November 3 Humility

2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before Elisha. And he said, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant." 16 But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." And Naaman urged Elisha to take it, but Elisha refused.

WHEN we look back on our lessons from Naaman, we see that in Naaman's first encounter with Elisha, Naaman became upset. 2 Kings 5:11 "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me." Naaman was pridefully accustomed to being one whom people approached in honor. Naaman was insulted that Elisha would not come to him.

          But now what does Naaman do in response to his healing? He goes to Elisha to honor him. Naaman now understands that God has acted through Elisha, and Elisha is one who has access to true power. Naaman has just experienced God's power that is far above his own as a military leader. Gratefully and humbly, Naaman brings rich gifts to reward Elisha.

          Elisha's response also demonstrates his own humility before the Lord. Elisha, of course, is fully aware he was a voice God used for Naaman's healing. Pridefully he could have taken the gifts. Self-focused he could have pointed to himself as the healer. But humbly he refused. He turned Naaman's mind to the living God. Only the Lord Almighty deserved praise and honor for Naaman's healing.

          How is your humility level? Are you aware that all you have is from God? Do you receive these things in humble gratitude, giving thanks? Are you humble to approach God to worship him? Do you give credit to the Living God for the good things he does through you?

Prayer: Father, I receive all from you with gratitude and humility. Thank you, Lord God, for your love showered down on me. Thank you for Jesus come to heal my sin. Thank you for the Holy Spirit's power to form and shape my life in the ways you command. In Jesus' name, amen.