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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is Seldom told. “Seldom told” means rarely or infrequently mentioned. The word “seldom” means “rarely” or “infrequently,” so when something is “seldom told,” it means it is not told very often or that it is a rare occurrence to be told that thing. We shall reflect on the fact that many are still ignorant about the power of God; therefore, the glory of God must not be seldom told. In 2 Kings 5:1-5, the Syrian commander Naaman, a respected warrior but afflicted with leprosy, is told by an Israelite captive girl that the prophet Elisha in Samaria can heal him. Naaman reports this to his king, who grants him permission to travel to Israel, providing a letter to the king of Israel and a significant gift, hoping to be healed of his disease.

Beloved in the Lord, we are instruments or the mouthpiece to spread the awesome works of our God for the restoration of all, including unbelievers. Both the King and Commander of Syria were ignorant about the Prophet Elisha and the power of God at work in Him. It took the intervention of the captive girl from Israel for Naaman to receive a solution to his predicament. The healing power of God was seldom told in Syria, but the captive girl of Israel became the instrument of grace and restoration to Naaman. We are called to share the good news of God’s restorative power to all and sundry. This was exactly the mission of Paul among the Gentiles. His ministry was to preach the Good News and to point out to the Gentiles the Good News that was seldom told among the Gentiles. For instance, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things” (Ephesians 3:7-9). There are many out there like Naaman who are suffering from all manner of conditions, including spiritual depravity, without answers and direction to the solution. Like the captive girl in Naaman’s house, we can also become a bringer of good news that is seldom told or heard. Our testimony of God’s glory in our lives can give hope and restoration to those who are in a state of despair.  We must let the world know that Jesus is the living water, 14 … whoever drinks the water Jesus give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water He gives them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14). Again, we must let the world know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. John 14:6. Jesus does not want the Good News to be seldom told; therefore, He said to us, ““All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Another key lesson in the passage is that one good turn deserves another. The passage suggests that the captive girl from Israel was well treated, although she was a foreigner and a slave. You may never know the opportunities deposited in our subordinates or people who are lower than us in terms of class and age. Let’s endeavour to respect the human dignity of all we come across without favouritism. Naaman and his wife would not have heard the good news of healing and restoration if they had mistreated the captive girl. Let’s be kind to everyone, especially the people who depend on us for survival. They may equally save our lives tomorrow if it becomes necessary. The house help you are maltreating may be the only one available to save you when your life is in danger. The poor neighbour you look down on may have the information about the medicine that may heal you tomorrow. Again, that poor fellow you have been ignoring in your neighbourhood may be the only person available when you need help. Let us respect and be good to everyone, for the people you meet on your way up may be the same people you meet on your way down. Jesus admonished, “…in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

In summary, we have learnt that we are God’s instrument of direction and restoration, therefore we must not seldom tell the Good News. We must habitually and frequently point people to Jesus. Again, let’s remember that one good turn deserves another. Let us respect the human dignity of all people, irrespective of their class or background.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit grant us the courage to often preach the Good News and direct people to the restorative power of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we be emboldened by the Holy Spirit to respect and protect the dignity of all people. Amen.