Sometimes we may think that the part we play in the thing called life is not that big of a deal. However, even just a small part can create a ripple effect that can influence others for the good or for the bad. Even when apparent “bad” things happen it can set things in motion to eventually unravel a greater good.
This can be seen in the lives of several in 2 Kings chapter 5. First we have an army invading Israel and taking a girl hostage and then she becomes a slave. She becomes a servant for Naaman and specifically his wife. Naaman was a very high ranking man of valor in the Syrian Army and good friends with the King of Syria. However, one thing that was an issue in Naaman’s life was that he has leprosy.
The servant girl would have known about the miracles of God done through the prophet Elisha because she boldly proclaims to her “master” (Naaman’s wife) that if Naaman only could go to Elisha he could be healed of his condition.
As soon as the King of Syria hears about this he has great compassion for his friend, Naaman and is willing to pay a large sum of money to the King of Israel to ensure that Naaman gets this healing. This king was used to serving “other gods” and making various kinds of sacrifices so to help out his friend this was no big deal for him and sent a letter to the King of Israel requesting this be done.
Once the King of Israel reads the letter however, he becomes upset thinking that this other king thinks he has some “power” to heal instead of God and he rents his clothes and fears this other king is wanting to start some trouble.
Elisha hears about the King of Israel renting his clothes and says the most important thing in verse 8, “he (Naaman) shall know that there is a prophet in Israel,” which is another way of explaining that through the miracle that will take place, Naaman and ultimately the kingdom of Syria would know of the power and grace of God.
Elisha meets with Naaman and tells him what he must do which at first makes Naaman infuriated and refuses to do it. Then thankfully some in his company encourage him to do what the prophet has told in order for him to be healed. Once Naaman humbles himself and becomes obedient his healing occurs and the leprosy is no more. With this encounter of God Naaman testifies that he would no longer be like he was prior for he knew that there was only one true God; and Elisha sends him back with all the “money” refusing to take credit or payment for what God did.
Two kings, a high ranking soldier, and a high ranking prophet of God all had an encounter because of the faith of a young girl who was a slave. A girl that could have easily been glad that her “master” had leprosy and wished that he got worse in order to be “kicked out of town.” However, she gives him hope and boldly sets things into motion that others may know more about the love of God.
3/5/23 TRS
Rays of Hope 