The relationship between Israel and Syria was on again off again. In particular, these words offer a profound narrative. We first turn our attention to Namaan who was the captain of a military host for his Syrian king. The Bible describes him as great, honorable, and mighty in valor. However, Naaman found himself afflicted with leprosy. At this point is where the lesson unfolds.
The Bible says that some sow and some reap. A little maid who had been taken captive to Syria uttered a wish in behave of Naaman. She said there was a prophet in Israel, a man of God, who could bring healing on her master. Later, when Naaman went to Elisha he was told to dip seven times in the river Jordan,
Naaman rejected the prophet’s instructions. The servant of Naaman reminded him if Elijah had told him to do something hard, he would do it. His encouraging words caused Naaman to obey and was healed of his leprosy. The witness for God is often twofold. One delivers the message. The other encourages the message to comply with what he had been told.
Naaman thought he could bribe Elisha to provide healing. God’s blessings cannot be purchased. There is no negotiating with God. God’s goodness is not for sale. The currency to God is obedience. Our salvation is purchased by Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit works through other people. We just have to listen and follow through.
The servant of Elisha became greedy. He chased after Naaman seeking his silver, gold, and garments. He lied saying other prophets needed them. Here is an example of false prophets. Here is a sample of someone who lives close to the workings of God but for their own benefit somewhat like Jesus warned us of false teachers and false Christs. They live there deceiving other people. They live now as televangelists who only do their “ministry” for their own profit. Judgment came upon that servant as it will eventually on all false teachers.
Our lesson is to be very careful about those we revere for an investment of God. Scripture says we should try the spirits. This certainly is true in this case. It is true in our day and time to give God the glory for his miracles and his kindness. When we pray, we must be very careful to attempt a bargain with God.
Christian Writer 