Counterfeit Gods: Part 5 - The Seduction of Success: Naaman’s Pride

Hello All,

The competitive culture of today emphasizes on the importance of striving for academic excellence and career achievements.

Although it is vital to fulfill one’s role and responsibilities in life, there is always a temptation to overwork and prioritize those avenues of success to the point of obsession and idolatry.

This often results in an overinflated ego and the neglect of other priorities in life.

The poem I wrote for the fifth part of the ‘Counterfeit Gods’ series, ‘The Seduction of Success’, is quite long so I am dividing it into three weeks.

We will be looking at ‘Naaman’s Pride’ (2 Kings 5:1-7) today, ‘Naaman’s Humility’ (2 Kings 5:8-14) next week and then ‘Naaman’s Resolution’ (2 Kings 5:15-17) for the following week.

Counterfeit Gods: Part 5 - The Seduction of Success: Naaman’s Pride

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (18^th July 2013)

There once was a man named Naaman, the commander

Of the army of Syria who found great favour

With his master for he was a man of valour

Who won many battles but he was a leper

He could not rejoice or bask in his achievements

For his disease found no cure in any treatments

His body was wasting away as time went by

He was like a walking dead man who would soon die

Naaman's wife had a little slave girl who was captured

During a raid in Israel and placed under her

The girl's compassion for her enemy was pure

She told Naaman's wife about a potential cure

'There is a mighty prophet of God from my land

Who could heal my Lord's leprosy with healing hands'

Naaman eagerly made this known to his master

'Go now and I'll send to Israel's king a letter'

So Naaman brought gifts of clothing, gold and silver

And he delivered them with his master's letter

To the king of Israel as goodwill offerings

In exchange for Naaman's miraculous healing

The king of Israel received and read the letter

He tore his robes in despair for he couldn't offer

Miraculous healing for Naaman's leprosy

So he viewed this as a threat from his enemy

TO BE CONTINUED…..

Points for Reflection:

·         Naaman was a man of great success and reputation but he was a suffering leper. There was no cure for his illness during those days and he was just wasting away.

·         Are you experiencing a certain trial, struggle or illness which no amount of success is able to deliver you from?

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:5-6)

·         When all seemed bleak and hopeless, a little Israelite girl, who was captured in a raid and made a slave to Naaman’s wife, relayed a message of hope to her nemesis. Instead of rejoicing at her enemy’s plight she chose to show God’s love, compassion and grace. She had not forgotten about God even though she was living as a slave in a foreign land.

·         Are you tempted to rejoice at your enemy’s plight especially after they have treated you unfairly and even condescendingly? If so, how could you show God’s love, compassion and grace to those who mistreat you? How could you repay evil with good?

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

·         The slave girl told Naaman’s wife that it was a prophet of Israel who could cure him. But Naaman pulled strings and used his connection with his master, the king of Syria, to seek healing from the highest authority in Israel – the king of Israel. He thought that the God of Israel was one that could be manipulated through gifts and offerings to the king. But he was so wrong. His initial attempt to seek a cure appeared futile as the king of Israel thought that the king of Syria was picking a quarrel with him for he could not cure leprosy.

·         It is not wrong to use connections with authorities and people to resolve issues but it is foolish to place your hope and security in them. Your ultimate hope should be in God alone so after you have pulled the necessary strings, you should commit the issue to God in prayer. How have you been tempted to place your hope in men instead of God?   

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever (Psalm 146:3-6)

Counterfeit Gods: Part 4 – Money Changes Everything

Hello All,

It is all too common for us to hear people asking situational questions such as ‘How far are you willing to go to obtain a million dollars?’ or ‘What would you do if a certain windfall brought you a million dollars?’

Many wage earners have worked hard all of their lives with hopes to save up as much they can but the amount is not even close to a million dollars.

With the ever increasing inflation rate, some even say that a million dollars does not worth as much as it used to in the past.

The fact is human greed has led to discontentment and ungratefulness for the things that we already possess.

The truth is even the richest man in the world would say that no amount of money is ever enough to bring true satisfaction.

Today we will be looking at a poem which is a narration of a Bible passage taken from Luke 19:1-9.

Counterfeit Gods: Part 4 – Money Changes Everything

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (12^th July 2013)

There once was a shrewd and ruthless tax collector

Who, in the eyes of his people, was a traitor

Because he worked for the Roman authorities

And from his nation he extorted much money

So enslaved was he to wealth, riches and mammon

That he traded away his good reputation

He couldn’t care less about the scorn of his people

His increasing possessions made his eyes sparkle

One day, he heard that Jesus was in Jericho

‘I’ve heard so much about this man so I must go

To see who he really is’ he said thoughtfully

He set off to where Jesus was in the city

A massive crowd obscured his view to his dismay

He could not see Jesus and no one gave him way

His small stature was a major disadvantage

He did not lose heart but summoned up his courage

He caught sight of a towering sycamore tree

So he ran towards it and climbed up hastily

He was excited for now he could see Jesus

Jesus saw him and called out his name, ‘Zacchaeus!’

‘Hurry and come down from the tree’ Jesus urged him

‘For today at your house I must stay and dine in’

So Zacchaeus descended quickly from the tree

And he received Jesus as his guest joyfully

‘How could he dine with that man who is a sinner?’

Jesus’ actions were judged by indignant leaders

Who strove to follow every letter of the law

They didn’t know that self righteousness would be their fall

Zacchaeus prepared a sumptuous meal for Jesus

‘Lord, I now say in the presence of all of us

That I’ll give to the poor half of my possession

And restore up to fourfold of swindled mammon’

Jesus was pleased with Zacchaeus’ repentant heart

‘Today salvation has come and will not depart

From this house since he is also Abraham’s son

To seek and save the lost, the Son of Man has come’

Do you see a glimpse of yourself in Zacchaeus?

The love of money is evil and insidious

Are you treating mammon as your security?

Has materialism crept in unknowingly?

Do you envy and admire your rich neighbours?

Do you yearn to own all that life has to offer?

Cast away your vain idols of wealth and riches

Come and lay them all down at the feet of Jesus.

Points for Reflection:

·         The love of money is evil and insidious. There are some of us who might realize that money is one of our greatest idols but there are many who choose to deny it or do not even realize it.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:10)

·         Have you been holding on to money as your source of security instead of God? Do your eyes gleam with delight each you see your bank account balances increasing? Do you love and desire materialistic things? Do you envy rich people for their wealth?

·         No amount of money could ever bring you satisfaction. Even Zacchaeus found a big void in his heart which he was trying in vain to fill with money. The idol, which he had sacrificed his integrity and nation for, promised him so much but delivered so little.

·         The emptiness in Zacchaeus’ heart made him look for something more. He was looking for Jesus and he did not even care if that meant casting aside his dignity by climbing up a tree. Even in modern days, we would think twice before climbing a tree especially if it is in front of a large crowd. In those days, dignity was held in very high esteem and climbing a tree was certainly considered a highly undignified act. But it was a climb worth making for it was a turning point for a terrible sinner who received Jesus, not only as his guest but most importantly, as his Lord and Saviour. The wonderful thing about this little man was that he did not return to his former sinful ways after his encounter with Jesus but he repented and forsook his greatest idolatry.  

·         Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour as Zacchaeus had? Jesus has been knocking at the door of your heart but are you still refusing to let him come in and dine with you? What are the things that are preventing you from letting him into your heart?

Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

·         If you are a Christian, have you truly turned away from your sinful ways? Are you still enslaved to the love of money? Do you really treat Jesus as the Lord of your life? Is money your god or is Jesus your Lord?

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

·         Some of the people in the crowd were unhappy when Jesus offered to dine in Zacchaeus’ house. To have a meal with someone in those days signified friendship and they could not accept the fact that Jesus would treat such a great sinner as his friend.  Before we start condemning the Jews for being self righteous and ungracious let us try to put ourselves in their shoes. Being a tax collector for the Roman authorities in those days was as despicable as being a collaborator with the Japanese forces in their massacres of the Chinese people during World War 2. The way they reacted showed that they did not understand the depth and sufficiency of God’s grace and forgiveness for even the worst of sinners. For Jesus’ mission on earth was to die on the cross for sinners and not for those who considered themselves righteous based on their good works.

·         In what ways are you tempted to take pride in your good works and reputation? Are there people you would deem as unworthy of the gospel of Christ? Bearing in mind that you are a sinner yourself, how could you be more gracious to such people?

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

Counterfeit Gods: Part 3 - Love Is Not All You Need: Leah’s Story

Hello All,

Last week we focused on and examined Jacob’s idolatry of Rachel.

Today, we will be looking at Leah’s side of the story.

The part of the poem that we will be emphasizing on today is highlighted in blue.

Counterfeit Gods: Part 3 - Love Is Not All You Need: Leah’s Story

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (9^th June 2013)

Jacob took flight to escape Esau's anger

For he had stolen the birthright of his brother

His mother urged him to flee to Uncle Laban

And stay with him until it was safe to return

Uncle Laban had two young unmarried daughters

Leah was the first child, Rachel was the younger

Jacob loved Rachel for her enthralling beauty

He took no notice of Leah, the unsightly

Laban requested Jacob to name his wages

For shepherding his vast flock of sheep and cattle

Jacob agreed on seven years of hard service

In eager exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage

So Jacob worked tirelessly for seven years

It seemed like a few days for someone he held dear

After those long seven years, Jacob demanded

Laban to give him the bride that he desired

However, Laban gave Jacob Leah instead

Jacob went into Leah on his wedding bed

He did not realize for she was heavily veiled

After too much drinking, his sobriety failed

The next day, he awoke to his greatest nightmare

His uncle's deception was more than he could bear

He demanded Laban for an explanation

To which Laban gave the excuse of tradition

The older child was to wed before the younger

So Laban promised Jacob his younger daughter

After the end of the wedding ceremony

And then another seven years of slavery

Jacob loved poor Leah much lesser than Rachel

So God opened Leah's womb so she was able

To conceive and bear a son whom she named Reuben

'Jacob will love me, God has seen my affliction'

Leah conceived again, her second son was born

In sadness and despair, she named him Simeon

'Because the Lord God has heard that I am hated

He's given me this son for I've been rejected'

She conceived again and bore her third son, Levi

With a glimmer of hope left, she said with a sigh

'Now this time my husband will be attached to me

I've borne him three sons, this might end my misery'

After all her efforts, his love she could not earn

So when she bore her fourth son, she finally learnt

To name him well for there was a change in Leah

'This time I will praise the Lord, his name is Judah'

The Lord Jesus Christ came from the line of Judah

God has brought the Saviour of the world through Leah

Christ loved us so much that he was willing to die

In our place, amazing love how could we deny?

Have you been seeking your ultimate fulfillment

In the approval of someone's love you couldn't earn?

Each day confronts you with the pain of rejection

So look to Christ for comfort in your dejection

Have you been on an endless quest for love divine?

In your futile search, are you hoping that you'll find

Someone to idolize and bring you life's meaning?

Give your heart to Jesus and let him be your King

Points for Reflection:

When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. (Genesis 29:31-34)

·         Reuben, Simeon and then Levi. But nothing turned around for poor Leah.

·         You could perhaps sympathize or even empathize with Leah’s predicament.

·         She was the daughter her father never wanted and the wife her husband never wanted.

·         Her father, Laban, deceived Jacob into taking her as his first wife because it was difficult to marry off a daughter who was ugly. Laban took advantage of the desperate and love-sick Jacob. On top of that, Laban obtained an additional seven years of coerced service from Jacob.

·         Leah, the daughter who experienced rejection from her father sought to win the love of her husband through childbearing. The desire for the approval of her husband became an obsession as she tried her very best to please him. The sting of disappointment grew increasingly painful after each childbirth. 

·         Have you experienced the feeling of rejection from someone you love dearly or hold in high regard? It could be your parents whose love, attention and praise were never shown and expressed to you. Perhaps it is a sibling who has grown apart from you and no longer contacts you. Maybe it was a mentor or leader who has let you down. It could be an unrequited love from a spouse, a lover or even a friend whose approval means the world to you. Have your efforts to gain their love and approval become idolatrous?

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing. (Genesis 29:35)

·         After Leah’s futile attempts to win Jacob’s heart, when she bore her fourth son, Judah, she decided to shift her focus from her husband to her loving God who had been caring for her and blessing her with children.

·         This was a turning point for Leah although she still had a long way to go in casting away her idol. But this was a change of heart and a good start.

·         It takes time for us to let go of our idols, especially if it concerns people we care deeply about. Those human idols have been so tightly sewn onto our hearts over the course of time. We have become so attached and dependent on them that it kills us each time they reject us. But God wants us to remove those stitches, one stitch at a time, not with our own strength but depending on God in earnest prayer and working hand in hand with the Holy Spirit. If you are struggling to let go of someone who has become your idol, why don’t you pray for God to help you to shift your focus to him instead?

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. (Genesis 49:10)

·         Jesus Christ, the King of kings, descended from the line of King David who was from the tribe of Judah. Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed King, whom God has promised to Israel a long time ago and he came down from heaven to earth to fulfill what was written about him in the Old Testament.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one [Jesus Christ] who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)

They [the chief priest and scribes] told him [King Herod], “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler [Jesus Christ] who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:5-6)

·         God chose to bring the Saviour of the world through Leah, not through beautiful Rachel. The Bible describes the church as the bride of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate bridegroom who has never failed to keep his promises to us. When earthly spouses, like Jacob, have fallen short in their love and devotion, Jesus has always been the loving and faithful bridegroom. He went all the way to suffer and die on the cross to redeem unworthy sinners like us so that we can be ushered into the Kingdom of God as his bride.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb [Jesus Christ] has come, and his Bride [the church] has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7)

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)

·         The world tells us that human love is all we need to complete us. But many times we are left dissatisfied with the relationships that we seek our ultimate fulfillment in. Stop looking to human relationships for your ultimate fulfillment but turn your eyes to Jesus for his love is really all that you need.