Naaman acts out of a sense of entitlement and power. He commands an army and has great wealth at his fingertips. Naaman is marked by skin blemishes (leprosy, verse 1), which carried a social stigma in the ancient world. Naaman searches for a cure, an effort that leads him to Elisha’s doorstep. There, with horses and chariots and all the wealth he brought with him, Naaman hoped to buy a cure or maybe intimidate one out of the prophet. The prophet stays behind closed doors and sends a message through a servant. Naaman’s journey toward healing moves forward through unexpected sources. A young captive woman sends Naaman from Syria to seek out the prophet and an unnamed messenger provides instructions to go wash in the Jordan River. Once he follows the instructions and washes seven times, his skin is restored to that of a young boy. The word translated as “young boy” can also be translated into the word “servant.” The water not only cleansed Naaman of his blemishes, but it seems his sense of entitlement was also washed away. This allows him to live fully into his new life.
How often do we see such a sense of entitlement or other blemish hinder a congregation’s effectiveness in ministry or miss the unexpected moments of grace?
Healing God, your love washes my heart clean and calls me into service for others. Amen. —