God is God anyway
But the one who endures to the end
Will be saved. Matthew 24:13
Read 2 Kings 5:9—19
I’m not sure how to regard Naaman, except that he is so like me. He was a powerful man (that’s not like me), an army commander, reduced to desperation by leprosy. He was told there was a cure. He did not want to do it, to follow the prophet’s instruction, and do such a ridiculous thing as dip himself seven times in the muddy Jordan. This was humiliating. But he did it, and was cured. Now he knows there is only one God, but he does not want to be caught openly honoring him. He wants God. He wants to worship God. But he doesn’t want the cost of it. He still wants to conform at home and keep his honor and his safety. He wants to keep God his own secret. How should I think of Naaman?
Prayer
Dear Father God, this night I begin my prayer by saying with Naaman, there is no God in all the earth except you, the God who chose Israel. I add, there is no God like you who fulfilled your plan in Jesus Christ. And I say, with Naaman, pardon my timid worship. Pardon me when I hide my faith in you. Give me courage not to. Give me pride in you alone and in your name. I pray this night for secret believers, those who must keep their worship of you discreet from their neighbours for fear of their lives. Those who worship in underground churches. I pray this night for the truly persecuted, that you will save them in the time of trial.