What is your favourite Bible story? Yes, I know that there are many from which to choose. But humour me for a minute and ask yourself, "What story sings to my heart or challenges my mind?"

One of my favourites is found in 2 Kings 5. It is the story of a Syrian leper named Naaman. The part that I find captivating comes after he is instructed to go to Israel and seek out Elisha the prophet, Elijah's successor. The prophet tells Naaman to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River if he wants to be cured of this deadly disease.

How does Naaman respond? Is he grateful for a solution to his sickness? Hardly! He is offended and mumbles something about the pristine rivers in Syria, implying the inferiority of the Jordan River. Naaman was blindsided by Elisha's non-appearance to meet and greet him. He chafed at the simple instructions.

2 Kings 5:13 – And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (NKJV)

Thankfully, Naaman listened to his servants, who knew something of the "force of reason". Their logical and powerful challenge convinced Naaman to recheck his thinking by reminding him that a cure from leprosy was within his grasp.

Similarly, there are some people who find it too simple to believe and put their faith in the story of Calvary. Some people want to do something to earn their standing before God. They want to work for their right to enter heaven on their own terms, or in their own strength. But Jesus said that all we have to do is to believe. The one thing that pleases God more than anything is faith. We can put our trust and assurance in Him and the forgiveness that Jesus accomplished on the cross.

Do you believe that you can have eternal life in heaven by a simple step of faith?

I know I do!

Prayer: Dear Lord and Father of all mankind, forgive our foolish notions when we think that we can earn Your gift. Help us to learn that a gift cannot be earned; it can only be received. If we could earn it, it would not be free. Help us to check our pride and humbly say "Thank You" for the gift of Your Son Jesus, Who is the true way to life eternal. We are forever thankful for Your grace, forgiveness, and love. Hear our prayer, for we pray in Your Son's name. Amen.

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About the author:

Karl Csaszar <csaszar1@nb.sympatico.ca>
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada
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