If you’ve been reading through the book of Joshua and the devotions all week, you’ve no doubt been inspired to get yourself prepared for success. Today, we will turn the pages from Joshua over to 2 Kings 5:1-19 and hover over a leper’s life who was in need of healing.
In verse 1 we read, “Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.” Right away we learn some traits about Naaman: he is an army captain, a great man, honorable and highly regarded, a mighty man of valor, and gasp he is a LEPER.
Leprosy was and still is a chronic infectious disease producing scaly itchy painful skin lesions. If untreated it can be progressive causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes. Secondary infection could result in tissue loss causing fingers and toes to become shortened and deformed, as cartilage is absorbed into the body. Leviticus 13 is a great resource if you’d like to learn more. One thing that is evident is that Naaman having this inferior disease is not a good look for such a distinguished guy, especially when leprosy was usually viewed as God’s punishment for sinful behavior.
Naaman needed and wanted healing. Of course, he wanted healing in his own way, and he certainly didn’t expect that a captive servant girl would suggest that Naaman seek out the prophet Elisha and follow the outlandish advice that Elisha provides.
2 Kings 5:9-12 “So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed. But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.”
“Elisha sent a messenger to say to him . . .” Ok, so that was a big hit to Naaman's pride. This esteemed man who showed up on Elisha’s doorstep on horse and chariot was probably expecting to be recognized, celebrated, and saluted, instead Elisha didn’t even greet Naaman. That was downright disrespectful in Naaman's eyes. And he is now enraged at the thought of a humiliating dip in the Jordan, not just one dip, but seven. Can you imagine? I think you can. We have several rivers and waterways in our state that have been contaminated with chemical spills, agricultural runoff, and raw sewage. And if we had a rash or skin disease, we would think that it would seem pretty unwise, unhealthy, and downright stupid to strip down and plunge in that water seven times. How about some beach time on Torch Lake? That sounds much more healing and appealing to me!
Naaman needed healing that could only come through the miracle working power of God. God had the inside scoop; He knew exactly what Naaman needed healing from—pride, as pride would hinder the physical healing. Did you notice that Naaman had to dip himself in the water seven times. Why not 1 or 5? Seven is the number that symbolizes perfection. He was going to be perfectly and completely healed. Aren’t you glad that God is a true leader who can give supernatural healing; spiritually and physically.
2 Kings 5:14-15 “So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God . . .”
I needed this reminder of obedience and humility. Oftentimes I don’t understand his ways, but I know that his ways are always for a purpose and always better. Naaman needed healing that medical science could not provide. He needed healing that could only come through the miracle working power of God. God knew Naaman needed healing from pride, and he gave him an opportunity to overcome it. Naaman was healed? How about you? If there is something in your life that needs healing, God will give you every opportunity for him to heal you from it. That’s a success story!
Are you willing to obey God even when it may seem senseless?
In verse 1 we read, “Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.” Right away we learn some traits about Naaman: he is an army captain, a great man, honorable and highly regarded, a mighty man of valor, and gasp he is a LEPER.
Leprosy was and still is a chronic infectious disease producing scaly itchy painful skin lesions. If untreated it can be progressive causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes. Secondary infection could result in tissue loss causing fingers and toes to become shortened and deformed, as cartilage is absorbed into the body. Leviticus 13 is a great resource if you’d like to learn more. One thing that is evident is that Naaman having this inferior disease is not a good look for such a distinguished guy, especially when leprosy was usually viewed as God’s punishment for sinful behavior.
Naaman needed and wanted healing. Of course, he wanted healing in his own way, and he certainly didn’t expect that a captive servant girl would suggest that Naaman seek out the prophet Elisha and follow the outlandish advice that Elisha provides.
2 Kings 5:9-12 “So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed. But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.”
“Elisha sent a messenger to say to him . . .” Ok, so that was a big hit to Naaman's pride. This esteemed man who showed up on Elisha’s doorstep on horse and chariot was probably expecting to be recognized, celebrated, and saluted, instead Elisha didn’t even greet Naaman. That was downright disrespectful in Naaman's eyes. And he is now enraged at the thought of a humiliating dip in the Jordan, not just one dip, but seven. Can you imagine? I think you can. We have several rivers and waterways in our state that have been contaminated with chemical spills, agricultural runoff, and raw sewage. And if we had a rash or skin disease, we would think that it would seem pretty unwise, unhealthy, and downright stupid to strip down and plunge in that water seven times. How about some beach time on Torch Lake? That sounds much more healing and appealing to me!
Naaman needed healing that could only come through the miracle working power of God. God had the inside scoop; He knew exactly what Naaman needed healing from—pride, as pride would hinder the physical healing. Did you notice that Naaman had to dip himself in the water seven times. Why not 1 or 5? Seven is the number that symbolizes perfection. He was going to be perfectly and completely healed. Aren’t you glad that God is a true leader who can give supernatural healing; spiritually and physically.
2 Kings 5:14-15 “So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God . . .”
I needed this reminder of obedience and humility. Oftentimes I don’t understand his ways, but I know that his ways are always for a purpose and always better. Naaman needed healing that medical science could not provide. He needed healing that could only come through the miracle working power of God. God knew Naaman needed healing from pride, and he gave him an opportunity to overcome it. Naaman was healed? How about you? If there is something in your life that needs healing, God will give you every opportunity for him to heal you from it. That’s a success story!
Are you willing to obey God even when it may seem senseless?