Disgruntled Servant or a Commpassionate Captive?

Disgruntled Servant or a Compassionate Captive?

II Kings 5:1-4

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of his leprosy.

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

Everyone knows the story of Naaman, but have you ever thought about the little maid mentioned in the first four verses? The scripture tells us that this little maid was taken captive and was made to work for Naaman’s wife. This was not uncommon in those days, but what stood out to me was the way she handled herself.

Are you a disgruntled servant or a compassionate captive?

This girl was removed from her family, her land and her home. She was taken to a foreign land and made to be a servant. With all of this she still had compassion! And she said unto her mistress, would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of leprosy (vs. 3)

I can’t help but think of the many times I have been a disgruntled employee. Unhappy with the circumstances around me, it was released in complaints and anger. If you are honest, most will agree this has happened to them at some point. But, lets look at being servants of Christ!

I Corinthians 9:19, 23 for though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Matthew 20:27-28 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give his life a ransom for many.

Interesting that the Greek definition for minister is to be a servant. Yet, we often find ourselves disgruntled because we have the notion that we were ‘called’ to do greater feats. Somewhere we developed the belief that servants of God placed us in a different class, and we would be able to ride on chariots and wear fine robes.

Then there are those who cannot get past what has happened or is happening in their lives. Perhaps they have loosened their grip on the Truth of God’s Word.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I’ve thrown some of the biggest pity parties one has ever seen but when I got down to brass tacks I was looking at ‘me, myself and I.’ I was incapable of having compassion for those around me because I was too busy feeling sorry for myself. I was captive in the enemies’ land of selfishness, self-pity and self-centeredness. I couldn’t see the big picture or God’s purpose for my life, for being so unhappy about being someplace I didn’t like.

I believe this little maid is a perfect example of how we are to react to those around us; those that make us uncomfortable; those that treat us indifferently; those that we should have served with humility and compassion. Do you know any of ‘those’ kind of people? Have you found yourself in situations or circumstances that seemed unfair? Have you ever griped and complained about those around you?

This little maid could have been disgruntled! She could have easily kept the knowledge of the prophet in her land, to herself! She could have wished him bad tidings and prayed for God to get him, but she was a compassionate captive! She knew that Elisha could heal her master and she told them about it!

So with this example, I wonder if there is a message of good news we need to bring to someone in our circle of influence? Is there a chance that you have been so focused on yourself that you’ve lost your white-knuckled grip on the truth of God’s Word?

Take a look around you and look at the Word of God! Settle deep within that God knows where you are! He hasn’t left you, nor forsaken you! Regardless of the situation, or the people surrounding you, God is in control!

The people that may appear to be holding you captive may need to know that there is a God that heals and delivers! They may not know and you may be in the position to tell them!! There may be a greater purpose to your situation!

So, I challenge you to take a look at your attitude!

Are you a disgruntled servant or a compassionate captive?

Do you look at your captors with compassion? Or do you grumble, complain and throw pity parties? Is there a chance that you are in the position you’re in, in order to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Let’s turn our focus to the cross and off situations and ourselves. We just may come to understand the compassion Jesus had for us, and be able to spread it to those around us!

© Jounda Wadley March 27, 2006