Monday October 24th, 2016 2 Kings 5:1-3,7-15
But his servants approached and said to him, "Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it?" (verse 13)
The story of the healing of Naaman by the prophet Elisha has many layers, but my thoughts turn to two observations: first, the genuine affection Naaman’s servants have for him, and second, the importance of the role the little, nameless maid plays in the story and her unshakable faith in God.
The captive maid is the one to suggest that Naaman go to the prophet Elisha to be cured of his leprosy. Naaman listens and seeks permission from his king to go. The king, along with permission to go, gives Naaman gifts to present to the prophet. But when Naaman arrives, Elisha refuses to come out and meet him. Rather he gives him the message to bathe in the Jordon seven times. Naaman’s reaction is one of righteous indignation; he feels himself slighted. His pride has been hurt. But Naaman’s servants reason with him, why not give it a try? Naaman listens, does what the prophet told him to do and is cured. He proclaims, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”
God has used ordinary people and personal relationships to accomplish God’s plan.
Lord, may I remember that you often use ordinary people like us to accomplish your will. Amen. — JB
Contributed by Ordinary People
The story of the healing of Naaman by the prophet Elisha has many layers, but my thoughts turn to two observations: first, the genuine affection Naaman's servants have for him, and second, the importance of the role the little, nameless maid plays in the story and her unshakable faith in God.
The captive maid is the one to suggest that Naaman go to the prophet Elisha to be cured of his leprosy. Naaman listens and seeks permission from his king to go. The king, along with permission to go, gives Naaman gifts to present to the prophet. But when Naaman arrives, Elisha refuses to come out and meet him. Rather he gives him the message to bathe in the Jordon seven times. Naaman's reaction is one of righteous indignation; he feels himself slighted. His pride has been hurt. But Naaman's servants reason with him, why not give it a try? Naaman listens, does what the prophet told him to do and is cured. He proclaims, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel."
God has used ordinary people and personal relationships to accomplish God's plan.
