RE-CENTERED: Big Things Come in Small Packages | Pastor Curtis Dunlap | Sunday, July 16, 2023
Jul 16, 2023
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Explore the story of Naming, a valiant warrior with a skin disease, and his journey to find a cure from a prophet in Samaria. Discover the unexpected source of healing and the importance of humble obedience. Witness the power of God's miracles and learn not to overlook His work. Recognize the impact and miracles performed by a small package.
Humility and obedience are key in trusting God's unexpected ways.
Deep dives
Naaman's Struggle with Pride and Obedience
Naaman, a highly regarded commander with leprosy, is told by a young servant girl that he can be healed if he goes to the prophet in Samaria. Naaman goes to the king, who writes a letter to the king of Israel, but the king realizes he cannot heal him. Elisha sends a message to Naaman to wash himself in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman initially gets angry and wants to leave because he expects a grand gesture, but his servants convince him to obey. Naaman humbles himself and is miraculously healed.
God's Power at Work and Naaman's Declaration of Faith
After washing in the Jordan River, Naaman's skin is restored and becomes like that of a young boy. Naaman and his entire company go back to the prophet and declare that there is no God in the whole world except in Israel. This miraculous healing results in the salvation of many who witness God's power at work. The story highlights the apostasy of Israel and emphasizes that God often delivers big things in small packages.
Implications for Faith and Trust in God
The story of Naaman teaches the importance of humility, obedience, and trusting in God's ways, even when they don't align with our expectations. Naaman's struggle with pride and his initial resistance to the simple command to wash in the Jordan River demonstrate the need to let go of our preconceived notions and trust in God's wisdom and power. The story also reminds us that God's work is not limited to extravagant displays, but often occurs in humble and unexpected ways.