Pastor and theologian Brian Harris from Avenir Leadership Institute, sat down with Bec and Asa recently to talk about healing. It involves our ability to keep life simple and not overcomplicate things.
The passage Pastor Brian referred to was in 2 Kings 5 and the story of Naaman and the healing of his leprosy. He begins as the general of the Arameans, a military leader of a foreign power against Israel.
2 Kings 5:1
He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
Point of View
“It challenges our preconceptions and how we view other people,” said Pastor Brian.
Part of Aram’s conquest was taking a young girl captive to have her work for Naaman’s wife. The girl said there was a prophet in Samaria who would heal him of his leprosy.
“And it’s remarkable what that young girl does because she’s now a slave,” said Pastor Brian.
“She could have been bitter that she lost her freedom, but she blesses in the context in which she finds herself.”
Be a Blessing
He specified that no matter where you find yourself, you bless other people, even when your own circumstances are difficult.
When Elisha the prophet sent a servant to tell Naaman, ‘You must dip yourself in the Jordan 7 times, Naaman was furious. Pastor Brian, highlighted the insult of an important military commander hearing the message from a slave. He also the doubted the miraculous outcome of this river over any other.
Keep it Simple
Servants told him to calm down, reminding him this is not a difficult ask.
“So why not give it a shot?” posed Pastor Brian.
Then he hopped into the river seven times and was cured of his leprosy.
“It’s a reminder that sometimes we want to overcomplicate our life,” said Pastor Brian. “We are willing to do hard things but overlook a simple solution.”
Go in Peace
Naaman said, ‘I know that Yahweh is the true God, but I am only allowed to worship our God, Rimmon,” He continued, “Would you ask that God forgive me when I go and still worship Rimmon.”
Elisha simply responded, “Go in peace.”
God will Guide
“I think Elisha is saying, ‘You are thinking so much about where this new faith is going to lead you,'” said Pastor Brian. He continued, “Don’t overcomplicate it – I don’t know what all the things are that you’re going to face, but go in peace and let God guide you step by step.”
Asa reiterated, that the story started was on the topic of healing, but the ultimate takeaway is, not over-complicating and also being able to trust in God.
Check out the full chat with Pastor Brian below.