The story of Naaman the leper in 2 Kings 5 is well-known by Bible students. Our children often learn this story in 'Sunday School' - the story of "Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria" (vs. 1) who sought to be healed of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha, and was healed when he finally agreed to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River per the prophet's command (vs. 10-14).
But have you ever given any real thought to the other key characters in this story? As I reviewed this account a few minutes ago, it occurred to me that there is much for us to learn from these individuals.
Let's start with Naaman himself. Leprosy was a stigmatizing, debilitating skin disease, and so not only was Naaman well aware of this issue in his life, he was willing to do anything to be cleansed. Sin is like a disease, and we ought to be as eager as Naaman to be cleansed. In Isaiah 1:18, the LORD says, "Come now, and let us reason together...though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This spiritual cleansing which God offers should be on the foremost of your mind if you haven't yet received it. Ananias said to Saul, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
But then there's the young girl from the land of Israel that became Naaman's servant (2 Kings 5:2). When she learned of her master's leprosy, she said, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy" (vs. 3). She knew how and where Naaman could be healed, and it appears that she was very excited to share this news with him. I wonder what impact Christians would have on the world if we were all this excited and this outspoken about the cleansing and salvation that Jesus offers to the world? If this girl hadn't spoken up, would Naaman have been cleansed? Probably not. How would he have learned of God's prophet otherwise?
In the story, the king of Syria sent a letter to the king of Israel on Naaman's behalf. "Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:6). The text goes on to say that "when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, 'Am I God, to kill and make alive...?" (vs. 7) In other words, the king of Israel viewed Naaman as a burden that he'd rather not deal with. I think that sometimes we feel like the king of Israel in this story when people with serious problems and issues come to our church and express interest in the Lord. Instead of rejoicing that they are sincerely interested in seeking God, we only think of all the work and time and resources that will be spent on these people once they are converted. Shame on us!
The king of Syria has something to teach us as well, believe it or not. Think about it. He was willing to send Naaman to Elisha for cleansing...because Naaman needed cleansing...but he himself had no interest in meeting this "miracle worker" because, after all, he didn't "need" the help. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the world just like this today! They are happy that others can benefit from religion, but they don't think that they personally need religion in their own lives. Let me ask you this question: could this man have learned something from Elisha? Absolutely! He could have learned about the true God of heaven, just as Naaman did. We all need cleansing, and therefore, we all need the Lord!
Of course, we have to mention Elisha the prophet, don't we? What I love about Elisha in this story is that he felt no need to impress Naaman, a very important person in the Syrian government. He didn't let it go to his head. In fact, when Naaman showed up at his door, he didn't even go out to meet him, but sent his servant to tell Naaman what he needed to do. Christians today, and especially those in leadership positions, should learn from Elisha's example here. Christianity isn't a political movement. We're not in this for the power or prestige. Like Elisha, we need to preach the truth and point people to God.
It surprised Naaman when Elisha instructed him to "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you" (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman reacted in anger. He complained, saying, "Indeed, I said to myself, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.' Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?' So he turned and went away in a rage" (vs. 11-12). This is where we meet Naaman's servants. They rebuked their master for his childish behavior and encouraged him to obey the prophet's command. After all, it wasn't difficult to dip in the Jordan River seven times, so why not at least try it? It was at their urging that Naaman finally obeyed the command and was healed. If they hadn't been there to encourage Naaman, I doubt he would have been healed. Likewise, we need to be that voice of reason to our friends, family and coworkers. Instead of getting sucked into the drama, we need to encourage people to do the right thing.
And finally, there is Gehazi, Elisha's assistant. For most of the story, Gehazi looks great. But in verses 20-27, we see this man of God succumbing to greed. You see, Elisha wouldn't take payment from Naaman for what he had done for him. When Naaman left to return to Damascus, Gehazi said, "I will run after him and take something from him" (vs. 20). So he concocted a lie and received from Naaman two talents of silver and two changes of garments (vs. 23). Gehazi thought he had gotten away with it, but Elisha knew what he had done and confronted him about it. In the end, Naaman's leprosy was transferred to Gehazi and his descendants (vs. 26-27). Of course, Gehazi illustrates for us the ugliness of greed and the fact that we cannot hide anything from God (see Hebrews 4:13). But also, we learn from Gehazi that ministry is NOT a business. We cannot view our Christian faith as a means of getting rich and famous. Paul the apostle affirms that while preachers can be paid for the work they do (1 Cor. 9:14), men should preach, not for the money, but because they feel called by God to do it (1 Cor. 9:15-18).
Can you relate to any of the characters in this story?
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