June 20 - Missionary or Mercenary?

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 4,5; Psalms 83; 1 Timothy 2

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

If we rely solely on our own resources
we can miss out on the miraculous!

Elisha got what he asked for, a double portion of what God had given his mentor, Elijah. At the time, it may have seemed self-serving, but, as we read about Elisha’s ministry, we know that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Like the widow’s oil, God could pour His blessing into Elisha knowing he would keep pouring it out for others (4:5,6).

The miracles he performed were easily marketable. He could have charged high fees and retired a very wealthy man. But we read of a prophet who relied on the generosity of others for food and shelter (4:8-10), who had to trust God to make a bad pot of stew edible for himself and his fellow prophets (4:38-41), and who took 20 donated barley loaves and miraculously fed 100 men (4:42-44). His life sounded very similar to the One who came to serve and give His life a ransom for all (2:6).

When Elisha healed Namaan he refused his gifts in return, despite having earned them and cultural protocol demanding he graciously accept them. Elisha had no interest in material things. He knew God would provide everything he needed, just as He had done for his mentor, Elijah. If you have your own resources you miss out on ravens delivering your breakfast and dinner (1 Kings 17:2-6), and angel-food cake (okay, bread) made by an actual angel (19:5-8). That’s why Elisha was so upset with his protégé, Gehazi, for going back for Namaan’s gifts, lying about his reasons, keeping them for himself, and then covering it up (5:20-27).

I made the same decision years ago about being a missionary, not a mercenary. I’ve never really been motivated by money and never demanded a higher salary in my 50 plus years of ministry. My wife and children have urged me to, and I know other ministers do, but I want to experience God’s miraculous provision. I haven’t been fed by ravens yet (I did accidentally kill a crow with my car recently – didn’t eat it though), but God has always provided more than I’ve needed. I may not have a big nest egg set aside for my declining years but I serve a big God!

“Lord, this verse and chorus from ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’ says what I feel today: I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”