Sunday June 10th

Sunday June 10^th 2012

2 Kings

More miracles happened in today's reading. God works through His prophet Elisha many times. The first we read about today was when God blinded the army of the king of Syria. Elisha led the blind troops to the heart of Samaria and gave them their sight back, and instead of having them killed, he had them fed and released. This was an interesting one for me, because so often you hear people talking about how God has "opened their eyes" or other blind/sight metaphors relating to God. In this case, it was a physical blindness that touched the people in such a spiritual way. It was amazing to read.

Then God cures Naaman of his leprosy through Elisha by telling him to dip seven times into the Jordan and he would be healed. Naaman thought that there would be some kind of waving of hands and calling of power, so at first he doubted Elisha. This struck me, because so many people think of miracles as flashy things, when they are not. They are not showy, God does not flaunt His powers the way a person might. He does what should be done and gets on with it. It is a human thing to want to flash power around. When people realize the beauty behind the simple ways God does extraordinary things is when their eyes are truly opened to His power.

Then four men with leprosy found the camp of the Armeans abandoned but full of things they needed, like money and food. Then they reported it to the city gatekeepers and then two chariots were sent out first to find out what happened. After finding it truly abandoned and not a trap, more were sent out to plunder the camp. A doubting officer was then told that he would see it all come true but could not enjoy it, and when the people came through the city, the man saw it was true but was trampled and died. This just goes to show that God does what needs to be done. He provides for His people in any way He can.

Things to consider:

1. Consider your own spiritual eye-sight. Look at things that have happened or are happening in your life and try to see God's participation in them.

2. Find one tiny thing God has done and appreciate it for the miracle it is.

3. Think of one thing you feel you need more of, and ask yourself if you really, desperately need it, or if you really have enough.