in people, it is better to reject those offerings( offers!). May be we are in a dire need. May be we have a big programme ahead. May be our children need help. But it is better to say, ' No.' It is better to suffer than to fall into the hands of man.
We are living in such a consumeristic society that we are in constant need of something. In such a scenario, saying no to some lucrative business offers, lump-sum offerings would need spiritual stamina. It is either the Word or the world.
2) Elisha
2 Ki 5:15,16-“ Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him.” And he said,“ Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” But he said,“ As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
2 Kings 5:26-“ Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants?”
Here we find prophet Elisha rejecting the offering from an influential Syrian Commander in spite of his repeated urges. We also find that the prophet is giving a reason for this strong refusal to his assistant Gehazi( 2 Kings 5:26). Elisha lived during terrible times. The worship of Baal was established
by the evil kings of Israel. The people of Israel had rejected the worship of Jehovah. This must have been the pain of God ' s heart. And it was felt by His prophet. In such a scenario, the concern of God ' s prophet was for the glory of God. He did not long for a settled life and material blessings. How often we slip into apathy like that of Elisha ' s servant Gehazi! He thought that Elisha missed a good opportunity. Perhaps they had bills to pay and tried hard to meet both ends. ' Elisha is not wise ', thought Gehazi. Have we not heard of people say of such things?
Even today, we witness terrible things. Both the organized Church and the unorganized Church( Para- Church) have derailed. Idolatry and worship of leaders have entered Christendom. Committees and leaders are controlled by big donors. Casteism is promoted. Corruption is normal. Individual offerings are being converted into private assets. There is no accountability. If we run an audit into many of our ministers, most of them would be behind bars.
If we could not even come up to the level of the righteousness of people who do not know God, how can we ever preach the Gospel? It is blasphemous to preach God ' s Word from pulpits that are corrupted. Have we not defamed God ' s Name? Are we not the reason for millions of people who have refused to come to Christ? Our pathetic lifestyles drives people away from the precious Saviour. Is this the time to think of our own settlement and future? Oh! Dear God ' s child! Wail over the situation! Cry to Him! Do not worry about your financial and material needs. Fulfill the ministry God has given you. We have little time left. The situation is not good. Never let the offers of Naaman attract you.
3) Daniel
Dan 5:17-“ Then Daniel answered and said before the king,“ Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.”
“ Let your gifts be for yourself”
Is this a way to talk to a king? Was Daniel insane? Or was he arrogant?
Daniel who served the King of kings now
| PAGE 8 |