What didn’t Naaman have? He had everything as his disposal. A successful career, wealth, but… he had leprosy. There was something wrong and he didn’t know how to fix it. The truth for Naaman was there was something else wrong besides his leprosy. It was in Israel that he found the true God.
“Follow me!” This is Jesus’ call as he gathers his first disciples. In this season of Epiphany we see Jesus reveal himself to be the Savior of the world. In the Gospel of John he shows his divine power. This catches the attention of the disciples, but it is the Word of God that creates faith.
The waters of the Jordan washed over Jesus as John baptized him. Those same waters of baptism washed over the jailers family in ancient Philippi. Still today the waters of baptism flow in churches around the world. In Jesus the Father is well pleased with all of us.
Over a thousand years before the wise men travel to Bethlehem, Ruth traveled to Bethlehem. Both were foreigners. Both came to worship the King of the Universe. Both had no business being there. Both were part of God’s divine plan. Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message taken from Ruth 4.
I just love getting Christmas cards! It’s my once-a-year update from my family and friends. To many people Jesus is just like one of many Christmas cards. Throw him on the pile with the rest. Is he a nice guy? There are some people (like us) who actually worship him as God.
A late Christmas gift can be perfect. With so many families there are only twenty-four hours in the day. Many families have to divide time between family and friends. I remember growing up, that late Christmas gift was something to look forward too! Simeon saw Jesus, a late Christmas gift, and praised God for it.