HAPPY WITH CHURCH TONIGHT

The prayer meeting was very good. We chose to worship God, not because He answers our prayers, but just because of who He is. God is worthy of our highest praise. We brought down our crowns and placed them at the feet of Jesus. The Holy Spirit moved in our midst, reviving our hearts. The anointing brought a word: ‘Your labor was long and difficult… But this labor has a beginning and an end. It is not forever. It started with ‘why, God?’ and it will end with ‘Halleluiah’. This pain must become worship! God has given you a new beginning… Old things have passed away and everything becomes new…new…new’. People believed the word and confessed it to be true. We humbled ourselves under the mighty hand of God. We continued to worship God for who He is and not only for His miracles. Suddenly, God lifted us up, according to His promise. Our hearts were flooded with peace and joy. The truth is that if you are not born again, you will not understand these words. But if you are, the Holy Spirit will witness to your spirit that these words are true and powerful. Faith produces works of wonder.  The testimonies shall follow.

We have entered a season of peace (shalom). The word was taken from 2 Kings 5. It is the story of a rich and famous general called Naaman. His name means ‘pleasant’. People (his servants, soldiers and friends) like him. His wife loves him. But the same people cannot help him. His god and king cannot help him. He is a lonely sad man. Behind his army uniform, there is the stench of leprosy. The stinking general… In the midst of this tragedy, a Jewish servant girl brings a word of faith and hope: “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy” (2Kg 5:3). Listen to the sound of faith! May your faith increase and bless somebody in need!

A big man like Naaman can never listen to a slave girl. But leprosy does not discriminate: the rich and the pauper have it! The smell is the same… If Naaman was well, he will never listen to a slave girl. But this big man has no other hope and he has to cling to the only ray of sunshine available to him.  From the day the girl gives him hope, Naaman starts seeking Jehovah God, who alone can heal him. He carries silver, gold and ‘designer’ clothes to be given as a gift to whosoever will heal him. The total amount in today’s money is about $2, 6 million dollars. Why so much money? This is because the pagans believe that if you need something you must be able to buy it. But grace is not for sale, as Naaman will soon discover. Eventually, Naaman is healed. Not because he is a good man. Not because he merits to be healed. After all he is the general of the Syrian army who conquered the people of God. Then why is he healed? So that the world at that time knows that there is a true prophet in Israel. Syria could defeat Israel as a country but could not defeat the spirit of Prophet Elisha, whose allegiance is to God alone.

The command was a simple one. Even an ordinary soldier can understand. But the general has difficulties with this simple command. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be healed.” (2 Kg 5:10). That is all. No other explanation. No bill to be paid.  Naaman was furious. May anger and pride not make you lose your miracle! River Jordan was a dirty slow moving river. It stands for the Cross. Seven dips in the Jordan and he was healed! Oh, the simplicity of the Gospel. Obedience leads to healing, to the miracle you need. The grace of God is greater than any sin! May your faith increase! The reason you read the Bible is so that you apply the Word of God to yourself and believe! The same power that healed Naaman, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you today! Be filled with the Holy Spirit! In Jesus’ name, amen!