Free Man

2 Kings 5:11

But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’

Years ago, when you’re asked to fill up a form, you only have three checkboxes for civil status: single, married, widowed. No divorce, no open relationships, and no option for ‘it’s complicated’. Freedom, by our definition, has taught us that we can personalize our lives as we see fit. We break rules, revise it, rename it, reinvent it - - just so it could feed our individualities, self-expression and independence. We rhyme along Henley’s Invictus: ‘I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul’. And it’s not pointing to those handcrafted wedding concepts, customized gears, or specified meal orders. It’s a lot about providing exception to rules and reasons to be excused. We’re beginning to rebuild Babel instead of upholding the Bible. Our thumbmarks against God’s blueprint. Our will against His.

Naaman was a man of stature and he knew it. As commander of Aram’s army and the king’s favorite hero, he grew accustomed to welcome parties and silver platters. His words had power and all resource under his feet. Until leprosy hit him. Surely, every doctor in his country came to attend him. But finding no answers, his desperation yielded to his slave girl’s suggestion: see Elisha. Bringing along the king’s pass, golds for payment, and an entourage, he had very high hopes to this journey. But contrary to his title and  expectations, no prophet came to him at the door. Instead, a lowly servant met him with Elisha's message: wash seven times in Jordan river. ‘That’s it?!! No rituals, no wonders from heaven, and he won't see me at least? Me? Am I not an honorable official? And what’s that dipping in Jordan? Sure I deserve something more complicated and original!’ He hated the simplicity of the cure and if not for the prompting of his faithful servants, he would have never taken the plunge.

When pride creeps in, foolishness is next. When we see His will fall short from our self-sketched plans, we rally behind ours. Or when His answers are not what we expect, resembling a brat, we cry in protest. Like Naaman, we put on a disguise, seemingly seeking His help, when actually we wanted Him to serve ours.  Our idea of a cool god is one who is on call whenever we knock and do wonders whenever we need. We want Him to accept us for who we are and see beyond our faults.  By that, we mean, to just let it go and let us be. That’s our life’s plan. All of us. We want a god who will make a way for everyone to win the grand lotto, and have the best partner, and be the next U.S. President. How does that sound? Isn’t it better to give rules to a child than spoil his every want? Guess who will be more independent and mature years after?  Being guided by His principles doesn’t mean our actions are limited. Freedom from sin actually allows us to enjoy life more. How do love, peace and hope sound to you? Yes, a free man!

Pious Pride

2 Kings 5:20

Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, ‘My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.’

We sure have heard of religious leaders involved in immoral and corrupt practices. Who would blame church authorities if they’d rather not speak of such misrepresentations? These are but a handful compared to hundreds of pure dough. But in justice and for protection, the public would not buy it. They’d rather be cautious and suspecting and faithless. For how could they trust a system whose proponents are first to dishonor it? How is it even possible that those speaking the very words of God’s righteousness, those seemingly nearest Him, are first to fail Him?   
Let’s name one. Gehazi. A mere servant who saw all of God’s wonders by virtue of being near his earthly master, Elisha. To date, he saw a boy come back to life and possibly, the bread multiplication. Note that he wasn’t just a frontseater, he was onstage holding the staff and the loaves. He was doing the same menial training Elisha had for Elijah. Maybe, he felt way above the rest of the prophets. ‘An apprentice. I’m the next Elisha’. Pride crept in and filled his thoughts. After the healing of Naaman, he ran after the two talents of silver which his master earlier refused. He coveted those treasures, lied to a convert, and misrepresented Elisha’s office. He was so near God yet was not all for Him. So like Judas who was three years with Jesus but kissed him goodbye for silvers too.

Inside the Bible school, and graduating from there, I once and a lot felt way ahead of ‘ordinary’ laymen. Being armed with theories and theological terms, I thought I was a gift to the church. BUT NO! To my fellow grads, OH NO, WE’RE NOT! Knowing Christianity doesn’t mean living Christianity. For who by reading water books or living beach side or befriending a fish can guarantee a good swim? It has to be a personal, daily experience. By our mouth, we confess that He is Lord, and by our lives, we confirm it is true. Any discrepancy will put a question to our first commitment, meaning, if we are a genuine believers. And because we were branded as ones, by implication, it dishonors the Name we represent. And that God will not allow. To Gehazi, it was leprosy down his line. To me, a lot of humbling, debasing moments. Let’s not miss God’s wonders by being accustomed to it. Let’s not exploit our call by seeing it well-earned or deserved. We are all under grace and all under one rule. No VIP seats. Badges not honored.

Little is Much

2 Kings 4:43

‘How can I set this before a hundred men?’ his servant asked. But Elisha answered, ‘Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over.'

Being a pastor’s kid, I got accustomed to a life where finances mean we're at the receiving side. From food to clothing to tuition fees, even birthday parties, God has been faithful in providing these things through His sent-people. His timing never once failed, and amazingly, always the exact amount we need. And by exact, I felt it's an implied 'No Extra'. That how I learned to be creative in giving price-less gifts. Or to do service instead of monetary helps. For even if I save, I thought it’s still not much compared to what they need or deserve, or what others are giving. Well, I thought wrong.

In that time of famine, it was unexpected to find a man giving twenty loaves of bread to Elisha. The added phrase ‘from his first ripe of rain’, meant it was his tithe to the Lord. The firstfruit of his produce. He had the option to store it for himself, for who but God knows the famine’s timeframe, or he could have gained much from selling those at a high price. Sure the enemy tempted him with such, but he feared God above all. At Elisha’s hands, he too had the excuse of keeping it to himself. The gift tag bears his name, plus, it couldn’t feed a hundred mouths anyway. Or, he could wait hoping that another man would come bringing eighty more loaves. But being in God’s business, he knew better than hide His blessings underground.  For God’s glory and just like Jesus, he instructed to share it with everyone and even had some left over.

The widow’s mite, the Macedonians, and today’s reading teaches us one thing: we can give even in the midst of poverty and famine. Poor economy or low salary is no excuse for God’s call to be cheerful givers. God has been faithful in providing us our needs. Even that need to give. It should be part of our budget. We don’t expect a king’s pleasure in receiving spares, right? Sure pride will tell us it isn’t much. For how could our little donation help a province in flood? It wouldn’t even suffice a single family’s need for days.  But we’re not to solve the world’s problems. All He wants is for us to share in His kind and selfless nature. To experience His joy and to feel His love for these people. Let’s leave the multiplication issues at His table. Believe that little is much when He is in it!

Not Apple nor Gourd

2 Kings 4:40

The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, "O man of God, there is death in the pot!" And they could not eat it.

iShock to iSad. Steve Jobs, the creative genius behind my kids well-loved iPad and Pixar died yesterday.  It felt like he’s a family member. Unbelievable how he bridged the gap between my parents tech-scare and their apos fearless curiosity by providing them touchscreen Apps to bond with. Such a sight! I’m sure you too have priceless memories to share. Makes us wonder if anyone could ever fill his shoes and bring us a step higher. But Jobs said it himself, ‘Death is life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.’ He knew then his time will soon be up, and right now the new is us. He hoped we will have the courage to follow our heart and intuition, and to live each day as if it was our last.

Elisha had big shoes to fill too. His mentor called fire from heaven and was a big hit in the land. The company of prophets may have doubted his ability. But he did not His God’s. All the way back from Jordan to Bethel and now Gilgal, the same road he and Elijah took before the latter’s rapture, God poured His miracles through him. In today’s reading, we find him in the company of prophets, possibly echoing all that Elijah taught him. Quite expected for prophets, except it was done during famine. They continued in faithfulness even in hard times. But he was mindful of their physical state and so he asked someone to cook some stew for these men. Another went out and found wild vines which in his heart and intuition could add up well to their meal. Without inquiry whatsoever, he tossed it to the pot and served the poisoned cups.  His sincerity did not help at all. If not for God’s presence in Elisha, that day could have been their last.

When we read of successful people like Jobs, we usually take their statements in a sweep and use it as formula words to live by. In his commencement speech in Standford, he said: ‘You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.’  But the Bible is clear that we have to trust Someone, not some things. God will never let us down, and the difference He can make even extends to the afterlife. Faith alone cannot save. It has always been faith IN GOD. Sure, let’s pay high respect to great men for their excellence. But just be careful we don’t make them our standard for practice. We don’t just pick a gourd and cook it.  Or take an apple in the middle of the garden. Both might look appealing, but don't be deceived. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Take heed.

Action Words

2 Kings 4:2a, 14

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you?”; ”What can be done for her?”

In our Couple’s bible study last Monday, we started a new series called Life Apps. It was authored by Jeff Henderson and Charles Stanley’s son, Andy. All six-sessions center around the idea that the truths we find in the Scriptures are to be applied.  That it’s not enough to read and know His words (or memorize, exegete, or blog about it!). Not even our feelings of guilt or joyous singing or our being overly motivated can bring about change. Obedience to God is not a noun, nor an adjective, it has always been a verb.

When the widow of one of the prophets in Israel came to Elisha for help, we did not find him just offering a listening ear or a tap in the back, like we usually do in wakes. It’s a good thing though. But not enough when she had creditors at the door seeking her two boys to serve as slaves. Fast forward to verse 10, and we read of a well-to-do Shunammite woman providing Elisha with a room so that he could have a place whenever he’s in town. We know a thank you would suffice, but he thought there’s more to be done. Two women, one in grief, the other, generous. Shall a prophet see his ministry only for those in need? Or be a blessing only to those treating them kindly? Moreover, Elisha knew better than leave them with words of promises or refreshed spirits. He took time to hear their lives to know their deepest needs. It is God-ordained that He alone can fill those voids. To the widow, a means of livelihood, and to the wife, a life on her womb.  Elisha did not leave their homes without God changing their lives.

God orchestrated that this is my devotion today and last Monday’s topic was all about application. A very good friend mirrored those two women mentioned above. She has been a generous supporter years back and now she’s in her pits with all their belongings washed away by the recent flood. I did encourage her with  text messages and kept myself updated of their howabouts. But that was the LEAST that I could do. Obviously not the MOST. So while I’m mentally listing how I could best extend God’s help to them, I hope you too would prayerfully consider how God wants you to be His blessing to another. Everybody has a need you know. Now GO!

World of Goo

2 Kings 3:17, 18

For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also hand Moab over to you.

I am no physics person. I don’t think I can even define or describe what it is actually. But when Tris bought the World of Goo App, I easily got hooked and embraced physics as my new best bud, hahaha. The puzzle’s objective is to get a number of goo balls, create a structure, and move them towards the pipe exit. Easy concept except that the goos are restless and each level just keeps reinventing itself.  There’s always a surprise twist with a million and one possibilities. No wonder it was hailed as MetaCritic’s iPad Game of the Year. And to think it took off Tris’ gaze from Wings of Prey, this really is something :>

But unlike those goos, there is One who does more than reinvent a wondrous thing. He is not limited to using cues from one previous level and have add ons for the next. Being the sole Creator, He alone can make something out of nothing.  In this page of history, we read of God doing another impossible thing, again defying all science, logic and time. Trapped in the desert of Edom with no water, three armies were marching closer to death than their supposedly attack to Moab. In humble desperation, they sought the help of Elisha and submitted to the Lord’s instruction. The next day, waters came flowing and filled the valley from God-knows-where. They neither saw wind to collect vapor or rain to do its pouring work. Amazing? God called it easy! Overwhelming? Nah, He’s not done yet. The same water He used to keep them alive (and their animals too!), brought death to their common enemy. God caused Moab to think the water’s reflection was blood from the kings’ quarrel and so they decided to rush desertward for some great spoil. All that’s left for Israel to do was wait for their coming and prepare for the win.

We’re all goos trying to outsmart life with eyes on that exit pipe. We exhaust all known skills and master each level in the hope that it will make the next one a lot easier. We wish! But the game of life is not played by becoming better. It is won by trusting in the One who knows better. There’s no obstacle that surprises Him, nothing to make Him say ‘Woew, that’s hard’. His strategies are out-of-the box, not even from the help menu. Watch Him take your game and it will wow you to cheer. Believe that although there’s no wind or rain to mark that help is coming, it is coming! It’s an easy thing for Him to quench your thirst. And when He does, expect an overflow. But when He does, He expects your overflowing praise!   

Unseen Guest

2 Kings 3:11b

But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?" An officer of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah."

Discovery Health had this article entitled ‘Can a person remember being born?’ Nah, I won’t even try to translate their medical-slash-scientific explanations here -  the terms are way too big for me. The best I picked up was the relationship of verbal development to our memory. That if we don’t have the words to describe the event when it happened, most likely, we couldn’t describe it later even with the available vocabulary. That makes sense. No wonder one of my earliest memories was that plaque in our family wall that reads ‘Christ is the Head of this House, the Unseen Guest at every Meal, the Silent Listener to every Conversation ’. I even remember mispronouncing that last word as ‘conver-cha-tion’. It probably was my first memorized rhyme ever. But most of all, I know, back then, that helped me imagine God being near us all the time. God was so right in instructing His people to write His words on the doorframes :>

When King Joram went out to pursue Moab, God was not just the unseen Guest, He was uninvited actually. There was no mention that His will was consulted or if His help was needed. Not even when King Jehoshaphat, a supposedly believer, joined in.  These two kings planned what they thought best and that’s it. Their scheme was to take the long route through the desert so as to fetch another ally, the King of Edom. From there, they’ll  march towards south of Moab for the surprise element. That made sense – except for the words desert and seven days walk.  Nursing mothers will never miss that detail :> But nobody’s perfect. Nobody but One. Seeing eternity in a flash, God knew their waters will dry up, that they’ll be distressed and soon be dead! And so from behind the scenes, He told Elisha to pack and go with the army as an unseen, uninvited guest.  Even before their jugs were empty, God had already filled the gap. Even though they called Him not, His care followed them nonetheless.  His prophet was there as proof that He’s an ever-present Help in time of need.  

God’s timing is perfect. On the dot, no second-delay. Not even prayerlessness will keep His grace from coming alongside us. His Help has long been sent, as early as eternity past, for our receiving. He’s always been in our camp for as long as we can remember. His tools are complete for our anytime, out-of-the blue contingency needs. Even if we consider Him our last resort, or we want Him kept hidden. If God made waters to flow and fill a desert valley for the ungodly Joram and the compromising Jehoshaphat, imagine what they’d see if He was their Invited Guest!  I wish I have more time to poetically rephrase that family frame and share it here. I just feel it presents Jesus passively using those words ‘unseen’ and ‘silent’. In a sense He is. But as part of our lives, He is not. He is a relational God. We can actually see Him at work in and through us. And He is never silent, for His Words are written and revealed. Well I guess let's just choose a real bible verse as wall post next time :>