2 Kings 5:13 “Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, ‘My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, “Wash, and be clean’?”’”
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Probably one of the most frustrating things on earth is putting together a child’s toy on Christmas eve. Am I right? I remember putting together a Power Wheel jeep for my son one year. We didn’t have anywhere to hide it before Christmas, so I had to wait until the night before to put it all together. There must have been 1,000 parts (I am exaggerating a little, lol).
But, I just followed the instructions, and at the end of the night it was ready. The next day when my son saw that jeep and started driving it around, joy filled my heart. He literally drove the wheels off that toy.
TEACHING MOMENT
Naaman just needed to follow the instructions given by Elisha. He was expecting some great moment from the prophet to cure his leprosy, but Elisha told him to go wash in the Jordan seven times. How absurd, right? But when he relented and did it, he was healed.
Our children need to be taught to follow instructions, no matter how silly they may seem. You see, it’s not about the rules. It’s about obedience. The Lord wants us to follow Him, wherever He leads. Our children will find that by following the rules, by obeying, they will receive the blessings of their parents, but also the blessings of God.
As you read this story of Elisha to your children (and there are many great stories about him) point out the part about following the instructions. Encourage them to be obedient also. Remind them that the only commandment which contains a promise is the one that says for us honor our parents.
Are you following God’s instructions for your life? Sometimes what He tells us to do makes no sense. Remember He sees the big picture. He knows your life ten years from now. He sees you in eternity. Trust Him to direct today.
A Moment In Time 