Working for unbelievers

Naaman was the successful commander of the Syrian army, but he also had leprosy. His journey, healing and conversion can be found in 2 KINGS Ch 5 v 1 - 19, as can the issue of what he should do after his religious rebirth.

• Naaman heard about the power of God through a kidnapped, Israeli girl (v 2 - 3). God sends messengers to unbelievers in a variety of ways!
• Elisha got his message to Naaman on how to be cured, but Naaman did not like the message (v 11). Obedience isn't always packaged the way we would forsee it.
• In v 13 Naaman got some wonderful advice from his servants. Often we are given bad advice, but a descerning heart helps to recognise wise counsel.
• Obedience lead to healing which lead to faith. Naamans reaction was to try to pay Elisha. We need to be careful not to buy God's favour and also not to profit from God using us.
• Naaman turns to the future in v 18 and realises the predicament he will be facing when the King bows to a false god. Elisha told him to go in peace.

There is plenty to absorb from this story, but the ending is relevant to all Believers who live, work or study in a secular environment. God understands the predicaments we face on a daily basis. There are times to make a stand, but there are also times to submit to a difficult situation remembering that God judges the heart. I suspect there were times Jesus walked past the money changers tables without knocking them over and clearing the temple.