Namaan is a success yet he's leprous - a sinner - "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God"
The suggestion for healing comes from the most unlikely source - a captive girlchild servant - almost not even human in that day and age.
His first response to take letters of reference and stuff to pay for his salvation. So is ours.
He goes to the political/secular leader first. Sound familiar: "if only we could pass this law, we'd be a godly nation..."?
He wants an in-person special religious ritual. The prophet/preacher doesn't point to himself, though, but to the way of healing.
And he thinks his own way is better, after all this.
And through it all, the Jordan keeps flowing, and the invitation to healing is never withdrawn.
I'm calling mine "My Way" (with apologies to Old Blue Eyes).
Brad Townley MA
healing comes in some unexpected place and to people who are willing to risk through faith their life to God. we see the faith of a young girl who is loyal to her master. It was not the power of the kings , wealth, status, that led to his healing, but his servants and the young girl that caused him to believe and do.
If we updated the story, Naaman would be a V.I.P. arriving on a company jet and met by limosines.
He thinks healing is something that must be complicated, up close and personal. It can't be that simple.
Naaman had to submit to the power of God. He had to open himself, allow himself to become vulnerable. He had to trust God.
Don't we all feel more comfortable when we can pay for God's grace? Kinda gives us control. When does returning human kindness become our effort not to be obligated to those who have been kind to us? Should we stop? Wish we had more O.T. comments . . KBC in SC
And a little child shall lead them...Did this strike anyone else when they read it? How many times in scripture does the Lord use young children or teenagers to teach us a lesson. We think that only adults know the answer, but the Lord chooses who he knows is best.
We need to submit to whoever God has called to lead us. Accept his will for us, no matter in what package it may come in.
Thanks be to God!
Robin, PA
When Namaan is told to take a bath - like all sinners not just Scottish ones - he responds, "Nay man." Mike, Toronto