Dave’s Monday Blast – March 8, 2021
Last week we began a discussion on what it means to be an Ambassador for Christ. It is very encouraging to discover that our God chooses His Ambassadors from all walks of life; they come in all shapes and sizes. Scripture is filled with many examples of those who knowingly or unwittingly left their enduring mark for eternity. In 2 Kings 5:1 – 15 (I encourage you to read this story several times) we read an account of a young girl who demonstrates amazing faith in spite of her personal circumstances. She is a wonderful example of God’s INTENTIONALITY. He chose well…she represented her Lord well!
The Scene:
Verse 1 “Now Naaman, captain of the army of the King of Syria, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria over Israel. Naaman was a valiant warrior, but he was also a leper.” Scripture is clear, his organs were failing, and he was dying; God had brought him to the end of his road.
It was at this place of despair that God sent an unlikely Ambassador. A nameless, forgotten child with a great big God sized heart. Naaman needed a new heart. Verse 2 describes this “little girl” as a captive taken from her home and country. She had essentially been stolen by roving bands of Syrians. She was enslaved by Naaman’s wife.
When she learned of her master’s illness she comments in verse 3, “I wish my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria (Elisha)! Then he would cure him of his leprosy.” I find her comment to be stunning. She had been kidnapped, enslaved and separated from everyone she loved and all she knew. She was indeed isolated, but not alone, nor forgotten. Her faith in the Lord was strong. Her thoughts were centered upon others and their wellness. She seemed as desperate for Naaman to be made whole as Naaman was. By faith, she pointed Naaman to another Ambassador, the Prophet Elisha. This young girl reminded us that Ambassadors can trust in their Lord in spite of their circumstances. He is faithful!
Next week we will examine the account of another unlikely Ambassador. Preread John 6:1 – 9.