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Saving Captain Naaman
Marsha Kochi2 Kings 5:9 "So Naaman came with his horses and his chariots and stood at the doorway of the house of Elisha. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” 11 But Naaman was furious and went away and said, “Behold, I [g]thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’
Naaman, a man who held a high position as second in command to the King, served as Captain in the Army, highly respected, had authority, and riches; but afflicted with leprosy and arrogance. Naaman is angry and feels almost entitled to this healing. He is urged by his servants, to listen to Elisha's simple instructions, yet wants to suggest another way to be healed, even through another river.
Naaman didn't really understand that it was his pride that was keeping him from being healed and his eventual obedience that would save him. Because Naaman did not know God, he relied on himself. As Believers, we should know better. Why is it that it takes us so long to be obedient, and to trust God? Why is He, the first that we blame or question? If only, we would immediately self examine our hearts, and trust Him, not go anywhere near doubt or entitlement; how quickly we would be able to see Him move in our lives. Naaman was put through these trials so that he would die to the flesh, the sin of leprosy, and see the Greatness of God. Through the faith of his servants, Naaman would be cleansed and He would know The Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me about the leprosy of sin. Help me to be obedient to You, and to quickly look within. Keep my heart right with You. Help me to never feel entitled, or to ever feel that I am beyond correction. Let me rely on you, and not on my ways.
