(Read 2 Kings 5)
Sid Vicious, the bassist of the notorious 1970s punk band The Sex Pistols, gave a legendary rendition of the iconic ballad “My Way,” originally popularized by the renowned crooner Frank Sinatra. I first heard the punk version of the song in college, where Vicious’ parody of the legendary tune was humorous and disturbing. In many ways, Vicious’ performance foreshadowed the tragic end he and his wife would experience. Ultimately, he did it “his way.”
Some refer to Sinatra’s “My Way” as America’s anthem of self-determination. Neither versions are love songs about beautiful romance. They’re about selfishness and ego. Me, me, me.
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.
When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 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.”
2 Kings 5:5; 5:8-10
How often does God give us advice or tell us what to do through a messenger? Despite how confused, stressed, or lost we might be, we tend to trust our own instincts above what God wants for us. Elisha was clear about what Naaman needed to do to be clean and healed. Rather than personally meeting Naaman, the Prophet Elisha sent a messenger to deliver God’s healing message. The message instructed Naaman to go to the Jordan River and wash himself seven times. The number seven had symbolic significance in biblical numerology, representing completeness and perfection. By following this command, Naaman would be restored, both physically and spiritually, from his leprosy.
Naaman, the brave King of Israel, reacted with distress and hopelessness. Elisha remained calm and confident in the power of God. Naaman expected a grand spectacle or elaborate ritual for his healing as a reflection of his wealth and status. Elisha’s simple instructions required nothing more than humility and obedience to God from Naaman. How much of Naaman’s reaction sounds all too familiar? We want things according to how we perceive we deserve them, ignoring the gift of grace imparted to us.
This passage teaches about the power of God to bring about healing and restoration. It also illustrates a need for humility and faith by those seeking God’s intervention. Naaman’s subsequent actions and the story’s unfolding will further reveal the transformative power of obedience and the faithfulness of God.
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.
2 Kings 5:11-12
It’s subtle but important to note that Elisha’s messenger was a young slave girl with zero status or clout. This is yet another example of how God works through the most unlikely people and events in our lives. Isn’t it interesting that this unnamed girl held the key to Naaman’s healing? Naaman was expecting his healing to be an outpouring of something he would accomplish, but Salvation isn’t delivered based on our status, wealth, or accomplishments. It is based on the sacrifice of another who walked the earth, who was disdained, ridiculed, and crucified.
We don’t take seriously messages from people we often look beyond. Based on our own expectations, we’re just like Naaman. I cherish, love, and adore our children. I have the utmost respect for them, but sometimes I still view them as our little kids. I will sometimes downplay their “messages.” When my son was 8, he wrote me a handwritten letter saying, “Daddy, I’m so glad you work from home so I can spend more time with you.” At first, I shrugged it off as a cute keepsake from our firstborn, but over time it really resonated with me. He gently told me to value my family time more, slow down, and put work in its proper perspective and place. More recently, while paddling one Sunday, he gave me some career and retirement advice. I’m older, hopefully more aware, and wiser now — I soaked it in.
Naaman didn’t yet know that the cross would destroy his pride. Through Elisha’s messenger, God showed Naaman that he was utterly powerless to heal himself. Eventually, it made a point and drove Naaman to the uncomfortable humility WE ALL NEED.
Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 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.
2 Kings 5:13-14
When we receive a sign, message, or command from God, we are always better off when we humbly abide in His word and trust in Him. When we obey, we are laying down our pride. Even the smallest things can bring about great change and great blessings. Naaman’s leprosy was a defilement in Old Testament times. It covered a range of conditions that affected people, like boils, fungus infections, burns, scabies, eczema, or ulcers. It was more than physical stains on Naaman’s skin; it was a spiritual stain on his soul.
We should pay close attention to the importance of wise counsel and humility from all people in our lives. Naaman’s servants played an unlikely but vital role in encouraging him to set aside his pride and obey Elisha’s simple command. We must also pay attention to the connection between obedience and God’s miraculous intervention. It was only when Naaman humbly obeyed God’s instructions through Elisha that he experienced healing and restoration.
God’s ways are not always our ways. In my life, God’s ways frequently surprise me when I discover them, but I try to remind myself that God has a different plan, and of course, He’s right! God healed Naaman, and he can heal us of any disease, physical or spiritual. Today’s Scripture teaches us to be willing to follow God’s ways, even when we don’t understand them. We should also remember that God can heal us, no matter our circumstances.
Interestingly, Frank Sinatra grew to hate “My Way.” During live performances, he often praised his orchestra, songwriters, and staff, and he felt that the song worked against that tradition. It focused solely on him communicating that nothing in life matters more than living on your own terms. When we go through our lives, we should strive to learn as Naaman did. Let’s ignore the attraction and ease of doing things “My Way.”
“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:27
Key Applications:
Instead of being grateful with the grace of a healing opportunity and moving towards being clean, Naaman let pride and anger take over.
- What lessons can we learn from Naaman’s story about the importance of being open to receiving help and guidance from unexpected sources?
- Reflecting on Naaman’s story, how can we apply the principles of faith, humility, and obedience to our challenges and struggles? Pray about this each day this week and build on yesterday’s growth.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.