The Barrier of Pride

 

Naaman

 

There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.

(Luke 4:27, NRSV)

 

Naaman was a brilliant leader with a severe handicap. His successes on the battlefield did not erase the shame and isolation of his leprosy. The depth of his desperation can be measured by his readiness to accept the suggestion of a little Israelite girl who served his wife. Naaman went to the king for permission to visit Elisha the prophet.

 

Perhaps he thought Elisha would be impressed to have such a celebrity for a patient. Elisha curtly dismissed the general with his prescription: "Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean" (2 Kings 5:10). Clearly, Naaman resented the treatment he received. Fortunately, he had some clearheaded and devoted servants. His submission to the simple treatment led to the healing of his wounds and scars.

 

As he did with Naaman, God will meet our needs, but not on our terms. God is not impressed with our pride nor intimidated by our demands. When we approach God with the intention of earning his acceptance and love, we are pursuing a hopeless plan.

God's prescription is painfully simple: repentance, followed by wholehearted acceptance of his free gift of salvation. Is your pride standing in the way of a restored relationship with God? Confess your sin, and get right with him today.

 

Pride is often the last barrier between us and God's gifts.

 

Taken from, “One Year Life Lessons from the Bible” by Neil S. Wilson

June 22