By Ray Ferris
In 2 Kings Chapter five, we have the story of a man % ho was of the same mind that many are today — he presumed once to think for God. You recall the story of Naaman; how he was informed the prophet of God in Samaria could cure his leprosy; and that he went to the King of Israel instead of the prophet. When he finally presented himself unto the home of Elisha he had reasoned everything out in his own mind regarding what should be done. Elisha did not (to what he had supposed he would, but merely sent a messenger to tell him to go dip in the Jordan seven times. Notice Naamans reaction: “But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought. . .” 2 Kings 5: 11. Do not think presumptuously. Long ago the Psalmist said, “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me, then shall I be upright, and I shall he innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psa. 19:13-14)
TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 36, p. 2a
July 20, 1972