Eric Liddell, the great Scottish sprinter and missionary to China, won a gold medal in the 1924 400-meter Olympic finals. He was hailed as a national hero in his home country and accolades were heaped upon him worldwide. He could have stayed at home and been treated as royalty for the rest of his life. Instead, he took a boat to China and died in obscurity in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, having turned his back on recognition from anyone . . . except the Savior he obeyed.
Naaman was a great man who served a powerful king (2 Kings 5:1), but he also needed to obey God. When he went to see if the God of Israel was able to heal him, he expected to meet another powerful representative of God. What he got was a messenger—not even “the man” himself (2 Kings 5:10). It got worse. He was told to simply go take a bath in a little river, not even a mighty torrent (2 Kings 5:12). This was an insult to such a great man, and he was furious (2 Kings 5:11). His servants—who knew much about humility—explained the reality of the situation to him (2 Kings 5:13). What was his response after being healed? He gave thanks and glory to God—not to a man (2 Kings 5:15).
Elisha knew that God would answer Naaman. No great ceremony was necessary, only obedience to what God had said through His prophet. Further, Elisha must have known how great men expect to be treated, but he didn’t play such games. He knew that it was all about God and bringing glory to Him. He took none of the credit (2 Kings 5:16).
Like Eric Liddell and Naaman, may we find joy and completeness in serving and following God by His strength. He’s truly worthy of our love and complete obedience.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 12:28-37
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and consider why it’s not foolish to humbly follow God in obedience.
Next:
What does it mean for you to follow God in obedience today? How do humility and obedience fit together in our walk with Jesus?
Gary Shultz on September 5, 2016 at 6:07 am
Hi Russell, we probably know that the only way to follow God is in obedience. I like the part you included about humble obedience. It must bring the other two words that many people reject and throw out with contempt; just like Naaman. Submit and surrender, in shirt a sleeve definition, submit – align your self under the authority, surrender – knowing when you are whooped and give up. It seems to me that these things must also be done to be fully obedient. We’re done, pride is over and we know God will make choices for us to follow that will be of much greater weight then we could ever conceive. So yes, there had to be some whoopings for me to be completely obedient. I think that is where total obedience begins to be a walk of faith and develops joy, we have found obedience to be a healing wonderful thing. Thanks Russell
minkjh on September 5, 2016 at 9:36 am
Yes Russell, the Flying Scotsman understood what it meant to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Nothing cluttered his path when it came to honoring God’s plan for his life as he ran the race set before him. The gold medal pales in comparison to the crowns he’s casting at the feet of the Savior. Gary, you really captured the essence of our struggle to reach true spiritual health. Like Naaman, we initially choose man’s plan to fix the problem. We repeatedly contend against the divine initiative which proves futile until we acknowledge that His remedy is the only one that saves us.
crossman61 on September 5, 2016 at 9:39 am
Thanks Russell for a great devotional for us to ponder on today. I agree with Gary about , the two words you have brought together , humble obedience . The Scottish sprinter is a good example of that . He refused to stay at home to live in Royalty and recognition to be praised . Instead he obeyed , and did the Will of God , to bring Him the Glory . He denied himself , he died to self. He fought the will of the flesh , and the will of the Spirit . He humbled himself , therefore he will be exalted . Resurrected . Just as Jesus did the Will of The Father . I would say he fought the good fight , and finished the race . Have a Blessed day all in the ODJ Ministry and in the forum .
sandy229 on September 5, 2016 at 10:06 am
Thanks Russell for this great devotion today. A mutual antagonism exists between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God, and the conflict shows up supremely in the cross of Christ. God works most wisely and most powerfully in ways directly opposite human expectations. Even as Jesus hung on the cross, the Jews ask for a power sign (Matthew 27:40-43). The Greeks made the pursuit of wisdom a meaningless end in itself, as Paul learned at Athens(Acts 17:21). Instruction for godly living is as vitally important today as it was to the church in Corinth. Because human nature remains the same, we find ourselves facing the same issues and needing the same instruction as the Corinthians did. Our source of power for godly living remains in the Cross and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The motive for our godliness continues to be love, and our goal to glorify God.
Shalom to all
hsnpoor on September 5, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Very well put, Sandy! Wow, GF, you woke up inspired today! Shalom back at ya!