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“Is Not This the Carpenter’s Son?”
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lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of
them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian.”
The prophets whom God had chosen were not allowed to labor
for a hardhearted, unbelieving people. In the days of Elijah, Israel
had rejected the Lord’s messengers, so God found a refuge for His
servant in a heathen land, with a woman who did not belong to the
chosen people. But this woman’s heart was open to the greater light
that God sent through His prophet.
In Elisha’s time, the lepers of Israel were passed by for the same
reason. But Naaman, a heathen nobleman, was ready to receive the
gifts of God’s grace. He was not only cleansed from leprosy but
blessed with a knowledge of the true God. The heathen who choose
the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a better condition
than those who profess to serve God but disregard light and whose
daily lives contradict their profession.
Jesus Set Their Real Condition Before Them
The words of Jesus to His hearers struck at the root of their
self-righteousness. Every word cut like a knife as He set their real
condition before them. They now scorned the faith that Jesus had
inspired in them at first. They would not admit that He who had
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come from poverty and lowliness was anything other than a common
man. Their unbelief bred hatred. In anger, they shouted out against
the Savior. Fierce national pride stirred within them, and a tumult
of voices drowned out His words. He had offended their prejudices,
and they were ready to commit murder.
The assembly broke up. Laying hands on Jesus, they rushed Him
from the synagogue and out of the city. Eager for His destruction,
they hurried Him to the top of a cliff, intending to throw Him down
headfirst. Shouts filled the air. Some were throwing stones at Him,
when suddenly He disappeared. Heavenly messengers were with
Him in the midst of that maddened crowd, and they conducted Him
to safety.
So, in all ages, the forces of evil array themselves against Christ’s
faithful followers. But armies of heaven surround all who love God,
to deliver them. In eternity, we will know that messengers from God
were with our every step from day to day.