Today’s Old Testament Lesson speaks about Naaman’s wife’s maid knowing more about Elisha’s healing power than the King of Israel. All the king could do was to tear his clothes, rant and rave believing that the request for healing, a sign of friendship and health was a ploy and renewed hostility over border disputes and a grab for power. We know today some 3000 years later that border disputes and power grabs, either through terrorism, brute strength and commercial exploitation still continues and attempts at peaceful settlements, fall on deaf ears and closed minds.
Tom Wright noted New Testament scholar asks the question of Naamam’s story – could this be a way forward? Can we learn from the mistakes of others? Naaman in today’s Old Testament lesson has to learn from his servant. How often do we refuse to see, hear or learn the obvious from others and in particular those who do not follow Christ or practice any religion. Why do we reject the science of climate change or ignore the cries of the outcast or the abused and neglected?
How often would words such as sorry, forgiveness, reconciliation and
compromise be the solution to our worlds ills , rather than the pursuit of revenge and might.
Lent begins this Wednesday. Details of service times are listed
elsewhere in the Bulletin. Avail yourself of one of the times on this day, where as a community of faith we travel the journey to Jerusalem where freedom and liberation is celebrated on Easter day with the promise of God to be with us, is proclaimed with rejoicing.
Shalom
Ray