Taking the Lower Place

Monday, February 25, 2013

II Kings 5:1-15 | Psalm 42 | Luke 4:24-30

THE LOW-DOWN ON SERVING

“He turned about in anger and left. But his servants came up and reasoned with him.” - II Kings 5:12-13

Humble servants surround proud Naaman. When she hears that her master is sick, a young Israelite servant girl sends him to the source of healing: the prophet Elisha. When Naaman comes to Elisha, however, he is told that he must bathe in the River Jordan if he wants to be healed. Naaman will not do this simple thing; it is too demeaning for him. It is only when his humble servants come up and reason with him that he is finally persuaded. He bathes; he is healed. So, in a way, Naaman’s servants have more to do with Naaman’s healing than does Elisha.

When Jesus preached at Nazareth, He specifically called attention to the humble servants in Naaman’s party. Where were the humble servants in the synagogue at Nazareth? Apparently, there weren’t any. “The whole audience in the synagogue was filled with indignation” (Luke 4:28). No one served this proud congregation by humbly swallowing their pride, reasoning with the leaders of the synagogue rebellion, and leading them to the healing that Jesus wanted to give (see Luke 4:18, Mark 6:5).

Who will serve by taking the low places? (see Luke 14:10) If no one takes the lowly servant positions, then Jesus is ignored in our families, workplaces, churches, and towns. Our task is to serve.

Prayer: Father, I close my heart to pride and open my eyes to Your opportunities.