(Note: Today’s blog is a slightly extended version of the meditational thought I have written for our upcoming Sunday bulletin in church.) Last Sunday I wrote about one aspect of the story in 2 Kings 5 about Naaman, the illustrious Syrian general who was miraculously healed of his leprosy in Samaria by the prophet Elisha. Today, I want to address a different facet of the story, Namaan’s arrogance. When instructed by the prophet’s messenger to go dunk himself seven times in the Jordan River, he went away in a rage, complaining that the rivers of his homeland were cleaner. The truth is that he refused because the prophet didn’t come out to personally greet or address him. He probably thought within himself, "doesn’t this so-called prophet know who I am?" By God’s grace, his servants were able to convince him that his health was at stake and what they were asking him to do was simple. When he got off his high horse and relented, he was healed.
Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) By these words, He obviously implied that God’s true children are peacemakers. For a genuine believer to be one who is constantly arguing or contending with others, is totally out of character. I think we all know one or two persons close to us that have this type of reputation. These are they whom others generally avoid. Next time someone asks you, as a favor, to do something simple, do it. Don’t argue or look for a fight. Instead look for ways to keep the peace.
Memory verse for the week: (2 Timothy 2:24) “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
