The Healing of Naaman – 2
2 Ki. 5
Yesterday, we dealt at length, with the story of the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram. Today, we will continue with the lessons from the story. As such, we continue the lesson from point number four.
4. Naaman did very well to listen to the young captive girl. Today, the gap between those in author and the common people have widened so much that people like Naaman would never listen to good advice from the commoners. We should also do well to listen to the voice of God everywhere and from everyone.
5. Meanwhile, the king of Israel was worried and tore his clothes when he read the letter of the Aramean king. He never knew that he had the opportunity to turn every tide in his favour against the Arameans. But he did not look beyond his present situation and worried. He was looking at things from the wrong window. How many of us worry because we fail to perceive opportunities from our circumstances because we have been looking at things from the wrong perspective? Trust in the LORD, and He will direct your ways.
6. It appears that Naaman arrived at the place of Elisha with much pomp. Many important officials tend to treat others with disdain and do their best to appear pompous in front of others. Just because they appear daunting and great to others, they are not necessarily so. In fact, no one can boast before the LORD. Elisha did not even meet Naaman in person.
7. What Naaman expected and what Elisha said were worlds apart. Because things were not going as he expected, Naaman became angry and turned away in rage. When we say we are drawing near to the LORD, we have everything worked out for the LORD – what He must do, and how He must answer us and treat us. But when things do not go as we expected, we tend to become frustrated. It is therefore important to put all our cares and trust upon the LORD. Let Him work in us, and let us accept them.
8. Like Naaman, what kinds of sickness beset us? The LORD Jesus Christ has overcome the world and sin. Since many do not understand the love of God, they could never comprehend the salvific work of Jesus. Just as Naaman expected Elisha to wave his hands around and heal him of his sickness, we also expect something else. We expect to earn salvation through our deeds and actions. Indeed, they are also important. But they can never save us from eternal death. We search for God in distant places, not knowing that the LORD is always nearby. Just as Naaman, we also thought that our Abanas and Pharpars are better than what Jesus is offering us. Jesus, the Jordan is the only one who can save us. He is not far away, and salvation is not a hard thing to attain. If we draw near Him, He is waiting for us so that He may heal us of our diseases and sins. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (cf. Mat. 11:28-30).
