The Unlikely Missionary

Overview of Lesson 3: The Unlikely Missionary

Karakia Timatanga | Opening Prayer

He hōnore, he korōria ki te atua
All honour and glory to our maker

He maungārongo ki te whenua
Let there be peace and tranquillity on earth

He whakaaro pai ki ngā tangata katoa
Goodwill to mankind
Āmine.                                  
Amen

(The lesson in more detail: Sabbath School Org. Lesson 3)

Sunday | Rātapu

He Had It All . . . But

The story of Naaman reminds us that there is a need to be kind to all people. We never know when we are the person who makes the difference. Many people carry a personal grief or concern that we may be able to offer help or comfort in some form. Schantz and Thompson (2015) write:

Personal life disruptions, tragedies, and transitions can make people more open to spiritual truth and set them on a search for God. Physical, psychological, political, or other disasters can open people up to the reality of the divine. Personal loss, national catastrophes, and wars are major motivators that cause people to seek a power greater than themselves. The church has long been aware that increased soul-winning results tend to come in areas in which people are struck by personal or societal suffering.

After the terrible earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand occurred which killed 185 people it was found that more people turned to faith (Sibley & Bulbulia, 2012).

Monday | Rāhina 

An Unlikely Witness

Our place in the world is always important to God because on it can hinge events that we have little comprehension of. Most of the time our lives are filled with the mundane and in these times faithfulness to God and fulfilling our obligation to our fellow man counts for a great deal. Greatness emerges through service (Mk 9:35).

There are two contrasting views of faith in God portrayed in this story. The servant girl believes that God is able and willing whereas the king of Israel becomes consumed with worry. The king's response was quite understandable given the history between the two nations. Interesting that sometimes the most unlikely people seek help from God. When problems hit us what is our response? 

Jeremiah 32:17 reminds us that God can always cope even when we can't.

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Tuesday | Rātū 

Elisha, the Prophet

Elisha's response to Naaman is curious to say the least, it borders on the insulting and seems to demonstrate a lack of hospitality. He does not go out to even greet Naaman. However, it would be unwise for us to treat people like this unless we have the prophetic gift and have been so divinely instructed. From this story we can infer that Elisha knew exactly God's mind on the matter. Heb 13:2 tells us that we like Abraham must be hospitable because guests are always important.

One of the most memorable verses in scripture comes to us from Elisha. He could see what we can only grasp by faith. 2 Ki 6:16-17. There is a tangible, spiritual world which exists beyond our physical senses.

Wednesday  | Rāapa

The Healing of Naaman

The text tells us quite a lot about Naaman as a person. He isn't just a good leader, he's a great leader. He not only has the ear of the King but he in turn listens to his servants. He has not surrounded himself with sycophants and he listens to advice that is contrary to his own views. First he listens to the servant girl and now he listens to his personal servants. He is wise enough to surround himself with people who are wise. I wonder if these servants are Hebrews?

Through his actions Naaman engages in baptism. Literally he is cleansed from leprosy which was considered a curse from God. He is saved by faith, albeit a reluctant faith encouraged and supported by others.

Thursday | Rāpare

A New Believer

The lesson rightly points to the fact that salvation is a gift that can not be bought or sold. Whether a new believer or an older one we must be constantly reminded that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves: 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Eph 2:8)

Namaan was saved from leprosy; as Christians we are saved from sin. The idea of sin today is about as popular as leprosy. 

Points for Christians to consider and practise

1. Eph 4:32 
2. What are the implications of following an all powerful God?
3. Can you think of other occasions besides Elisha's where the invisible world has been revealed to God's people?
4. Are you encouraging others by your words and actions to believe?
5. What is sin and do you have it?

Closing Prayer - Karakia Whakamutunga

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti me te aroha o te Atua, me te whiwhingatahitanga ki te wairua tapu, ake, ake, ake, āmine.

References

Schantz, B. & Thompson, S. (2015). Biblical Missionaries. Adult Sabbath School Quarterly 3Q. 2015. Silver Spring: MD: Pacific Press.

Sibley, C. & Bulbulia, J. (2012). Faith after an Earthquake: A Longitudinal Study of Religion and Perceived Health before and after the 2011 Christchurch New Zealand Earthquake. PLoS ONE 7(12) Retrieved from http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0049648