II Kings 5-8:15
When the Syrian siege of Samaria results in such severe famine that mothers resort to eating their own children, what does the king of Israel do? Does he turn to the LORD, pleading for mercy? Does he lead the people in a prayer of confession and repentance for their decades of sin since the days of Jeroboam? Does he seek godly advice from the LORD’s prophet, Elisha? Nope. Instead he blames Elisha and seeks to murder him. (II Kings 6:30-31)
Blame shifting: what a well-worn path! Adam blames Eve (or even God — “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” — Gen. 3:12). Eve blames the serpent (“The serpent deceived me…” — Gen. 3:13). Ahab blames Elijah (“Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” — I Kings 18:17). Here Joram/Jehoram of Israel blames Elisha. But God knows better. The LORD sees through it all — both then and now.
On this Memorial Day, a reflection…
Over 400,000 American service men and women died in World War II. Both of my parents served in WWII; they came back alive. Some 58,000 American service men and women died in Vietnam. I served there; I came back alive. All those who served in any military service were willing to give their lives, if it came to that. Some die, some live. God knows who and when, for each of them, for each of us. Today is a day to celebrate and remember those who died. The others we can celebrate on Veterans Day.
Interestingly, today our RTB reading celebrates a soldier who lived. Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. On the advice of his buck privates he reversed himself, surrendered his haughty attitude, and sought to serve the Lord God of Israel. We all are also military men and women, serving as buck privates in the army of the King of Kings. Our coming back alive is sure and certain. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15:55) Our Commander has already defeated death!
Fred, I love your comment! Thank you, so true. Too often we take a holiday for granted, and don’t think on the real meaning of it. You hit it on the head.