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
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