THURSDAY - 23RD JUNE, 2022
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
APPEASING THE PROUD
Read II Kings 5:1-15
II Kings 5:13, KJV
"And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?"
To quench a raging fire, you don't start another. You rather seek for water by whose ability the fire can be quenched. In today's reading, the King of Syria will give anything for the recovery of Naaman's leprosy. This shows the significance of Naaman to him. Were we not told he was the one by which victory was brought to Syria? So, what will be too costly to spend on him? On that basis, a letter was sent to the King of Israel to cure Naaman of his leprosy. Finally, the letter got to its rightful address and found Elisha - a prophet in Israel. Naaman came in his almightiness. He came with convoy, with chariots and horses. So many body guards surrounded him that day. He was expecting Elisha to come out and wave his hand over the place, calling on God's name and recovering him. However, God's way is not man's. God must have been bent to humble Naaman and purge him of the dross in him. Elisha, an authority in his own right didn't even show up. He only sent instructions that Naaman should go bathe in the Jordan by dipping himself in there seven times. Naaman wouldn't take this. He flared up and up he went home in his chariot. Imagine the attitude of he who was looking for a cure. Some are expectant mothers but their attitude is the same. Some have terminal sicknesses yet their sense of ego and the deception of riches is still not letting them humble themselves to receive their healing. They're still trying to understand why the prophet will instruct so simply. They're still contesting it like Naaman. If they were given the choice, they'll prefer to go carry out the given instruction in Abana or Pharpar when the Spirit of the Lord who doesn't lie says Jordan. Is that not with a cause?
On hearing this, the entire household was concerned for Naaman. Now, who will bell the cat? Who will go to change his view and persuade him to give it a try? Just then, some of his household servants who must have rehearsed the matter before presentation walked up to him. They must have taken humble postures to appease the god of the tribe of Syria - Naaman who was offended and angry at Elisha and his humiliating instructions. The servant who served as spokesman for others called him, "My father". That's who he is to them but more importantly, it shows the humble spirit in which that servant came to have his attention and sue for his reconsideration. Then, he presented the matter in a logical way to him. In a manner that if reasoned, any selfish, egoistic man will see that the instruction was actually out to benefit him. Or was it not given to benefit him? It was but he didn't see it because of his disappointed expectation. "If the prophet had bid him to buy fifty oxen for instance, he would have seen it as logical and then bought it. How much more, just taking a bath and getting cleansed?" For the first time like Nebuchadnezzar, his reason came to him [Daniel 4:34,36]. He understood that he shouldn't have been offended at all. Having being persuaded in this manner, he went to carry out the instruction. Behold, the doing of it brought the outcome and he returned with thanksgiving. You see, he was selfish just like we also. When a thing doesn't meet our expectation, we are offended at it.
However, did you see how to make appeals to a spouse, superior, colleague or friend who's stubborn, selfish, egoistic and proud. Same goes for anyone you want to have do a thing. Such may even be your stubborn child. Appeal to their sense of benefit. Dethrone yourself. Don't count yourself an equal with them. You must be able to say like that servant, "My uncle, my husband: my only darling; Your Excellency sir e.t.c." If you however come around and shout saying, "Look at you. Won't you go? Is it until you die?" He won't though he dies in his pride. He'll rather preserve his honour and ego. So, learn today as a parent, child, spouse, subordinate, leader or whatsoever how to have your way with people. We don't need to fight if we have learnt what fits a particular situation and what each person will open to. May you be taught!
PRAYER: Give me the wisdom to esteem another above me. May you teach me how to cultivate and be a benefit to all my relationships and connections. May I not die in my pride when cure and aid is at hand.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18
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