One of my favourite stories of the Old Testament is that of Naaman. He was on a journey to find His healing from leprosy. He first goes to the King of Israel – but that King is not the source of healing. Elisha hears about this visitor from a foreign land and invites the King to send Naaman to him.
Scripture says Naaman arrives at the house of Elisha, expecting to get a royal welcome and healing from the prophet himself. But instead, a servant comes out and tells him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman’s expectations almost derail his blessings. Military Generals do not expect to take orders, especially from the servant!
While Naaman was about to walk away from his blessing because of his pride, Naaman’s servants redirect his path. These unnamed servants respectfully challenge Naaman not to turn away from an “ordinary task” when he would have willingly done a much more difficult thing. Naaman wisely listens to these servants, humbles himself, and dips into the dirty Jordan River. What is God asking you to do to get healing and freedom?
Today, we learn that Naaman obeys God and is healed. A journey that began with an unnamed servant girl from Israel ends with the unnamed servants of the military general and Naaman testifying that there is no God in the whole world except the God of Israel. His unnamed servants, young and old, are ordinary people whom God uses for his extraordinary purposes. Because of their words, a heathen leader is “born again” in the waters of the Jordan and becomes a follower of Yahweh.
“Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:15
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, my God of grace, I thank you for the healing that comes when I humble myself before you. Father, thank you for the community of faith that encourages me (like Naaman’s servants) on my journey to you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Our Location: The Advent Centre, Crawford Place, London, W1H 5JE
Regular Meetings Divine Service: Every Saturday from 11:15 AM
