The Daily Devotional
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Obedience Beyond Our Expectations
He went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:14)
Introduction
In 2 Kings 5:14, we encounter Naaman, a mighty commander afflicted with leprosy, at a pivotal moment of humility and faith. The verse reads: "So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean." This moment is not just about physical healing but about a transformative journey of obedience and surrender.
Reflection
Naaman, a respected Syrian commander, expected a grand gesture for his healing. Instead, the prophet Elisha sent a message: simply bathe in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman's initial outrage at this mundane and humbling task reveals a profound human tendency to let our expectations dictate our obedience to God.
Consider the story of a seasoned sailor named John who once faced a fierce storm at sea. As waves battered his small boat, his knowledge and experience told him to steer a certain course. However, the Coast Guard advised a different, seemingly counterintuitive route. Wrestling with his pride and expertise, John eventually chose to trust the guidance over his own. Miraculously, he sailed through the storm unharmed. Like Naaman, John had to set aside his expectations and trust in the wisdom of another.
Application
We often approach God’s commands and promises with preconceived notions of how they should unfold. We interpret scriptures through the lens of our reasoning, potentially resisting simpler, humbler paths He lays out because they don’t align with our grandiose visions. However, true spiritual maturity is recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours and submitting to His wisdom, even when it contradicts our own understanding.
Conclusion
Naaman’s healing was not just about the act of immersing in the Jordan. It was about stripping away self-reliance and pride to embrace a posture of complete surrender to God’s instructions. When we choose to obey God as He directs, regardless of our opinions or preferences, we open ourselves to the fullness of His work in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom that surpasses all understanding. Teach us to approach Your Word with a heart of obedience rather than subjection to our limited insights. Help us to trust in Your ways, even when they diverge from our expectations. As we seek to follow You wholeheartedly, mold us into instruments of Your will, that in all things, Your name might be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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