Things That Are Better Than Money by John Avanzini

Author:John Avanzini
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: prosperity, History & Criticism, Christian Life, General, Religion, Music
ISBN: 9780892747818
Publisher: Harrison House
Published: 1995-10-14T22:00:00+00:00

8

Strategic Relationships

... Is it a time to receive money? ...

2 Kings 5:26

God places high importance on relationships, especially those that have potential to cause a breakthrough. After being in the ministry over thirty years, I can attest to the value of strategic relationships. How important they are to the worldwide advancement of the Kingdom of God! Make no mistake about it. The devil also recognizes the value of these relationships, so he does everything in his power to destroy them.

Elisha and Naaman

There are a number of strategic relationships in God's Word. One of these relationships began to develop between an influential Syrian military leader and God's prophet Elisha. It could have produced a breakthrough for the nation of Israel.

The fifth chapter of the Book of 2 Kings tells of the high rank and special favor Naaman had with the king of Syria, for it was Naaman who led the armies of Syria to victory over the surrounding nations.

Upon close observation, we find that the Word of God makes an interesting statement about this heathen, military man. Naaman made his mighty conquests with the help of Jehovah God.

...because by him [Naaman] the Lord had given deliverance [victory] unto Syria....

2 Kings 5:1

While it does not state what God's interest in him was, it is evident God had plans for Naaman. However, He never fully realized His plans. The reason for this failure lies with Elisha's servant, Gehazi, for he had not learned that certain strategic relationships are infinitely more valuable than money.

The good news about Naaman is that God had blessed him. However, this description of Naaman doesn't end on a positive note, for the Bible goes on to tell us that Naaman was a leper.

... but he was a leper.

2 Kings 5:1

Verse two gives us more information about God's plan for bringing Naaman into a closer relationship with Himself.

... the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

2 Kings 5:2

Unknown to Naaman or his household, her captivity placed one of God's faithful servants inside the house of the captain of the hosts of Syria. Notice that she did her part, for she spoke up at exactly the right time. Hear the message of hope she brought to Naaman's house.

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

2 Kings 5:3

Just a few words from a little slave girl put world-changing events into motion. These events soon place the number-two man in all of Syria into a strategic relationship with God's prophet Elisha.

When Naaman arrives at the prophet's house, Elisha doesn't even come out to meet him. He simply sends his servant, Gehazi, out to speak to him. The servant brings the simplest of instructions to this great general. He tells Naaman to go to the River Jordan and dip seven times. When Naaman obeys, a wonderful miracle takes place, for God instantly heals him of the leprosy.

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