Refusing the Word of God has been the demise of many people who turn away from the Lord because of pride. It must sadden God when He wants to lead us, and we refuse. Our refusal to be led will cause pain for ourselves and others.
The story of Naaman is a beautiful example of the dangers of pride and what can happen when we humble ourselves. Naaman was the commander of the Aram army, although he had leprosy. During this time, his household maid was from Israel and suggested to his wife that he go to Elisha, the prophet, to heal him. Naaman received permission from the King of Aram to visit the King of Israel, hoping to see the prophet, Elisha.
God’s Plan is Not Our Plan
Naaman set off with gold, silver, and ten sets of clothing to see the King of Israel, thinking somehow money would purchase his healing. Naaman thought the King of Israel would know Elisha and enlist him to carry out his royal request for healing. To his surprise, the King of Israel said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? [1] (2 Kings 5:7) When Elisha heard what had happened, he sent Naaman a message to come to him and learn there is a true prophet in Israel.
Naaman then set off to see Elisha and waited at the door of his house. 2 Kings 5:10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me![2]
Have you been in a situation like this, where the Lord directs you, and your first response is to dig in your heels? In times like this, we often need to stop, take a deep breath, and ask God for help.
Refusing God’s Word Has Consequences
Naaman eventually heeded the prophet’s words and was healed, but his pride almost prevented him from doing so. Will you give up what you want for the Lord’s plan for your life, including coming to faith? Often, our hearts deceive us and lead us in the wrong direction, but it does not have to be that way. We think we can turn away from God without consequences, but that is untrue.
The ministry of Jesus is full of stories of people turning away from His call for them to come to faith and transformation. Is the Lord calling you today? It could be a call to faith or to follow the guidance He has given you. Don’t turn away and look down; turn to God and look up to Him, and you will be amazed at what He is trying to do in your life. Proverbs 11:2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.[3]
To learn more about the consequences of refusing the Word of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/naaman
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
.