Nougat 17

Ironically, when the Man of God healed the king, Jeroboam planned to reward him, or at least treat him to dinner. How would you have responded? The saga continues in today’s Holy Nougat

“Then the king said to the man of God: “Come home with me and have something to eat, and then, I will give you a reward.” But the man of God said to the king: “Even if you give me half your house, I will not go with you nor will I eat bread or drink water in this place.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭13:7-8‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Was this what you expected? The first time I read this, no. And yet, it is in keeping with Elisha’s response – in 2 Kings 5. It may be that this unknown prophet set the precedent; by refusing to accept food or money. And although there’s more to his story for us to learn from, this is a very vital lesson.

Do not muzzle the ox which treads the grain (ie withhold what is due to a worker or someone who has helped us; Deuteronomy 25:4;1 Timothy 5:18); but don’t plan on earning from help to the powerful or an enemy.

In both contexts, the recipients of healing are powerful people. The kind most of us today are strongly encouraged to rub shoulders with. A question to ask ourselves however is; Where is the Source of the person’s power? If the Source is God, then God knows how to keep the connection and/or reward us. And if the Source is not accredited to God, do we wish to be regularly fraternizing with them?

Now hold a quick minute before responding, in the cases cited; please remember that both Jeroboam and Naaman (he’s in the Elisha story) were ‘enemies’ of the Israelites. They had nefarious intentions towards the people of God. And they were not personal or original friends/clients of the prophets. They were on their guard.

And so must we

But being on one’s guard doesn’t mean being unkind. Both men of God effected healing for the enemy. In fact, the unnamed prophet faced the threat of his life.

How then do we live?

– As lovers of Justice; effect Mercy and walk always Humbly before our God, our Righteous Judge (Micah 6:8).

Not

– As haters, gluttons or hoarders of ill-intended wealth.

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ