Message
In , Naaman, a commander in the Syrian army, came to Elisha because he needed healing from leprosy. The prophet instructed him to do something he felt was way below his status – he was to dip himself seven times in River Jordan, a river he considered to be way below other prestigious rivers in his home country. Angrily, Naaman rejected Elisha’s instruction and was already on his way back to Syria when one of his servants counselled him to obey the prophet’s instructions. Thank God he heeded his servant’s counsel and did as Elisha had instructed. He was cured of his leprosy immediately, and his skin became like that of a newborn. If he had rejected his servant’s simple advice, he would have had to live the rest of his life as a leper. The greatest miracle of your life might be tied to hearing and obeying godly counsel. It is important to never ignore godly counsel, no matter the age or status of the person or people giving the counsel.
Where no counsel is, the people fall:but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
n today’s Bible reading, Jethro travelled to the wilderness to visit Moses, his son-in-law. During his visit, he observed how Moses attended to every single issue that arose in the camp of the Israelites all by himself from morning to night, such that at the end of every day, he was always exhausted. After making this observation, Jethro counselled Moses on what to do. He told him to choose rulers of different ranks from among the people who could also judge matters that arose within the camp. Although Jethro didn’t have the burning bush experience that Moses had, Moses listened to him and received God’s counsel through him.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Humility or meekness is an ingredient for receiving God’s grace. You need a meek heart to properly discern when God is speaking through someone and receive what He has to say to you through them. Moses was known as the meekest man on earth (), and his meekness was what made him able to receive counsel from people who seemed not to have attained his spiritual height and influence. No matter how high you get, God wants you to remain meek. Ask God for a meek heart to receive His counsel through whatever vessel or method He chooses to use.