June 16th~New Skin, New Heart

2 Kings 5:1-8:15

God continued to do some amazing things through the prophet Elisha, from things as simple as cause a lost ax head to float to defeating entire armies with blindness or the sound of horses and chariots. It is still a mystery to me that, despite these demonstrations of power, the Israelites still insisted on worshiping idols and refused to worship God alone.

We also read of Elisha’s greedy assistant Gehazi, who saw an opportunity to make some money and chased it down. However, because of his obsession with wealth and his decision to hide it from Elisha, he was plagued with leprosy. We must never take credit for God’s works. They are meant to glorify Him, not line our pockets with money.

No doubt the most intriguing story from today’s reading was that of Naaman, the Aramean warrior who had leprosy. God had arranged for a little Israelite girl to be taken into exile and made a servant in Naaman’s household. When she saw her master dealing with this disease, she referred him to Elisha. She knew that he could heal Naaman by the power of God. Upon hearing of the prophet, Naaman investigated, traveled to Israel, visited Elisha’s house (though he never saw him), and was eventually healed.

In the story of Naaman, there are numerous parallels to our salvation in Christ. First, God’s love was never reserved only for the Jews; it reaches even to the Gentiles. More than that, His love even redeems His enemies. As Gentiles and sinners, we too were born enemies of God, and yet God did not withhold His love from us but extended His salvation to us as well.

Second, the little girl had a huge impact on Naaman’s life, and, yet, all she did was tell him about her God. It is often a temptation to believe that because we are insignificant in the world’s eyes, that we have no purpose; but God can use anyone to do His work. All we are asked to do is open our mouth and tell others about Him. He will take care of the rest.

Third, Naaman never saw Elisha, yet he believed by faith and obeyed his instructions to wash in the Jordan River. Likewise, we too, having never seen Jesus with our eyes, believe by faith and receive salvation, forgiveness for our sins. We are washed clean and made new by faith alone in Christ alone.

Daily Reflection

God most often uses people to bring other people to a saving relationship with Him. Recall your salvation experience. Who was it that He used to bring you to Christ? Describe it here.

Have you ever been tempted to keep quiet about God and His salvation? God arranges opportunities regularly for you to share your faith. Why is it that Christians do not tell more people about Christ?

Did you notice what Naaman did after being restored? He never again bowed before other gods, but only to the Lord. Does your life outwardly reflect what God has done for you inwardly, or is your worship only skin deep?

BiAY.org | Day 167 — 198 Days to Go