Put Your Pride Away

Repentance, in Christian circles it is said a lot, but do we truly understand what it means?  It’s important to remember, it’s not about us but it is all about God.  This is a difficult statement to get our heads around.  What appears simple turns out to more challenging than one might think.  The problem is pride - my pride and your pride!

If you’ve never read the story of Naaman, I encourage you to take a look at 2 Kings 5.  Naaman is a great general with a terrible skin disease.  He wants to be healed. He is even encouraged by his boss to seek healing. 

When he hears there is a Jewish prophet, Elisha, that can heal him; Naaman is quick to get ready to go.  He plans it all out.  He gets the paperwork together, he gets the right clothes picked out, and he gets the money to pay loaded up.  He has all his “ducks in a row”.

Naaman goes to see Elisha and at this point he is ready to do whatever it takes to get healed. 

The prophet hears the famous general is coming. Elisha knows this will be an opportunity for God to be glorified! 

Elisha sends him a message, telling him to go dip in the Jordon River seven times. That’s it.  Simple as that and Naaman will be healed.  Here is where the problem arises.  Naaman did not like this idea.

Naaman’s miracle did not look like he wanted it to!

First, he was offended by the servant speaking to him instead of Elisha.  Second, the process was yucky. The Jordan river wasn’t as nice as other rivers. Third, it was weird. Dip 7 times, why?.  Lastly, and perhaps the biggest, the whole idea was just rude! Does that sound familiar? “Ugh! I am so offended!”

We are broken and in desperate need of a Healer, a Savior.  And yes the simple message of the Gospel is offensive.  The cross, a device designed to torture and kill, is yucky.  It seems odd. A man born in a stinky, dirty barn holds the answers.

No, there is nothing you or I can do on our own - it is all about God!

The beauty of Naaman’s story is when he got out of his own way, realized he was helpless, and did what God was telling him to do, Naaman was healed.  He was set free.  What was holding him back was removed!  

We are nothing without God! Put your pride away.  Step into the River.  Be healed!  Be set free!