OCTOBER 23, 2 Kings 5:9-14 

Naaman hurried to meet Elisha, full of expectations. First, he expected Elisha to be at the door to welcome him, for after all, he was a general making a grand entrance with his chariots and horses. Next, he thought Elisha would call upon his God, perhaps wave a hand over him and the leprosy would instantaneously disappear.

How disappointing it was for him. Elisha did not even meet him. Instead, a servant stood at the door with a message: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” What a blow to Naaman’s pride! Naaman felt so upset that he turned to go home. Surely, generals should be shown more respect than ordinary folk! Elisha could have at least met him personally. What kind of cure was that anyway? Were not the rivers Abana and Pharpar of Damascus far superior to the muddy waters of Jordan?

Naaman’s servants however, managed to convince him to stay and follow Prophet Elisha’s instructions. After all, what was so difficult about bathing in a river? Surely, Prophet Elisha’s words were from God. Naaman came to his senses and went to dip himself into the waters of Jordan. Obediently, he dipped seven times. After the last dip, his leprosy was completely gone and his skin looked like a newborn baby’s. There was no magic in the waters. It was his obedience to God’s words that healed him. Obedience is faith in action.

Answer these questions.

1. How many times did Naaman dip into the water?

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2. Name the river that Naaman dipped into.

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3. What happened to him after the last dip?

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Thought: Trust and obey!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust and obey You always! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.