Christian Devotional – July 28, 2020

Double Portion – #21

A difficult situation. Naaman has been cleansed and his whole life has been changed. He is now a believer. Yet, he has a concern. Read 2 Kings 5:15-19.

When he returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him, he said, “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel; so please take a present from your servant now.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. Naaman said, “If not, please let your servant at least be given two mules’ load of earth; for your servant will no longer offer burnt offering nor will he sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord . In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him some distance.
2 Kings 5:15‭-‬19 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/2ki.5.15-19.NASB

Naaman is in a difficult position. He is a direct servant of the king of his country and that king worships an idol. Even though Naaman has now giving himself wholly and completely to the one true God, he recognizes that his master is going to require him to do some things that might look like he is still worshiping another false god. He talks to Elisha about this situation and asks if Elisha can make sure that God understands his heart. Elisha assured him that he can go in peace.

For us, we regularly find ourselves in difficult positions. Our motivation matters. Why we do the things we do is important and is often something that can only be seen by God in our heart. Are we truly worshipping God? Or only going through the motions? Naaman was in a difficult spot where he was required to go through the motions, but he didn’t have to truly believe in his heart. He chose to believe in the one true God and wanted to make sure that God would know and understand that.

God sees our hearts and he knows our true motivations. Are we truly seeking after God or are we just going through the motions? When we are put in difficult situations are following God even if we have to go through motions for other things? Do we have to go through those motions or should we be taking a stand? Those are things that God can work through us and use us. Are we allowing God to lead and direct both our actions and our motivations?