Naaman, commander of Aram’s armies, is an excellent strategist but he suffers from leprosy. A captive Israelite woman, who is now Naaman’s servant, suggests that her master go to Elisha in Samaria-teaching us that even one simple person can make a difference. The king of Aram sends a letter to Israel. When King Joram receives it, he panics. Elisha calms him down, telling him: “Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel” (2 Kings 5:8). When Naaman arrives in Samaria, Elisha tells him to immerse himself in the Jordan River seven times.
The message learned from Naaman’s story is that physical action is not enough to heal ourselves. Our recovery process always entails reflection and repentance. To effect a change internally, we must correct our ways and strengthen our faith. Moreover, sharing has the power to repair our souls and increase light in our lives. Elisha refuses to accept any reward for his kindness. However, Gehazi, his servant, hurries after Naaman and tells him that his master has changed his mind. Gehazi receives a gift for Elisha, which he takes for himself. When Elisha discovers what has happened, he decrees that Naaman’s illness will permanently afflict Gehazi.
“That he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me” (2 Kings 5:7)
“Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel” (2 Kings 5:8)
The power to heal is the desire and ability to heal ourselves or others through both spiritual and physical means.
