Rev. Johnson V.
8th May 2011

So often we wonder why God heals someone or works a miracle in their lives, but not in ours. In Luke 4:27- 28 (quoting from 2 Kings 5), our Lord explains why. There were many hundreds of lepers in Israel at that time, but yet God choose to heal a Syrian leader of the army – Naaman.
Syria was an enemy of the nation of Israel. There were frequent and severe battles between the two countries. The ancestors of the nation of Syria were also Abraham’s offspring, born outside of the plan and will of God. What ensued was a family quarrel that has gained global proportions, even affecting our world today.

The Bible says that God gave Naaman great victory in his battles. Naaman was victorious against the mighty Assyrians and even Israel. Why did God bless a man who went to war against His own people, those He Himself led through the dessert? Our God is a righteousness judge and where there is any righteousness, there His blessing will rest. Acts 8 clearly demonstrates that our God is no respecter of persons. God will honour anyone who has faith in Him, even if they do not know Him.

During one of his many conquests to Israel, Naaman captures a slave girl and takes her home to serve his wife and family. In those days slaves were nameless and without identities. And this young girl may have been the sole survivor of her family. Yet she rose above her situation to bring about good to her captor, Naaman who had leprosy.

There are 4 important things to note about this story.

• In the Bible, most often leprosy was given to people, by God, for the purpose of correction. Medical science tells us that leprosy is a bacterial infection that eats the body from the inside. Sin does the same thing in our lives, and sometimes God will give us over to the consequences of our sin, in order to correct us. God can and will heal our leprosy.
• The slave girl didn’t thank God for cursing her captor even though his army or he himself was responsible for her condition and the death of her family members. She was genuinely concerned about his wellbeing.
• She told him about the prophet in Israel, Elisha, who could pray for his healing. Her words mattered. They weren’t frivolous, bearing little consequence. When she spoke, it was with words that had the potential to change a life.
• Naaman is upset with the prophet who sent word through Gehazi, his servant, to go wash in the Jordon seven times. Yet, even though Naaman was angry, his servants were able to reason with him. And Naaman listened to the voice of reason and obeyed the words of the Prophet. He was healed on the 7th washing.

Why did Jesus speak about this incident?

• Naaman was willing to change – he didn’t allow his anger and emotions to lead him. He chose to be the master over his emotions.
• He honoured God sincerely.
• He was willing to obey what God had commanded.

Let us do what Naaman did. We are sure to find God’s favour and blessings when we do.