December 6 2014 Better Than Before By Jennifer Benson Schuldt Read: 2 Kings 5:1-15 [Naaman’s] flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child. —2 Kings 5:14 Bible in a Year: Daniel 3-4; 1 John 5 As infants, my children had nearly perfect skin. Their flesh was soft— they had no dry elbows or rough patches on their feet. Smooth and new, it contrasted with mine, which was marked by years of various scars and callouses. As a mighty warrior and the commander of the Syrian army, Naaman may have had scuffed skin and battle scars, but he also had a serious skin disease—leprosy. When a servant suggested that the prophet Elisha could heal him, Naaman visited him. He followed Elisha’s instructions, and his diseased flesh became “like the flesh of a little child” (2 Kings 5:14). This cure left Naaman better off both physically and spiritually. After being healed, he proclaimed, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel” (v.15). Through this miraculous experience, he learned that there is only one true God (1 Cor. 8:6). Like Naaman, we can learn important lessons about God as a result of our life experiences. Receiving a blessing may show us about His mercy and goodness (Matt. 7:11). Surviving or enduring a trial may help us see God’s sufficiency and care. Growing in knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:18) will always leave us better off spiritually than we were before. Father, help me to learn more about You as I travel through this world. Let this knowledge inspire fresh praise in my heart and a desire to become more like You. Lessons about God are embedded in life experiences. Insight Naaman’s journey of faith started with humility. It was only when he listened to his young slave girl (2 Kings 5:2-4), followed the instructions of Elisha’s servant and his own servants, and humbled himself by washing in the Jordan River that he received healing (vv.8-14). 380 Like Facebook 380 Twitter 34 Email Print Categories: Archives Basics Of Faith Christian Life Relating To God Relationships Tags: Gods care Gods goodness knowledge mercy suffering trials. odb.org/2014/12/06/better-than-before/
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 05:36:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015