal from a spoon. He's not suppose to have any muscle tone BUT he's rolling over and is very vigorous and strong. He's suppose to have heart and kidney conditions which he doesn't. He's suppose to eye problems which is doesn't. He's a baby that loves to cuddle and very definitely is in love with his Mommy. Every day is a reason to praise the Lord for Hudson's progress.
Has God told me that Hudson is healed? No, He hasn't. What God has told me is that this is going to be a faith walk.... this is going to be a journey and I don't know the destination yet. I guess that's a little like Abraham starting out for the Promised Land. I am sure that there will be tests and hurdles to over come along the way just like Abraham did. BUT, I definitely see God working actively in Hudson's life and body. Not exactly what I wanted from God when I asked Him to show himself real to me but I know that God knows best.
Thank you for letting me share this. I know it isn't about our Bible reading directly. I'll have another post this week about what we've read and then one about what we are reading currently.
PS THANK YOU GENE AND RICK FOR YOUR COMMENTS..... I appreciate it more than you know.
Bon Apetit
Jackie
Today's entry is more about what has been going on in my life. A testimony. After all, we are overcomers by the word of our testimony.
In the weeks prior to Hudson's birth, my petition to God was "God I need to see you active in MY LIFE, not someone else, not through prayers I pray for someone else. I need to see you working actively in my life. I want first hand experience". And then Hudson was born. My first reaction was an attitude of "Thanks a lot God. I ask for you to show yourself active and real in my life and what you give us is a handicapped child." I bet you can guess what God said.
This journey with Hudson is surreal right now. All the literature that we read and the literature that has been given to us to read paints a fairly bleak picture. He has been diagnosed with Cry of the Cat or 5minusP. Worse case scenario is a child that harms himself, wears a helmet, has no verbal skills, unable to walk or feed himself, no emotional connection, or knowledge of the world around him or ability to recognize the people who love him or even to recognize love. In saying the above, that is what I felt was the worse case scenario. The fact that over half of these children do not live through infancy was not the worse that could happen in my eyes. I'm just being real here.
Last week, Hudson was examined by the geneticist who said he didn't see anything wrong with him and that he is doing remarkably well and he didn't need to see him for a year. PTL!!! Please understand, Hudson still has Cry of the Cat. His chromosomes aren't going to change short of a miracle. Hudson, right now is defying the disease. He's not suppose to be able to suck or swallow or have an appetite BUT he's eating baby cereal from a spoon. He's not suppose to have any muscle tone BUT he's rolling over and is very vigorous and strong. He's suppose to have heart and kidney conditions which he doesn't. He's suppose to eye problems which is doesn't. He's a baby that loves to cuddle and very definitely is in love with his Mommy. Every day is a reason to praise the Lord for Hudson's progress.
Has God told me that Hudson is healed? No, He hasn't. What God has told me is that this is going to be a faith walk.... this is going to be a journey and I don't know the destination yet. I guess that's a little like Abraham starting out for the Promised Land. I am sure that there will be tests and hurdles to over come along the way just like Abraham did. BUT, I definitely see God working actively in Hudson's life and body. Not exactly what I wanted from God when I asked Him to show himself real to me but I know that God knows best.
Thank you for letting me share this. I know it isn't about our Bible reading directly. I'll have another post this week about what we've read and then one about what we are reading currently.
PS THANK YOU GENE AND RICK FOR YOUR COMMENTS..... I appreciate it more than you know.
Bon Apetit
Jackie
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