Naaman was a well-respected commander in the Syrian army, highly regarded and valiant. But he had an incurable and humiliating disease: leprosy. Naaman’s wife had a servant girl from Israel who knew of Elisha. Though a slave, she believed in the God of Israel. She knew his healing power, and that Elisha was a powerful servant of the Lord. When Naaman sought permission to go to Elisha, the king sent him with a reference letter. The letter implied that the king of Israel should heal Naaman. The king did not trust the king of Aram. He suspected an ulterior motive and tore his clothes.

When Elisha heard of this, he intervened. He instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan seven times. Then he would be restored. Naaman was proud and became angry. He felt insulted that Elisha did not meet him. He thought there were better rivers than the Jordan to wash in. He became full of rage. Then his servants convinced him to humbly obey. When he did, Naaman was cleansed, and his skin was restored like that of a healthy young boy. God blessed his humble and repentant act of obedient faith.
Application: Lord, help me to overcome my idea and my pride. Bless me to humbly obey and be healed.
One Word: Obey God’s way and be healed