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2 Kings 5:1-14
It had been almost a year since the diving accident that left her a quadriplegic. Joni Eareckson was feeling helpless and hopeless. She thought only if she had the use of her hands, even just her fingers, she could do something for herself. Instead, totally dependent upon others, she assigned herself to a life of nothingness. Learning of Joni's feelings occupational therapist Chris Brown came into her room. Encouragingly Chris suggested to Joni, "You can use your mouth to do some of the things you'd normally do with your hands." Joni refused this first invitation, but later accepted the challenge. She learned to use her mouth to accomplish many tasks, but that which became most astounding was her ability to paint. Placing a brush between her teeth she created beautiful paintings that have become hallmarks in the art world.
Healing comes in unexpected ways. That is the message in our lectionary reading this day. Naaman, the commander of King Ben-Hadad II army, had a horrific skin disease that could not be healed. His wealth and his position of authority were of no avail to this rancid disease. He learned from his Israelite slave that there was a prophet who could heal him. Holding a letter of introduction and bearing bountiful gifts he journeyed from Syria to Israel. After meeting with the king of Israel, Naaman received a summons to visit the home of the prophet Elisha. But, the encounter became one of a perceived insult. Elisha did not invite Naaman into his home or meet with him personally. Instead, he instructed Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was insulted, infuriated, and disbelieving. He was enraged that a man of his stature was not personally greeted. He was disbelieving that the muddy Jordan was superior in healing powers to the pristine rivers of Damascus, the Abana, and the Pharpar. But, on the advice of a subordinate, he followed Elisha's command and was healed.
If we truly want to be healed we must take seriously the advice of others. The solution offered may not be to our liking and even beyond our comprehension. If we do not extend the effort and heed their advice then there can be no blessing. The instruction for God's healing will come to us in many different voices. God's healing will come in many different forms. If we believe and trust, if we are willing to place a paintbrush between our teeth or wash in the muddy Jordan, our lives can be restored.
Ron L.
2 Kings 5:1-14
How many times do we get little inklings from God to do something? "Buy that homeless man a meal." "Talk to that coworker about me." "Offer to pray for your grieving friend." Many times these are not difficult things that God asks us to do. Yet somehow, our human nature always seems to insist that if we do something for God, it has to be grand.
Naaman thought that God, through, Elisha, would do something awe-inspiring and miraculous for his leprosy. Yet all Elisha asked him to do was bathe in the Jordan. While Naaman went away angry, his servant said, rightly, "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (v. 13).
Craig K.
2 Kings 5:1-14
Shawn almost forgot about a meeting he said he would attend at his church. To be honest he really did not want to attend, there were many things that needed his attention at home. His garden needed some serious weeding, the bushes in front of the house could be trimmed, and there were other projects that he had been putting off. Another meeting at church on a late spring evening when he could be doing other things did not excite him.
At the last minute he decided to go, after all he did say he was interested in learning about local mission projects. That night he learned about a new ministry that helped families with children. An old farm house was donated, remodeled, and made into two living units. Families that were struggling with financial or employment issues could live in one of the units. The benefit was to allow children to remain in their school. The speaker told how children suffer when they have to switch schools in the middle of the school year when a parent loses a job or faces some challenge.
As Shawn was listening he realized that this was not just another new program but was something that helped people through difficult times. Shawn wanted to be involved in any way that he could to help this new ministry succeed. "Sometimes we tend to forget that we are ministering to people in need," he says, "people need a human touch and kind word. Those in need want to feel valued and know they're not just another number."
The very notion that Naaman should bathe in the Jordon River found him less than enthused. He was looking for a cure to his health problem, had traveled a distance only to be told to wade into the river. He could have done that at home he protests. Naaman did as the prophet instructed and sure enough he was healed. Sometimes God transforms our lives at those moments when we think we know better or do not want to go or do what is asked of us.
Tim S.
Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16
I became a Christian as a child. Throughout my youth I followed Jesus and the "rules" of the church. My friends had several names for me -- some good, some not so good. They called me, "Preacher," "Deacon," "Billy Graham Jr.," and "Mr. Goody Two Shoes." The last name wasn't meant as a compliment.
I just wanted to be good. Goodness was not something that comes naturally for anyone. God is the beginning of goodness. Jesus said that if we were to follow him we have to deny ourselves (from evil motives) and take up our cross (good motives). It is only our dependence on God's grace and his transforming goodness that makes us good people.
Albert Day states that good works alone is a "pathetic spectacle ... hopelessly defeated moralists trying to elevate themselves by their own bootstraps." He continues his thoughts by sharing that the ideal situation is our dependence on God's grace by helping us to discover the grace of self-mastery through good works. He writes, "People working out, God working in -- that is the New Testament synthesis."
Go ahead and be a "goody two shoes" -- you and God walking the path of goodness together!
(Reuben Job/Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer [Nashville: The Upper Room, 1983], 91)
Derl K.
Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16
A popular poster in grade school classrooms reads something like this: "Thirty years from now, it won't matter what jeans you wore, how your hair looked, or what people thought of you. What matters will be what you learned and how you used it." Grade school and high school clothes and reputations fade away quickly after graduation. On the outside, you may have been the dorky science nerd or the preppy football jock. But once you get out of high school, you become like a new person. Who you are on the inside becomes more important: how well you can do your job, how well you interact with others. Cool clothes don't matter nearly as much as the person under them.
Leah T.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Linda Graham believes in miracles. Recently her faith was stretched beyond her wildest imagination when she along with three other women from North Carolina arrived in Haiti. They were participating in what they thought was a routine mission trip to deliver blankets, clothing, and medical supplies to an orphanage. The women had no idea that they were walking into one of the worst natural disasters in modern history.
As the women were leaving the airport the earthquake hit. At first Linda thought people were pushing the car until she noticed the trees were shaking too. Unable to drive to the orphanage they were dropped off at a church where about 2,000 people were singing and praying. Later the women were relocated to a soccer field where people were sleeping on sheets under the stars. "I've never felt the presence of God in such a tangible way as I did that night," Linda says.
The next morning wounded people lined up in front of the four women assuming they were nurses. Linda admits feeling inadequate knowing that she would not help the injured. Then she remembered that they had medical supplies in their luggage. The women sprung into action.
The biggest test of the women's faith came later that morning when two Haitian women went into labor. Linda was asked to deliver the babies in an abandoned hospital without electricity or running water. Linda prayed seeking the Lord's guidance. A healthy baby girl was born followed by a baby boy. The overjoyed father of the baby boy asked Linda to name his son. "I told him to name the boy Judah which means 'praise,' " Linda replied.
In the midst of unimaginable horror and pain many Haitians cried out to Jesus when everything they knew crumbled. And he has been answering them in a million different ways.
Jesus gave clear directions to the seventy he sent out of their first mission. When they returned they discovered what countless others have throughout the centuries is that their faith came alive, they saw results to their mission, and were filled with joy. Their mission was a success as they told Jesus, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!"
Tim S.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Many televangelists make enormous amounts of money. While there are those who use their money wisely, there are many others who do not. Some have even gone so far as to build themselves multi-million dollar homes out of the donations they've received through their ministries.
Contrast that with what Jesus tells his disciples in this passage. "Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals …" (v. 4). Jesus wasn't concerned with the material needs of his disciples; he knew God would take care of them. Do we have that same faith?
Craig K.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Saint Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words." This was the sentiment behind Jesus' words as he sent the 72 into the surrounding villages. Preceding Jesus they were to prepare the townspeople for his coming. The preparation involved preaching, which was a sharing of who Jesus is and the context of his message. But, it is important to note, they were to stay in individuals' homes. This would mean that a very real and substantive part of their ministry would be displayed by their actions and behavior. Evangelism is not only what we say, but it is also what we do.
Ron L.
2 Kings 5:1-14
It had been almost a year since the diving accident that left her a quadriplegic. Joni Eareckson was feeling helpless and hopeless. She thought only if she had the use of her hands, even just her fingers, she could do something for herself. Instead, totally dependent upon others, she assigned herself to a life of nothingness. Learning of Joni's feelings occupational therapist Chris Brown came into her room. Encouragingly Chris suggested to Joni, "You can use your mouth to do some of the things you'd normally do with your hands." Joni refused this first invitation, but later accepted the challenge. She learned to use her mouth to accomplish many tasks, but that which became most astounding was her ability to paint. Placing a brush between her teeth she created beautiful paintings that have become hallmarks in the art world.
Healing comes in unexpected ways. That is the message in our lectionary reading this day. Naaman, the commander of King Ben-Hadad II army, had a horrific skin disease that could not be healed. His wealth and his position of authority were of no avail to this rancid disease. He learned from his Israelite slave that there was a prophet who could heal him. Holding a letter of introduction and bearing bountiful gifts he journeyed from Syria to Israel. After meeting with the king of Israel, Naaman received a summons to visit the home of the prophet Elisha. But, the encounter became one of a perceived insult. Elisha did not invite Naaman into his home or meet with him personally. Instead, he instructed Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was insulted, infuriated, and disbelieving. He was enraged that a man of his stature was not personally greeted. He was disbelieving that the muddy Jordan was superior in healing powers to the pristine rivers of Damascus, the Abana, and the Pharpar. But, on the advice of a subordinate, he followed Elisha's command and was healed.
If we truly want to be healed we must take seriously the advice of others. The solution offered may not be to our liking and even beyond our comprehension. If we do not extend the effort and heed their advice then there can be no blessing. The instruction for God's healing will come to us in many different voices. God's healing will come in many different forms. If we believe and trust, if we are willing to place a paintbrush between our teeth or wash in the muddy Jordan, our lives can be restored.
Ron L.
2 Kings 5:1-14
How many times do we get little inklings from God to do something? "Buy that homeless man a meal." "Talk to that coworker about me." "Offer to pray for your grieving friend." Many times these are not difficult things that God asks us to do. Yet somehow, our human nature always seems to insist that if we do something for God, it has to be grand.
Naaman thought that God, through, Elisha, would do something awe-inspiring and miraculous for his leprosy. Yet all Elisha asked him to do was bathe in the Jordan. While Naaman went away angry, his servant said, rightly, "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (v. 13).
Craig K.
2 Kings 5:1-14
Shawn almost forgot about a meeting he said he would attend at his church. To be honest he really did not want to attend, there were many things that needed his attention at home. His garden needed some serious weeding, the bushes in front of the house could be trimmed, and there were other projects that he had been putting off. Another meeting at church on a late spring evening when he could be doing other things did not excite him.
At the last minute he decided to go, after all he did say he was interested in learning about local mission projects. That night he learned about a new ministry that helped families with children. An old farm house was donated, remodeled, and made into two living units. Families that were struggling with financial or employment issues could live in one of the units. The benefit was to allow children to remain in their school. The speaker told how children suffer when they have to switch schools in the middle of the school year when a parent loses a job or faces some challenge.
As Shawn was listening he realized that this was not just another new program but was something that helped people through difficult times. Shawn wanted to be involved in any way that he could to help this new ministry succeed. "Sometimes we tend to forget that we are ministering to people in need," he says, "people need a human touch and kind word. Those in need want to feel valued and know they're not just another number."
The very notion that Naaman should bathe in the Jordon River found him less than enthused. He was looking for a cure to his health problem, had traveled a distance only to be told to wade into the river. He could have done that at home he protests. Naaman did as the prophet instructed and sure enough he was healed. Sometimes God transforms our lives at those moments when we think we know better or do not want to go or do what is asked of us.
Tim S.
Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16
I became a Christian as a child. Throughout my youth I followed Jesus and the "rules" of the church. My friends had several names for me -- some good, some not so good. They called me, "Preacher," "Deacon," "Billy Graham Jr.," and "Mr. Goody Two Shoes." The last name wasn't meant as a compliment.
I just wanted to be good. Goodness was not something that comes naturally for anyone. God is the beginning of goodness. Jesus said that if we were to follow him we have to deny ourselves (from evil motives) and take up our cross (good motives). It is only our dependence on God's grace and his transforming goodness that makes us good people.
Albert Day states that good works alone is a "pathetic spectacle ... hopelessly defeated moralists trying to elevate themselves by their own bootstraps." He continues his thoughts by sharing that the ideal situation is our dependence on God's grace by helping us to discover the grace of self-mastery through good works. He writes, "People working out, God working in -- that is the New Testament synthesis."
Go ahead and be a "goody two shoes" -- you and God walking the path of goodness together!
(Reuben Job/Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer [Nashville: The Upper Room, 1983], 91)
Derl K.
Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16
A popular poster in grade school classrooms reads something like this: "Thirty years from now, it won't matter what jeans you wore, how your hair looked, or what people thought of you. What matters will be what you learned and how you used it." Grade school and high school clothes and reputations fade away quickly after graduation. On the outside, you may have been the dorky science nerd or the preppy football jock. But once you get out of high school, you become like a new person. Who you are on the inside becomes more important: how well you can do your job, how well you interact with others. Cool clothes don't matter nearly as much as the person under them.
Leah T.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Linda Graham believes in miracles. Recently her faith was stretched beyond her wildest imagination when she along with three other women from North Carolina arrived in Haiti. They were participating in what they thought was a routine mission trip to deliver blankets, clothing, and medical supplies to an orphanage. The women had no idea that they were walking into one of the worst natural disasters in modern history.
As the women were leaving the airport the earthquake hit. At first Linda thought people were pushing the car until she noticed the trees were shaking too. Unable to drive to the orphanage they were dropped off at a church where about 2,000 people were singing and praying. Later the women were relocated to a soccer field where people were sleeping on sheets under the stars. "I've never felt the presence of God in such a tangible way as I did that night," Linda says.
The next morning wounded people lined up in front of the four women assuming they were nurses. Linda admits feeling inadequate knowing that she would not help the injured. Then she remembered that they had medical supplies in their luggage. The women sprung into action.
The biggest test of the women's faith came later that morning when two Haitian women went into labor. Linda was asked to deliver the babies in an abandoned hospital without electricity or running water. Linda prayed seeking the Lord's guidance. A healthy baby girl was born followed by a baby boy. The overjoyed father of the baby boy asked Linda to name his son. "I told him to name the boy Judah which means 'praise,' " Linda replied.
In the midst of unimaginable horror and pain many Haitians cried out to Jesus when everything they knew crumbled. And he has been answering them in a million different ways.
Jesus gave clear directions to the seventy he sent out of their first mission. When they returned they discovered what countless others have throughout the centuries is that their faith came alive, they saw results to their mission, and were filled with joy. Their mission was a success as they told Jesus, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!"
Tim S.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Many televangelists make enormous amounts of money. While there are those who use their money wisely, there are many others who do not. Some have even gone so far as to build themselves multi-million dollar homes out of the donations they've received through their ministries.
Contrast that with what Jesus tells his disciples in this passage. "Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals …" (v. 4). Jesus wasn't concerned with the material needs of his disciples; he knew God would take care of them. Do we have that same faith?
Craig K.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Saint Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words." This was the sentiment behind Jesus' words as he sent the 72 into the surrounding villages. Preceding Jesus they were to prepare the townspeople for his coming. The preparation involved preaching, which was a sharing of who Jesus is and the context of his message. But, it is important to note, they were to stay in individuals' homes. This would mean that a very real and substantive part of their ministry would be displayed by their actions and behavior. Evangelism is not only what we say, but it is also what we do.
Ron L.
