Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Old Testament Events – 2 Kings 5:13-14 – Healing Of Naaman – Growing As Disciples
Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 2 Kings 5:13-14 (NIV)
Listening To Instructions
I’m not sure why I make so many mistakes. I have no idea why I take so many wrong turns and head the wrong direction. It seems like I am forever changing my course. I waste a lot of time stopping, turning around and retracing my steps. It would be so much better if I didn’t make so many missteps in the first place. You got that right. Would you like me to ask you a few questions? Go ahead, I’m listening. Now that’s a very good first step. What’s that? Listening is a very good first step. Learning to listen carefully will serve you well. How well do you listen to others? How well do you listen to me? Think about your answer very carefully. Why is that? I know you think that you are a pretty good listener. Am I not a good listener? Do you really need to ask me that question? Alright, I’m not a great listener. Really? How about, I’m a poor listener? That’s much closer to the truth.
Are you willing to admit that you don’t listen very well to me? Yes, I am. Are you willing to admit that you don’t listen very well to others? Yes, I am. Why do you think you are a poor listener? I hate to admit this, but I think my pride makes me a poor listener. What do you mean by that? I think I know. You know what? I think I know what I need. I think I know what I should do. I think I know where I should go. I know it all. I am a “know it all.” I have an answer for every question. I have a solution for every problem. You’re not serious? What else would explain my not listening to wise counsel from others? What else would explain my not receiving wisdom and direction from you? You have a very good point there.
Do you like being a “know it all?” No, not at all. My life has been bruised, battered and broken by my “knowing it all”. Now, I would much rather be a “know nothing”. What do you mean by that? If I “know nothing” I will listen carefully. If I “know nothing” I will listen to wise counsel from others. If I “know nothing” I will receive your wisdom and direction. If I “know nothing” I will listen carefully to your instructions. Yes, you will.
Lord, I have an idea of the way that things should go. I have an opinion of the way things ought to be. Help me to lay aside my ideas and opinions and thoughts so that I will be able to follow and obey you wherever you lead me. Amen
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