Beyond the Weekend

April 15 | “Mr. Trophy Case”

April 15, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded.  2 Kings 5:1a

Read: 2 Kings 5:1-19

Listen: 2 Kings 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Naaman is a mighty man of valor, a great man and a valiant soldier. He is the Army Commander, Naaman of Aram—some might call him, “Mr. Trophy Case.” Yet, he is a leper. His celebrity, riches and power cannot protect him from disease.

In many ways, leprosy was the AIDS of Naaman’s day. Feared above all other diseases, it brought seclusion and a slow, lonely death. But living in Naaman’s home, as his wife’s handmaiden, is a Jewish girl taken captive during a raid. She tells his wife a prophet in Israel (Elisha) could cure Naaman.

So Naaman begins a journey that will change his life forever. Filled with arrogance, he takes riches and a letter from his king to barter with Israel’s king for a cure. While the king recognizes he is unable to help, Elisha steps forward. He sends a messenger out to Naaman with unglamorous instructions for healing. Furious at being treated like everyone else, Naaman doesn’t realize that his journey isn’t just physical, but spiritual. To be healed he needs to accept and follow Elisha’s instructions. He needs to journey from an attitude of pride and self-reliance to one of humility.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Like Naaman, we try to make our lives better by depending on things other than God: money, good looks, popularity, athletics, education or family. Where does your journey from self-reliance to God need to begin?  With an open heart, confess to God those things that block you from totally relying on him. Ask him to lead you this week as you move forward in your spiritual journey.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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