9 a.m.
Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 9:00 a.m. Service:
10:45 a.m.
Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 10:45 a.m. Service:
Leader Devo
When you see it from his perspective, Naaman’s indignation in 2 Kings 5 seems understandable.
Naaman, the Aramean general who was suffering from a skin disease, had traveled a long way to be cured by the prophet Elisha. Arriving at Elisha’s house with great pomp and circumstance, Naaman was insulted by the reception he received. Not only was Elisha not there, but the prophet had given, through his servant, a message for Naaman that sounded absurd: “Wash yourself in the Jordan River seven times. Then your skin will be healed” (2 Kings 5:10).
What?! If a muddy river bath was the answer, why couldn’t Naaman have taken a dip in one much closer to home? Nevertheless, Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions and experienced a miraculous healing.
It seems like this strange cleansing ritual was God’s way of stripping away Naaman’s preconceptions and expectations and bringing him to a place of earnest and genuine faith. It worked. Once healed, Naaman declared, “Now I know that there is no God anywhere in the whole world except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).
What is God stripping away in your life right now? Has He put you in a place that, at first glance, doesn’t seem to make sense? Perhaps He is trying to focus your attention exclusively on Him and deepen your faith.
God’s ways are often mysterious, and He rarely works according to your timetable. But His love for you is real, and His power is great. He can do what no one else can.
—Josh Cooley
Children’s Minister and Author
Contributor to Wonder Ink
*Wonder Ink Video for this series*
Word of Wonder:
Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. God will be with you wherever you go.
— Joshua 1:9
The volunteer schedule, including adults and youth volunteers, is available below.
