Elisha heals Naaman

II Kings Chapter 5

The king of Aram admired the commander of his army because the Lord gave him great victories through Naaman. But though a mighty warrior, Naaman suffered from leprosy. The king gave Naaman a young Israelite woman who became Naaman's wife's maid. One day, she told her mistress that Naaman should see the prophet in Samaria and perhaps be healed of his leprosy. So Naaman told the king what the young girl had said and the king encouraged him to go visit the prophet. The king gave him a letter of introduction and many pounds of silver and gold and fine garments.

When the king of Israel read the letter, he was dismayed that he had been sent a leper to heal and accused the Aramean king of sending him to invade Israel again. But Elisha the prophet, heard of the kings reaction and told him to send Naaman to him so that he could learn about a true prophet in Israel.

Naaman went with his chariots and horses and waited at Elisha's door, but Elisha sent out a messenger with the message that Naaman should go wash himself seven times in the Jordan River and he would be healed. Naaman was angry and upset that the prophet did not come out to greet him and he cast doubt on the healing properties of the Jordan River. But his officers convinced him to try what the prophet told him. So Naaman went to the Jordan River and washed seven times and as the man of God instructed. His flesh became as healthy as a young child's and he was healed.

Then Naaman and his entire party went to find the man of God. He stood before Elisha and said he now knew there was no God in all the world except in Israel and he offered him gifts. But Elisha refused to accept any gifts. So Naaman said he would load two of his mules with earth from Israel to take home and he would never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. However, he hoped the Lord would pardon him when his master the king went to the temple to worship the god Rimmon and leaned on Naaman's arm, and Naaman bowed too. Then Elisha told him to leave in peace.

But Gehazi, Elisha's servant was most unhappy that his master had turned down the gifts, so he chased after Naaman. Naaman got down from his chariot and Gehazi told him a story that two young prophets had just arrivedand that Elisha wanted 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give them. Naaman insisted Gehazi take 150 pounds of silver and the clothing. Gehazi hid the gifts inside the house. When Elisha questioned him, Gehazi lied. But Elisha told him that he was there in spirit when Naaman got down from his chariot. Because Gehazi had lied and taken the gifts, Elisha told him that he and all his children and children's children would suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever. When Gehazi left the room, his skin was as white as snow.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Leprosy, like Aids today, was a feared disease. Most forms were contagious and incurable. Many lepers were forced out of the cities into quarantine camps. Naaman held his post perhaps because his was a mild form or perhaps it was in the early stages. In either case, his life would have been tragically shortened. Naaman had to humble himself and obey Elisha's commands in order to be healed.Just as we must believe that his way is better than our own. His washing was symbolic of us having our sins washed away.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? I have chosen the humble little Israelite servant girl to show that her simple message to her mistress spoke volumes. We don't know anything about her, but she could be you or me in today's world. Her faith in God put her in the home of an Aramean captain. We just never know where God will put us or how he will use us to spread his word. Just look around you and tell others what our God can do. Praise be to the Lord!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for Brian and Ashley, as they lost the expected baby boy. It was so sad because she was 4 months and we had seen the sonogram of him moving and sucking his thumb.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.