Read: 2 Kings 5:1-19
“And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, ‘My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you have not done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?'”—2 Kings 5:13
As Commander of the Syrian Army, Naaman was at the height of military and social influence. He was given great honor by the Syrian King for his many military victories. But Naaman had one issue; he was a leper.
Word came to Naaman of this prophet in Israel, Elisha, who performed many miracles. When Naaman told the Syrian king of this prophet, the king sent him to Israel to be healed. When Naaman eventually arrived at Elisha’s door with his horses and chariot, Elisha sent a messenger with simple instructions—go wash in the Jordan River seven times and you’ll be made clean. Naaman, the man of stature and prominence became indignant and walked away in anger.
Naaman walked away from the very blessing he sought because of pride. Naaman expected the prophet’s personal attention to his status, and the healing to come with certain ceremony. Further, Naaman rejected washing in the Jordan River; there were much cleaner rivers in Syria!
Fortunately, Naaman was saved from himself by servants who convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions. Once he did, Naaman wasn’t healed physically only; he returned to Syria with newly gained revelation of the LORD as the one true God. But for all that to happen, Naaman had to humbly follow instructions.
How often have we been a “Naaman” who asked God to bless us and then rejected that very blessing out of pride or because we tried to dictate how God would answer our prayers? Have we ever sought God’s blessings without being obedient to His commands? It was humble obedience that led to Naaman’s deliverance. It’s the same humility and obedience that’s key to us receiving the desires of our hearts.
Just ask God for the blessing; let Him decide how to make it happen…
Lesson to Remember: To receive the blessings God has to offer us, we cannot dictate the terms; we must submit to His sovereignty with reverence, obedience and humility.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”—1 Peter 5:6