So Naaman set out, taking thirty thousand pieces of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of fine clothes. The letter that he took read: “This letter will introduce my officer Naaman. I want you to cure him of his disease.”
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and exclaimed, “How can the king of Syria expect me to cure this man? Does he think that I am God, with the power of life and death? It’s plain that he is trying to start a quarrel with me!”
When the prophet Elisha heard what had happened, he sent word to the king: “Why are you so upset? Send the man to me, and I’ll show him that there is a prophet in Israel!”
Foreigners knew better than the king of Israel – much like in the time of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-8). I always have wanted to be a prophet (1 Corinthiens 12:28). Perhaps 1 Corinthiens 14:1 is the closest thing. May I proclaim your message, Lord.
So Naaman went with his horses and chariot and stopped at the entrance to Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a servant out to tell him to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be completely cured of his disease. But Naaman left in a rage, saying, “I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the Lord his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me!”
As did Jesus (Matthew 8:1-3). How life so often doesn’t correspond to our expectations! Help me to push them aside, Father (Isaiah 55:8-9).
His servants went up to him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can’t you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?” So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child.
Simple obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). May you be glorified, Jesus (John 9:1-7).
He returned to Elisha with all his men and said, “Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me.”
A beautiful confession of faith (Daniel 4:37). May I sing a new song, Lord (Revelation 5:9).
Elisha answered, “By the living Lord, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift.”
It had always been the custom to give a gift for a service (1 Samuel 9:6-7). May I recognize the time to do one thing or the other, Father (2 Kings 5:26).