"Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." 2 Kings 5:10
Elisha spoke the above words to the Syrian general Naaman. And they were offensive words to the general. He had traveled a great distance to Elisha, expecting the prophet to spectacularly heal him of his leprosy. But all the man of God told him to do was: "Go jump into the Jordan." Of all the nerve! How on earth can a dip in the muddy Jordan cure a man of leprosy? The outraged general was about to return to his Syrian home in a huff when his servants persuaded him to give it a try. What did he have to lose? So off he went to the Jordan, did as the prophet commanded, and wonder of wonders, he was healed.
The lesson is abundantly clear: God works His wonders in a very unspectacular fashion, in the little things -- in a little land, in a little baby, on a little hill called Calvary, in a little water (Holy Baptism), in a little bread and wine (Holy Communion). In all of this God is great and strong to save, help, and heal.
And think what He can do with just your little faith -- bring you at last into His own presence. Think, too, what He can do with just your little love--heal the hurts of a suffering world.
PRAYER: Lord God, help us to remember that it is the little things that count. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 34, 37-38 Hebrews 10:1-18
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