1.29.24 - 2 Kings 5:13 (ReFrame is now Daily Ripple)
What's the simple path you’re being asked to respond to faithfully? What fanfare or permission are waiting for to follow it?
My father, were it a great thing the prophet told you to do, would you not have done it? How much more, when what he said to you was 'Wash and be restored'?"
Naaman sought Elisha for healing but the response he received was simply to wash in the Jordan seven times.
Naaman got angry because he expected ritual, fanfare, or some kind of miracle, but instead was greeted by a messenger who said, "Go take a bath."
Naaman's slaves acutely pointed out that if Elisha had said given him a difficult task or asked for valuable sacrifice, he would have done it.
So why was he complaining that the solution he needed was so simple and achievable?
Sometimes, I think the kind of spirituality we're taught in the West isn't enough. We see suffering and hunger and we pray that the Creator brings change; we pray for ritual, fanfare, and miracles.
But instead of asking for miracles, we can do the possible that's right in front of us.
If someone is hungry, we can feed them.
If they're sick, we can give them medicine.
And then we do it again, seven times, where seven sometimes represents completion or fulfillment. We keep feeding and healing until it's done.
What's the simple path you’re being asked to respond to faithfully? What fanfare or permission are waiting for to follow it?
--Katelin Champion