SCRIPTURE: 2 KINGS 5
NAAMAN HEALED OF LEPROSY (vs. 1-27)
Naaman was a commander of the army of Aram. He was highly regarded by the king of Aram because of the victories he won. But he was stricken with leprosy. A captive girl from Israel who served his wife told her that there was a prophet in Samaria who could cure leprosy. So Naaman told the king of Aram and the king said: I will send a letter to the king of Israel” (v. 4). The king also sent 10 talents of silver, 6 thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. When the king of Israel received the letter of the king of Aram, he tore his robes in despair. When Elisha heard it, he send his message to have Naaman come to him. So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger telling him to go wash seven times in the Jordan River and his flesh will be restored and he will be cleaned. Naaman was angry because he was expecting Elisha to come out and welcome him, had his hand laid over him to cure his leprosy. And he regarded Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus better than any of the waters of Israel. So he turned and went off in a rage. But Naaman’s servant urged him to follow the instruction. So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan river seven times. His flesh was restored and he became clean like that of a young boy.
Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to Elisha bringing him gifts and acknowledging that there is no God in the world except in Israel. But Elisha refused to accept his gifts. and told him to go in peace. After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha hurried after Naaman and said to him: “My master sent me to say, ‘two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing” (v. 22) So Naaman gave him 2 talents of silver in two bags with 2 sets of clothing. When Gehazi arrived, Elisha asked him: “Where have you been Gehazi? Gehazi replied: “I didn’t go anywhere” (v., 25). Elisha replied: “Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever because you take money and accept clothes” (v. 25), Then Gehazi was leprous as white as snow.
THOUGHTS:
The servants of Naaman played a major role in Naaman’s healing. The young Jewish girl was able to give witness to the Lord by telling her master to visit Elisha and got healed. Naaman’s servants encouraged him to obey what Elisha said and his obedience led to his healing. Elisha’s servant was greedy for material possession by lying. As a result he was stricken with leprosy.
Gehazi robbed God of glory be asking Naaman for gifts The Syrians would think that they had to pay God to get his help. Personal gain had been more important to him than serving God. He lied to Naaman, to Elisha and to himself. But he could not lie to God. In his desire to get rich, he became poor by becoming a leper.
The story of Naaman is a beautiful poetry of salvation through faith in God’s word. By doing what was told of him by the prophet, he was cured. Every lost sinner is like Naaman, but he can experience the power of saving faith if he believes in the Word of God.
A devoted servant of the Lord brought into shame and rejection because of covetousness. Covetousness will lead people to commit other sins. The Lord warns us of the dangers of covetousness as this sin will take people to hell.
Naaman’s servant girl was faithful in her testimony. Her brief words brought healing and faith in God to a powerful Aramean captain. No matter how low is your position, God had placed you there for a purpose. Can you look for opportunities to spread God’s word no matter where and what you are?
Naaman had to humble himself and obey Elisha’s command in order to be healed. Obedience to God begins with humility. We must remember that God’s way is the best. He can use anything to accomplish his purpose if you obey him.
Elisha refused Naaman’s money to show that God’s favor cannot be purchased. Money is useless when we face death. It is only our faith in Christ that saves us.