Experiencing God's Presence #253

Experiencing God's Presence #253

Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.

Luke 7:23, NKJV

Naaman the Syrian was offended. A slave girl from Israel had suggested he go see the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy, so he went. A servant of the prophet came out to meet him and told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was furious. No personal greeting from the prophet himself? Washing in Israel’s Jordan River, though Syria had plenty of its own? But Naaman had nothing to lose, so he complied—and was stunned to find himself healed (2 Kings 5).

This isn’t rare in Scripture. God’s calling at first offended Moses, then many around him. Jesus offended a Gentile woman—He called her a dog—before delivering her daughter and commending her faith. Prophetic words often offended the vast majority of those who heard them. God is in the habit of offending those who have sought or cried out to Him.

Why would God use such a strange strategy? “I don’t often reveal Myself in inoffensive ways. I always allow hurdles—in your mind, in your heart, in your traditions—that challenge you and force you to face a choice. Haven’t you noticed? Whenever you choose Me, you have to choose against something else. You have to leave behind a tradition or a preconception or a pet doctrine or an expected answer. I’m not convenient, and I’m not easy to find. I’m certain to be found, but that’s different from being easy. I guarantee you’ll find Me if you seek Me, but the search isn’t simple. I promise understanding, but the questions may make you uncomfortable in the process. I promise answers to your prayers, but the processes toward those answers may press you. I give assurances, not red carpets. But blessed are those who are not offended by Me and press through to the end.”

Lord, I know You reward persistence. Help my heart be strong and not fail. I choose not to be offended because I know Your blessing is on the other side of the offenses.