If the
prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? (2 Kings 5:13)
During a time
of uneasy détente between Aram and
Israel, Naaman – one of Aram’s most
valued generals – came seeking healing for his leprosy from the prophet Elisha.
Naaman was a proud man, who had earned his position and commanded respect from
both his subordinates and his superiors.
When his
entourage stopped at Elisha’s house, the prophet didn’t even come out to meet
him. He sent word that in order to be healed, Naaman was to wash himself in the
Jordan seven times. Naaman was offended. It would be like expecting to see the
doctor and having the receptionist hand us a prescription through the glass: Take two aspirin and call us in the morning.
At the very
least a man of Naaman’s standing deserved a face-to-face. He expected Elisha to
make a big deal over his visit and summon his very best magic to heal his
leprosy. Not only did he want the answer to be harder than Elisha made it out
to be, he wanted to play a role in his own healing. Give me a quest; I’ll do anything. Go wash in the river? Are you
serious?
We’re just the
same. Give me step-by-step instructions.
I’ll follow any rule to make myself right with God. But it’s not about
proving ourselves worthy. It’s about accepting God’s free gift of grace.
How
are you trying to earn God’s favor?
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