Here we are again for day 11 in our Advent series on “Thanking Jesus.”
In the 1920’s, my grandfather had a severe case of tuberculosis. His doctor sent him away from his family and home in Massachusetts across the country to a sanatorium in southern California. He knew no one there. There was no known cure for his disease. Yet, a pastor prayed for him and God miraculously intervened and healed him.
Naaman was a commander in the army of Syria. He had success and a family but when he came down with an incurable disease, his ruler sent him far away to another country to seek help. There the prophet Elisha prescribed a course of baths in the Jordan River and, after a bit of protesting, Naaman followed the treatment plan. When his symptoms disappeared, Naaman was grateful and returned to the prophet’s home. “I know at last that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Now please accept my gifts.” (2 Kings 5:15)
Even though Elisha refused them, Naaman wanted to express his gratitude with gifts. When we have been blessed by God, we should want to pass on the blessings. To whom can you offer a gift today as a token of your gratitude for all God has done for you?
