Encountering God: Realizing The World Cannot Help You

“He (Naaman) takes with him ten talents of silver, ten thousand shekels of gold, ten changes of clothing, And he brought a letter from the king of Syria to the king of Israel.”  (II Kings 5:5,6)

What is Naaman doing?  Naaman is bringing his credentials, his money, all the evidences of his power and worthiness,  and he is going to the King of Israel to do - - what?  To buy his miracle!

In every other culture in the world at that time, the priests and the prophets all worked for the king because religion in every other society besides Israel supported the state.  And so Naaman thought by going to the king of Israel he was going to the one who could compel the Prophet of God to grant his healing!  But that was a lousy plan!  Because the God of Israel does not work for the King!

Our God is a transcendent God.  Our God is not a projection of culture.  Our God sits in judgment over all cultures.  He’s not just the God of Israel; He’s the God of the world.  He is not subject to a king.  Our God serves no man!

And look at what the king of Israel says - “Am I God?”  Am I God?”  The King of Israel was concerned, because he knows he can place no requirements upon the God of Israel to do his bidding.  And Oh that our kings and presidents and representatives and governors had the wisdom to ask such a question – Am I GOD! If we’re going to deal with our problems, if we’re going to deal with poverty, if we’re going to deal with racism, violence, and injustice – our political leaders would be so very wise to say, “I can do a lot of good but I can’t give you what only God can give you.  The solution to most of our problems is a new heart! And only God can give you a new heart.”  And that is exactly what The God of Israel will soon give to Naaman; but for now, there is a lesson for us at this point of the Narrative.

We want a fresh encounter with God, what might we do?  In order that we may encounter God - we must realize the world has no lasting solutions to our ills. We must come to see the limits of what books and politicians and preachers and lawyers can do.  Yes – they can do much good, but we must come to the realization that only God can provide us with what we truly need!  We must go prayerfully to the Only One who can give us a new heart - - and that is our God, through Christ, by the recreating work of the Holy Spirit.  Do you want to experience an encounter with God?  Realize the World cannot help you and humbly approach the Throne of Grace where sits the Only One who can!