"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, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents[b] of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”"
(2 Kings 5:1-6)
Arrogance and pride are God’s enemies, but humility is the beginning of glory. There is problem that will force even the most powerful and influential person to kneel before Jesus. Let the problem guide us to kneel down before Him and seek His face.
Naaman was a respected commander. To others, Naaman surely looked honorable outwardly, but when he went home and opened his armor, he was a leper inside. Everyone has his own problem, including people we admire. Do not give up when we have problem, stop comparing ourselves with others and getting frustrated.
The young girl in 2 Kings 5:2-3 was a Jew who became a war slave. Naaman surely did many evil deeds before God. Although that girl did not get any respect and status, she did not bear any grudge due to imprisonment and depression. Yet, her words were full of wisdom. We could lose everything today, but if God is blessing us, everything we do will be blessed.
Do not listen to what the world says. Humility begins with integrity before God, where God determines the beginning and the end. Humility begins from one being, Jesus Christ. That young girl told Naaman to go to Samaria, a disgraceful place. Naaman was forced to swallow his pride. Our healing lies in our humility. God places the biggest blessing in a very low place; thus, our pride has to go low enough to get it.
Naaman had not taken off his pride when he used his connection among the kings. He was still prideful, and he still relied on his money and connections. As Naaman tried to be more prideful, God brought him down even lower. Naaman did not meet Elisha, even though he used his connection among the kings. He met with Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, instead; and Naaman was asked to wash himself in the dirty Jordan River in the territory of his colony. God will not give His miracles until we bow down in His altar. Miracles are given not because we have great faith or we deserve it, but because God loves humble people.
How to be humble enough to find miracles?
- Humbly admit personal sins
Do not blame other people and find a black sheep if you want to be the white sheep. Maybe there are some Christians or religious people who become stumbling blocks, but it does not mean that the God of Christians is the same. Maybe we were born from a broken family or out of wedlock, but do not make it a reason to sin. Take responsibility upon yourself, stop looking at other people’s sins, and admit our own personal sins upon the LORD. - Humbly ask for God’s help
Do not make a statement like: “God, if You help me, I will start serving You.” Let it come out from our own willingness. God only asks, “Do you want to get healed?” Ask Him as it is like a hungry child asking for food to his father. Therefore, we only have to ask our Heavenly Father that we need His help. God will guide us to the right path. Maybe it will not be done overnight, but step by step. Or sometimes God can also give a shortcut through a miracle. As long as what you ask for is right, good, and according to the Bible, then it will be given as the heritage of believers. - Humbly praise His greatness
Acknowledge God, always praise Him, commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Praise Him not because of His miracles, but because He is good no matter what we have been through. When we praise Him, we humble ourselves should we be exalted later on.
Excerpted from Ps. Philip Mantofa's sermon, 17 June 2020, Youtube & Instagram Live
https://youtu.be/Rmx6KiCv1uA
