There are times when we feel out-matched or out-numbered. Today’s scripture reminds us that we are not only not alone; but that we need never fear or fret. On God’s side there are always more with “us” than there are with “them.” – Luther
“Isaiah answered, ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?’ ‘It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,’ said Hezekiah. ‘Rather, have it go back ten steps.’ Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.” (2 Kings 20: 9-11, NIV)
As a disciple of Jesus, it is best that we not seek signs and affirmations from the Lord because, as the scripture says: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
But. . . when we persist in seeking a sign from God, we need to take the boldest, most audacious course so that we will know, for all time, that it was the Lord God — not coincidence, circumstance, or good fortune — that made it all happen.
And having been given a front-row seat to the faithfulness and magnificence of our heavenly Father, we should be convinced — forever — of His love and faithfulness; returning as necessary to the place where God revealed Himself faithful and true, but never again needing a divine sign.
Remember the divine visitations, and God’s answers to our audacious prayers, and the desire for new affirmations from God will be satisfied by the memory of our experiences. – Luther
“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’!’” (2 Kings 5:13, NIV)
The disciple of Jesus does well to guard against the popular temptation to be “heroic,” as in aspiring only to do something “big” for God. God is not impressed with heroism; but God is impressed with obedience — including obedience in the smallest things.
Naaman (a hero in his own right as a warrior and as the commander of the king’s army), was ready to do the big thing for God. However, he became angry when he was asked to do a menial task toward the same result.
Remember, it pleased God to deploy a youthful novice with a slingshot against Goliath’s sword and the shield; it pleased God to use a little boy’s lunch of fish and bread in the satisfaction of the multitude’s hunger; it pleased God to rely on the simple testimony of common women and men to announce the resurrection of Jesus.
Be ready, always, to do the “small” thing in obedience to God. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 