Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Called to be the Light

2 Kings 5:1-14

V. 14: “So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. ”

In this passage, we encounter a story that illuminates the calling to be a light in the lives of others. Naaman, a powerful commander, was afflicted with leprosy – a condition that isolated him from society. His distress led him to seek healing from Elisha, a prophet of God. Elisha, recognizing the opportunity to demonstrate God's power, instructed Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. 
 
Naaman's pride and skepticism initially hindered him from following Elisha's simple instructions. Like Naaman, we often struggle to accept God's plans when they don't align with our expectations. Yet, the moment Naaman chose humility over pride and obedience over skepticism, he experienced transformation.
 
This story parallels our own journey as Christians. God calls us to be lights in a world clouded by darkness. We might think our qualifications, social status, or intellect determine our worthiness to spread God's light, but like Naaman's healing, it's not about our own merit. It's about our willingness to follow God's instructions with faith.
 
As we reflect on Naaman's journey, let us consider how often our pride and skepticism hinder us from fulfilling our calling. We're called to be a light through our actions, kindness, and faith, regardless of our perceived limitations. Just as Naaman's healing was a testament to God's power, our lives can testify to God's love when we let go of our reservations and fully embrace our role as lights in the world. Let's commit to following God's guidance, trusting that our obedience will lead to the illumination of lives around us. By doing so, we can truly live out our calling to be the light, dispelling darkness and pointing others toward the source of all light, love, and healing – God Himself.

 

Prayer
Gracious Lord, we think we often let our pride and skepticism take control of us instead of trusting your will and purpose. Help us to be obedient to you and rely on your power each day as we go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Thought for the Day

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” - Deuteronomy 5:33


Sherin Abraham
St. Andrew's Mar Thoma Church, NY

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