Let us discuss an example of placing trust in a political leader and a nation.
On July 4, 2025, Donald Trump signed a bill into law that authorizes many harmful policies towards people. Examples of these policies include severe cuts to Medicaid (which serves 71 million people) and SNAP benefits. This means that people will lose their medical benefits, and students may lose access to free school meals.
However, this Trump bill prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy and approximately $75 billion to ICE and immigration enforcement through September 2029. Vice President Vance stated that the cuts to Medicaid are "immaterial" compared to the "savings" from heightened immigration enforcement.
Taking food and medical care from lower-income and impoverished Americans to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and to arrest our immigrant brothers and sisters for wanting nothing more than a chance at the "American dream" is at best immoral, and at worst, pure evil.
These are events that occur when people place their faith and trust in an egotistical, blasphemous, and unrepentant individual such as Donald Trump. Trump wishes to crush the vulnerable and marginalized among us for his gain.
In today's reading, Naaman, a General in the Syrian Army, was a bit egotistical (as is Trump) when he traveled to Israel (the land of his enemy) seeking to have his leprosy healed by a prophet (Elisha) at the suggestion of an enslaved Israeli girl. Despite her circumstances, the young girl had trust in God.
Naaman met a messenger from Elisha, who instructed the general to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. Fury (which is not a sign of trust in God) overcame Naaman, who was insulted that the prophet did not come to meet him personally. A servant implored Naaman to follow the instructions, which ultimately led to the healing of his leprosy.
As a result, like the enslaved girl and servant, Naaman placed his trust in God.
God allows events to pass so we may see that it matters where we place our faith and trust. Do we put our faith in a person such as Donald Trump, who leads the decline of the rudderless America with his hypocrisy? Or do we place our trust and faith in God?
Using current events as a guide, the choice is simple. Trump leads people toward evil. God leads us to learn how to love one another.
Choose and trust God. You won't go wrong!
Join us for our next service on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. For the link, please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org.