THE LITTLE SLAVE GIRL
2 Kings 5:1-15
Dr. Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that time and chance provide opportunities for everyone (Ecc. 9:11). Why do some succeed and others fail to take advantage of those opportunities? The reason is that time and opportunity are not sufficient. We must also have a willing heart and be in the right spirit. This is clearly shown in our Bible text for today.
I. WE MUST BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE (which can be anyplace).
1. For the Little Slave Girl: The right place seemed like the wrong place.
2. For the Commander Naaman: The right place was far from his homeland and an undesirable muddy river.
3. For the Prophet Elisha: The right place was in his humble home.
II. WE MUST BE THERE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
1. For the Little Slave Girl: The right time occurs when she sees an unmet need.
2. For the Commander Naaman: The right time occurs when he cannot help himself.
3. For the Prophet Elisha: The right time occurs when he learns about another person’s problem, to which he has the solution.
III. WE MUST HAVE A WILLING HEART.
1. For the Little Slave Girl: She cares about and desires to meet the needs of others.
2. For the Commander Naaman: He cannot allow anything (e.g., space or time, pride or nationalism) to hinder his opportunity.
3. For the Prophet Elisha: He understands the importance of loving and helping everyone.
IV. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SPIRIT.
1. For the Little Slave Girl: Having the right spirit (a faith in God) causes her to see an opportunity and point another to God.
2. For the Commander Naaman: Having the right spirit (a humble spirit) causes him to take a chance and to be healed.
3. For the Prophet Elisha: Having the right spirit (the Holy Spirit) causes him to act in faith and to work powerfully.
CONCLUSION
You see, it is not time and chance that makes us successful in life or business or in our Christian life. Successful action requires more than that. It requires that we be in the right place at the right time, with a willing heart and the right spirit. Then, we also can take advantage of the opportunities God brings our way. Illustration: Life’s Bricks
|
