It Doesn't Make Sense

Often we ask ourselves why? Why does the Lord require certain things from us? Why is
He asking me to do something that does not make sense to me? The simple answer is
obedience. Obeying the Lord is the key to growing our faith and to trust in the Lord.

In 2 Kings 5:1-15, there was a Commander of the Army for the King of Syria. This
Commander was named Naaman. He had great power and great honor, but was a leper. When
Naaman had asked the prophet Elisha to heal him of his leprosy, Elisha responded that
Naaman “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your (his) flesh shall be restored to you,
and you shall be clean. (5:10)” Naaman became furious because the Jordan was a very dirty
and unclean river. It made no sense to Naaman to wash in unclean waters to make his skin
clean.

When Naaman’s servants spoke to Naaman during his confusion and rage regarding
God’s commands, they said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great,
would you not have done it? (2 King 5:13)” Naaman finally understood how easy it is just to
bathe in the dirty water, and dipped in the Jordan seven times. Just as the prophet Elisha said
on behalf of God, the Lord had healed Naaman.

There are a few things to take notice of in this story. First, even the greatest leaders in
the world need help. Pray for our leadership as they need a sound mind full of the wisdom of
God as much as we do right now. Second, be like the servant in the story. God can use anyone
at any time to impart salvation and wisdom into others. Third, God’s wisdom does not always
make sense to us, but we must be obedient. Just like a parent leading us when we were
younger, we may not fully understand the tasks or chores given to us, but the development of
our character and who we become in the future is dependent on our obedience. Naaman’s
obedience gave him the ability to see God’s power and ability. He also declared that clearly
there is only one true God, and that is our God in Israel. What would have become of Naaman if
his pride stood in the way of God’s command?

Remember when life is difficult, nothing makes sense to you, and it seems like your
hope is lost, be obedient to the Lord. Trust in the Lord and grow your faith. “Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and
he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)” Like America’s first responders in the night,
although we don’t see them working, we are always being protected. Know that God is always
working even when you don’t notice. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrew 13:5).
Pastor Jon