(06/19/2021) The Leper Keeps Sabbath?

John Steel, Jesus heals 10 Lepers

Today, we have a multiple-choice pop quiz! It is written: James 2: 14-18, King James Version (KJV): 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Select the best answer for the following question from the list below: Why does a leper keep the seventh day Sabbath?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17: 12-19, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why So Many Churches? (10/17/2020); GOD Can Forgive Us (09/13/2020); Divine Protection Against Covid-19? (04/26/2020); Getting Help From Church? (02/09/2020); He Healed Them All (10/20/2019); According To The Pattern (09/27/2018); Sabbath Now and Then? (08/15/2018); Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)

WHY DOES THE LEPER KEEP THE SABBATH?

• A. Because he is a priest

• B. Because he is a king

• C. Because he is a covenant-keeper

• D. Because he is a leper

• E. Because he is hoping to be healed

• F. Because he is hoping for rest

• G. Because he is hoping to be with family and friends

• H. Because he is willing to obey divine law

• I. Because it is a good/bad habit

• J. To stay alive (like breathing)

• K. Because it is his way of life

• L. Because it is a work of faith

• M. To stave off any further curse (afraid not to)

• N. Because he is a child of GOD

• O. To express gratitude and give thanks

• P. All of the above

• Q. None of the above

Consider again the following that uses language from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

1. Exodus 20: 8-11, KJV: 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

2. 2^nd Chronicles 26: 16-21, KJV: 16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: 18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. 19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. 20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. 21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

3. Isaiah 58: 13-14, KJV: 13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Isaiah 56: 1-7, KJV: 1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(09/13/2020) GOD Can Forgive Us

Today, reply is on divine and human forgiveness. GOD can forgive mankind for the transgression of divine law, for when required to fulfill the sovereign will of divinity, nothing is impossible with GOD. In the same way, tabernacle and temple priests did not cure those with leprosy, yet, were to acknowledge and discern the workings of GOD to declare a leper fit to return to the congregation, men may serve GOD by confirming that other men are forgiven for the transgression of divine law and again are fit as members of the worship community. As seen through Jesus Christ, expressions of divine forgiveness may appear only when carried out by those consecrated and ordained as an agent and embodiment of divinity with privilege to manifest divine authority and power. Where sin is divinely forgiven, multiple sacred operations also appear that may include atonement, birth, death, sacrifice, the imparting of spirit substance from the full makeup of divinity, reconciliation, justification, sanctification, and the second death. Through Jesus Christ the living now may operate as the new creation, and at the coming of Jesus are to become gathered with those raised from the dead who will receive eternal life. It is written: 2^nd Corinthians 5: 17-19, King James Version (KJV): 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” public forum on Religion & Spirituality who uses the ID “Luigi Shadow” (Level 3 with 1,820 points) posted the following:

Do you agree that if God can forgive us for our sins we should forgive others for their sins too?

THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18: 23-35, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Character Must Appear (08/13/2020); Forgiveness is not DIY (07/22/2020); Divine Forgiveness Ministers Grace (07/20/2020); The Outcomes Of Judgment (06/28/2020); Acknowledging And Confessing Sin (06/21/2020); Forgiveness A Sacred Practice (05/28/2020); Believers Are To Forgive (05/17/2020)

“Luigi Shadow”, GOD can forgive, and it is only by the operations and substance of GOD becoming alive within mankind that men are able to forgive. Where mankind exercises forgiveness among themselves it is consistent with the operations of humanity to express the character, image, and nature of divinity that was imparted from GOD to Adam as life essence (we say, breath; spirit; utterance; word). Those living on the earth as vessels of divine fullness are carnal and material expressions of sacred law, divine prerogative, eternal purpose, and the sovereign will of GOD. Forgiveness is not the outcome of judgment so much as an outcome of grace; and forgiveness does not provide or replace atonement, confession, and repentance. Forgiveness reveals the active presence of such inseparable aspects of the divine makeup as balance, commitment, completeness, forbearance, lovingkindness, mercy, personhood, oneness without sameness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The response to forgiveness is to be change and correction, rather than punishment. Instead of a demand for legality and strictness of discipline, there is a requirement for faithfulness and perseverance. Forgiveness is to signal a revival of covenant relationship and the continuation of spiritual development and growth. All divinity (i.e., the Godhead; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) participates in the process of sacred judgment that is ongoing and eternal through the existence and life of GOD. Because transgression of divine law is also the violation of all divine order, the removal of sacred spirit from Creation, and the introduction of imbalance throughout the universe, death (that first appeared as a tool when establishing Adam as both male and female yet one) becomes a divine tool along with delay of judgment, for permitting mankind salvation through discovery, gradual growth, rebirth, and sanctification. The sanction of death declared in the law of GOD becomes elimination through the second death, because through Jesus Christ divinity now allows resurrection from the dead. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible, and the selection from the music ministry of Dallas Holm:

(1.) 2^nd Peter 3: 9-15, King James Version (KJV); 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

(2.) Romans 8: 1-9, KJV: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(3.) Revelation 2: 10-11, KJV: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

(4.) Revelation 20: 6, KJV: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (5.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IzsF5F1xrI.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.

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THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(03/21/2014) Beyond Punishment

Divine punishment, justice, betrayal and retribution are in view, today.  Also, there is more on Christianity as a culture of judgment.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew”  (Level 1 with 12 points, a member since January 26, 2014) posted the following:


Does God punish people? 

Let's say a man makes fun of a blind man. Would God make the man who made fun of him blind as a punishment.


THE BATTLE AXE:  A Culture of Judgment? (03/20/2014)—Christianity may be spoken of as a culture of judgment, yet, it is not a culture of condemnation.  For Christian believers, peace is to be an inner condition of ones being wherein all the changes and interactions of their divine substance are in agreement, in balance, are complete, and occur smoothly.  Believers are “recruited” (we say, called) to serve as “priests and kings.”  It is the peculiar duty of a king to serve as one of the highest authorities in judgment; just as it is a peculiar duty of a priest to make offerings that secure atonement, propitiation for sin, and divine favor.  Created beings and living creatures endure by divine prerogative (we say, grace), and none may justify themselves on the basis of their deeds, their intentions, or their service.  It is their salvation that they may willingly submit to the Son of the Highest, who is justified by participation in GODhead.  Applying their own measures of faith and divine spirit, believers are established as justified in judgment by the Savior’s faithfulness, gratitude, humility, love, obedience, righteousness, and unselfish sacrifice—not their own.  There are now those in existence (we say, sinners, unbelievers) who oppose divine law, judgment, and the continuing sovereignty of GOD.  Where these can not be altered and saved, demands for universal peace and divine perfection require they absolutely must be destroyed.  See Genesis 6:  3, Isaiah 30:  8-15, Jeremiah 29:  19, Galatians 5:  15-26 and Romans 14:  16-18, KJV.


THE GOLDEN ARROW:  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord.  And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  (Hebrews 10:  28-30, KJV)


THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  GOD Enjoys Judgment? (12/19/2013); Miracles are Sacred Events (12/20/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); A GOD of Love? (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm? (05/08/2013); Why So Much Murder? (01/12/2013); Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Justice Comes by Love? (10/01/2012); A Daily Revelation? (10/02/2012)


“Andrew”, the best answers for speaking about how GOD operates among mankind all go beyond the simple idea of punishment and reward.  Many times we mislabel what we see from GOD.  Consider the following:

(1.)  Vengeance (we say, justice) is only one goal of divine judgment.  Other objectives include balance, permanent change (we say, correction), perfection, purity, revelation (making the righteousness of GOD known), salvation, and sanctification (cleansing, healing, and setting one apart for divine service).

(2.)  The Bible does report instances where GOD removed affliction from one person, and leveled that same hardship upon another.  When Naaman, a Syrian general, was cured of leprosy, the disease was laid upon Gehazi and all his descendants.  Not only did the much trusted servant of Elisha covet the Syrian’s goods, Gehazi demanded payment for healing and rebirth from GOD, hid the merchandise he had been given, and then lied to the prophet about where he had been, and what he had done (see 2nd Kings 5:  1-27, KJV).

There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, thoroughly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (3.)  Divine order for the earth is not separated from divine order for heaven.  Therefore, unopposed, the violations of divine law committed among created beings and living creatures have power at a cosmic level to damage unseen features of the universe.  The operations of GOD are not to express human anger, emotion, and indignation so much as to affirm divinity that is made of spirit substance.  Included are such eternal, inseparable, and unchanging aspects of GOD as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom, and wrath against sin.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.


And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?  And he answered, Fear not:  for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw:  and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  (2nd Kings 6:  15-17, KJV)


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/22/2012) Did Jesus Know?

      Whether Jesus had foreknowledge of his resurrection before it occurred is a topic, today, along with more on Naaman the Leper. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “fixer29” (Level 4 with 2,680 points, November 16, 2010) posted the following:



Did Jesus know He was going to be resurrected before He was crucified?

Or did it come as a huge surprise when He woke up in a cave three days later?



THE BATTLE AXE: Naaman the Leper (12/21/2012)—Just as the miraculous healing of Naaman followed his obedience, only after obedience do believers receive authority, gratitude, joy, trust, understanding, and the imparted, indwelling spirit of GOD (we say, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Prophecy). All believers begin without full knowledge of the Gospel, and the things given from GOD. There must be inquiry, study, decision, death and resurrection (through baptism), confirmations of faith, and continuous change by spiritual growth. Once healed of otherwise incurable disease (leprosy is sin), Naaman becomes a figure of the divinely reborn who minister to mankind by sharing the Gospel of Christ. The prophet refuses the offer of payment and earthly rewards; however, his servant, Gehazi, pursues Naaman, and seeks reward through deception and lying. As a result, the servant receives the curse of Naaman’s leprosy upon himself, and upon his own future generations. As a minister to the prophet in the way Joshua attended Moses, Gehazi was one who stands in witness to the operation and presence of GOD, and one who has received such divine gifts as covenant, deliverance, law, and priesthood. Gehazi’s covetousness, presumption, and violation of trust is like that of one who hears the Gospel message, and despises the promises and spiritual gifts preferring outward appearance (e.g., changes of raiment), influence, wealth and worldly power.



THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11: 21-27, King James Version)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Holy Kiss? (11/13/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012); Chances for Change (09/15/2012); Begotten not Made (09/08/2012); About False Witness (09/09/2012); Why Jesus Prayed (08/19/2012); How Life Exists (08/20/2012); Girdle 50: Unquenchable Life (01/06/2012)



      In addition to a record of the doctrines and teachings from GOD the Father that Jesus proclaimed by his ministry as an orthodox rabbi, the Scriptures identify many of the prophesies he carried out and performed as well as the declarations of his personal conviction and faith. Even knowledge for some of the most “private” prayers of Jesus have been provided to believers through the Holy Spirit (see Luke 11: 1-4 and John 17, King James Version). Jesus was familiar with the events and portents surrounding his birth; and, being human, he endured a continual struggle to acquire a mature comprehension, and complete acceptance of sacred truth (see Matthew 25: 20-46 and Mark 14: 13-42, KJV).

      Jesus lived in a society that had many divisions, errors, and faith eroding secular influences. Even among the elders and leaders of the Temple community (often called “the Jews” in Scripture), there were disbelievers and factions driven by human error, politics, and pride. Being anchored in faith, humility, obedience and prayer, Jesus acknowledged and demonstrated to all the proper duty for a son of GOD (see Luke 4: 16-21 and Matthew 11: 1-6, KJV). The holy writings were the most widely available and shared presentation of doctrine, and provided all the necessary elements for the common acceptance of salvation through Christ. Thus, Jesus and his followers preached and proclaimed the truths of his birth, death, burial and resurrection as fulfillment of prophecy, and things of the holy record, rather than the accomplishment of private goals and purposes (see Luke 24: 1-31, KJV).

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, how we experience events in our divine spirit, or in our human imagination and thoughts are at a very different level than events in our flesh and material reality. The events of the Lord’s Passion included many unexpected details, jolts and unanticipated traumas. For example, his expectation (i.e., hope) probably did not include seeing his mother stand before him at the foot of the cross.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(12/21/2012) Naaman the Leper

      The Bible’s account of Naaman as a parable is the topic today, along with more on GOD in public schools. The “Yahoo! Answers” Top Contributor using the ID “Camille” (Level 7 with 141,507 points, a member since March 18, 2009) posted the following:



Naaman comes to Elisha because he is a leper how did he get healed of the leprosy and was he obedient to God?II Kings 5:1-15

Namaan, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man: Naaman was the chief military commander of a persistent enemy to both Israel and Judah.

But a leper: Naaman had a lot going for him, but what he had against him was devastating.



THE BATTLE AXE: GOD in Schools? (12/20/2012)—Many aspects of divine covenant have been copied and imperfectly incorporated into the law and lifestyle of America as a Nation. As a result, many of our public programs can encourage and supplement home and church to establish our children as godly persons, however, agencies having no endowment of the Holy Spirit can never provide, replace or surpass the necessary lessons from GOD. The idea of GOD in schools through daily prayer derives from belief that prayer should be practiced freely without restrictions upon physical location, time or topic. Therefore, prayer may be offered spontaneously and apart from formal, congregational worship. Behavior and conduct that defile young people must be eliminated from the schools along with all that is irreverent and profane. However, as a sacred process, prayer, like judgment, is not the same for believers within the body and others who are outside the faith (see 1st Corinthians 5: 11-13, KJV). The sanctuary of a church as the gathering place where believers acknowledge the divine presence is cleansed and set apart for the appearance of GOD, and for worship by the prayers of the assembly. The same benefit is desired for our schools; yet, secular goals, public policy, and standard procedures do not generate, or serve as legitimate authority and parameters for prayer. The demand for prayer in schools generated by man must be seen as distinct from the demands for obeisance made by the Holy Spirit. The churches are cautioned against being deceived, and the making of vain oblations (Luke 21: 8, 1st Corinthians 6: 9 and 15: 32-34, Galatians 6: 7 and Isaiah 1: 13, KJV). Consider again: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (2nd Timothy 2: 1-4, KJV).



THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, (Luke 4: 23-28, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Dispatch 36: His Grace (09/15/2011); Respect? (01/02/2011); Not Accepted? (01/03/2011); Five Minutes? (12/27/2010); The Ark of GOD (12/28/2010); Things? (11/13/2010); When at Work… (11/08/2010); Faith and History (11/09/2010)



      For many mature Christian believers, the history of Naaman the leper serves as a parable (object lesson) wherein the warrior represents mankind in continual strivings finally becoming defiled and infirm through sin (leprosy). Despite his fame as a savior to the Syrians, Naaman must submit to the Holy One of Israel for change that is salvation (e.g., cleansing, forgiveness, healing, repentance, and restoration).

      Humility and obedience are shown to be the foundation for faith when Naaman is told to go bathe in the Jordan River. The great man has been sent having letters of commendation from his king; however, the prophet does not receive him with ceremony. Naaman becomes angry at being denied the formalities and “respect of person” due his various offices as ambassador, general, and prime minister to his king (the right-hand-man, so to speak). In his rage, he begins to curse the Jordan River and all Israel, instead, praising several rivers of his homeland, Syria.

      Salvation is shown to come by our performance of simple acts in cooperation with the profound acts of GOD on our behalf. When cautioned by his servants, Naaman is led to serve, and performs the task of dipping himself in the water seven times. (The number seven signifies completeness and perfection.) Naaman did all that he could possibly do. The washing by water is understood as baptism. That healing alone is not sufficient is depicted in what happens next. Naaman requests a dispensation that he would be forgiven when, continuing to obey his king, Naaman would escort him into a place of idol worship. In this, the account of Naaman acknowledges that divine salvation that removes fear, sin and spiritual uncleanness does not remove automatically the duties, obligations, or physical and practical realities necessary to our being in the world.

      There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the figure of Naaman may be seen as repeated in Simon the leper (Matthew 26: 6-7 and Mark 14; 3, KJV). That Jesus, the disciples, and others were able to attend a feast in Simon’s home, testifies that Simon had been healed of leprosy. However, here, instead of the dread disease, leprosy may have been excommunication from the worship community for being a publican, one who regularly interacted with, and served Gentiles (i.e., the Romans). ) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.


THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC