12 Feb 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman, the Syrian general, traveled from Damascus to Samaria in search of healing. It was a great distance traveled at great risk and great expense. But he was a great general, and the king that he served was eager to reward his servant with the best medical care that money could buy. Even if it meant sending him into enemy territory.
Diplomacy is the art of observing ceremony which allows proud and powerful enemies to meet together to achieve some desired end, without either party seeming to compromise. Naaman and his king observed careful diplomacy-- that is what we may gather from the mention of silver and gold and suits of clothing. It is an ostentatious display of wealth to indicate Naaman’s status, and an indication that something equally valuable is expected in exchange.
The king of Israel is unprepared for the visit, and suspects that Syria’s hidden agenda is war-mongering. Apparently, the king of Israel was completely unaware of the treasure that was his in the person of the prophet Elisha.
These are the players in the drama: Two kings and a mighty general, men of wealth and power and status, who have everything that money can buy but are powerless to relieve Namaan’s suffering, poor in spirit and ignorant of the man of God, the prophet in Israel. In that beautiful paradoxical way of scripture, it is the slave girl and the other nameless servants who provide what is needed.
Pride and expectations nearly scuttle the mission. Because Naaman is a commander, a favorite, a victor, a hero—he is used to being treated in a particular way. When the prophet doesn’t even bother to come out of his house—that is simply not the done thing. Enraged, incensed, indignant! Naaman is ready to take his leprosy home to Damascus. It is his servants who stop him.
If the prophet asked you to do something difficult, you would do it, right? All he said was wash and be clean. How easy is that? Why not try.
I say the miracle didn’t happen in the Jordan River.
The miracle happened right there, in front of Elisha’s house. The miracle happened in Naaman’s heart. A proud man, a mighty warrior, the King’s favorite, the victorious hero, humbled himself and took the advice of a servant, and was made new again.
