Healing - Anyone Can Be Healed
As we read through the amazing story of the healing of Naaman’s leprosy, I’m reminded of what Jesus says. He says all people can be saved, meaning anyone! Jesus says, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart’” (John 7:37-38).
You may not live near the River Jordan, able to go down for a dip. But wherever you are today, you can ask the Creator of the universe to forgive your sins and give you new life in Him. He will indwell you with cleansing water, bubbling life for eternity - the Holy Spirit will make you new. But you have to do your part. You have to accept the gift of forgiveness, and you must repent of your sins and believe in Jesus. We, like Naaman in this story, can at first be stubborn, but we can also bend our knee to the King of Kings and say yes to Jesus.
God is working, as He always has, through all nations today. God draws all people to Himself. “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20).
In this miraculous story of the pagan nation of Aram’s army commander, Naaman, we see that it was God Almighty who gave Aram great victories. However, though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). In this story, we hear of a young captive turned maid. She was a girl taken from Israel and made to work for Naaman’s wife. She was bold in her faith. As an act of love and faith, she shared with Naaman’s wife that there was a way to be healed - something that military might, money, and power could not buy.
Interestingly, Naaman was all ears. He didn’t know God, but he knew his ailment. He knew that despite his power and ability, he could not heal himself. But it’s so important that he was open to healing. He was willing. Don’t be so important that you think you can do it all on your own. We can’t. We so very much need God to heal us.
I’m blown away by what the King of Aram had to say here. He shockingly had at least a degree of faith in God (perhaps many gods - hard to say). But he told Naaman, “Go and visit the prophet” (2 Kings 5:6). Astounding really. Pagan officials, a king, and an army commander, putting their hope in whom? God! They knew what they could do. And they knew that only God can give living water to the thirsty, only God can truly heal.
In their unique way they honored God (750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing; they had no idea Elisha wasn’t the fashion type!). Then the king sent an intro letter to help Naaman with the king of Israel, who was presumed to help get Naaman healed. He said in the letter, “I want you to heal him of his leprosy” (5:6). Pure faith. Confidence. Notice it didn’t say, “if you can.” Nope, just heal him. Why? Because the king of Aram knew the LORD’s power. Listen, have faith. Even if it is as small as a mustard seed. Have faith in Jesus Christ. He created this earth and everything in it, and He will create the new heavens and new earth when He returns, and this earth will be destroyed on that great and fearsome Day.
There’s an interesting aside in this ancient story. The king of Israel did not believe. Oh ye of little faith! He said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me” (5:7). Well, actually, the king of Israel could see very little. He was a fool. Too arrogant to see spiritual things, too powerful, too prideful. God presents more than enough evidence of His love for us. But we reject Him and see others as enemies when they, too, are just sojourners in need of healing.
Now, Elisha on the other hand was indeed a man of God, a true prophet. With Elisha’s “wash seven times in the Jordan River” prescription, Naaman wasn’t just healed physically. He was given a spiritual prescription as much as a medical one. Naaman had to put his faith into action. That was the prescription.
There is no magic wand. As annoying as it was for Naaman, so too it’s annoying for us. He wanted a quick fix. So do we. Man, wouldn’t the lottery fix all things? Nope. Ah, if there were only a weight loss pill, or a look twenty years younger pill…. But God, who goes before us into battle, showed the brave commander of the army that He requires holy obedience. Healing requires faith and obedience.
Like Naaman, we too can be stubborn - looking for both the magic wand on one hand, and a complex set of religious rules on the other. But that is not God’s way. No, Jesus’ yoke is light. God requires faith and obedience.
We look down our noses at simple obedience - we are far too sophisticated for that. Read the Bible in the morning to hear from God? Nah. Speak less and listen more? Nope. Help anyone who needs it and truly put others ahead of ourselves - so passé.
God said, “Go and wash and be cured” (5:10). So simple it infuriated Naaman. Jesus makes it even simpler for us: “Believe in Jesus Christ as your God and Savior for eternity.” What simple thing of obedience is God asking of us today?
Well, listen to God and ask Him for what you need. And obey His answer. It won’t be complex, and it won’t be legalistic. But it will come from the heart of God. And it will be good - good in nature and good for the growth of His Kingdom. Then, say boldly as the good characters in this story said, “Now I know that there is no God but the LORD.”
Last thought. Notice that Elisha wanted nothing to do with accepting Naaman’s gifts. Don’t share Jesus to get something for it. Just share because of the joy of seeing others healed. A relationship with God is a reward beyond measure.
Lord Jesus, increase our faith today. Help us to trust You for everything. Fill us with the Holy Spirit's guidance and wisdom. Give us bold faith and please help us to go in peace, boldly and with expectation of healing and obedient hearts. Amen.
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