The second part of the story of Naaman has an underlying theme. (Yesterday’s blog looked at the servants’ roles, speaking truth to power).
It’s interesting that the Word records in detail how Naaman prepared for his trip. ‘So Naaman left, taking with him 10 talents of silver, 6000 shekels of gold and 10 sets of clothing’. 2 Kings 5:5 Why does the Bible record these amounts? Well we would be right to say that it was expected that the services of God’s servant be paid for. Saul said he had no money to go to Samuel, but his servant had a piece of silver. 1 Samuel 9:7, 8 Payment was expected and there may even have been an element of fear, mistreat God’s servant and perhaps you would come off worst.
Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house with his whole retinue; horses, chariots and servants. He was a somebody, an important man. He believed he should have been treated with respect and received the personal attention of the prophet but it wasn’t to be. Elisha sent his servant out with a message, ‘Go and dip seven times in the Jordan River and be clean’. Naaman turned and went off in a rage; he didn’t get his own way! (So true of many religious people today.)
I believe Naaman’s mentality towards this encounter was something more in the nature of a contract. I will bring a good recompense for this prophet (maybe they had prophets in Aram too) and he’ll be obliged to give me his personal attention. (Contract, one party does something and receives a payment in return, naturally the payer calls the shots or is in charge). God graciously restored Naaman’s flesh, ‘like that of a young boy’, but he was somewhat humiliated and had to humble himself by dipping seven times (number of completion, fully) in the Jordan.
Elisha had been told not to touch the gift, I believe severely;
The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing”. 2 Kings 5:16
Naaman had expectations, he was the one paying, but God wouldn’t permit it. Naaman was a high official and we’re told God had given victory through him, but he was still only a man. God would never come down to meet Naaman’s conditions and he’ll never allow anyone to dictate to Him. RELIGION is all about how much we’re doing and surely God must acknowledge that He owes us for our service, Not at All! We can never stand in our own merit before the King of all creation.
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:10
Fortunately Naaman’s heart changed and not only was his leprosy cured but he acknowledged the God of Israel (his wife’s young servant girl alone knew the key to his miracle!) was the only true God. Complete surrender is the only way to God, on His terms alone.
God bless and keep you today.