We find a very interesting (and symbolic) true story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings (chapter 5). Israel and Syria were often at war in those days (not much has changed in the Middle East in three millennia, eh?). The story begins with a powerful man and a powerless girl.
The Leprosy of Naaman
Naaman is the Syrian army commander and second in power (the Syrian king being first). Naaman is not only powerful but also courageous and well respected. But he has a major personal problem. He had contracted the dreaded (and fatal) disease of leprosy.
Normally, that diagnosis would make the person an outcast but because of his power, position and prestige, Naaman continues to function (but probably at a distance since the disease is contagious). His wife’s servant girl is an unnamed Israelite who had been taken captive earlier. She tells her master’s wife about Elisha (an Israelite prophet) through whom God heals and does miracles. Desperate for a solution, Naaman and his wife listen and act.
The Healing of Naaman
Naaman travels to Israel with an entourage of soldiers, horses and chariots. This display of force not only provides protection but also makes a statement of Naaman’s importance. When he arrives at Elisha’s residence, he is met by a messenger (with a message) instead of the prophet himself. The message is for Naaman to wash seven times in the nearby Jordan River in order to be healed.
Naaman reacts with unbelief, pride and anger and prepares to leave. He fumes, “Why didn’t the prophet meet him in person? Aren’t the rivers of Syria as good as those in Israel?” His servants persuade him to reconsider. Naaman does, reluctantly follows the instructions, and is miraculously healed. Now filled with gratitude, Naaman offers expensive gifts to Elisha who refuses them. Before leaving, Naaman testifies that he now knows that the God of Israel is true and worthy of his worship.
The Leprosy of Gehazi
Meanwhile, Elisha’s servant (Gehazi) has witnessed all these events. Filled with greed, he catches up to Naaman’s military company. Gehazi lies that Elisha has changed his mind and would now accept the gifts. Naaman is happy to oblige giving him money and clothing.
When Gehazi returns, Elisha confronts him. Again, Gehazi lies (not smart when your master is a prophet). He then realizes that Elisha knows the whole story. As punishment, Gehazi is stricken with leprosy, the same dreaded disease that had afflicted Naaman.
The Lessons for Us
Here are several lessons for us to learn from this story…
* everyone (including the rich and powerful like Naaman) is vulnerable to bad things happening in life (eg. disease, accident, loss)
* God often uses the weak (a servant girl) to humble the strong (Naaman)
* forgiveness is always God’s way and essential to our happiness and health (the Israelite servant girl tried to help her Syrian masters)
* the servant girl had faith in God (and his prophet) and acted on it
* the sins of anger, pride and lying never help and need to be confessed (eg. Naaman’s pride and anger, Gehazi’s lies)
* materialism and greed are hurtful traps (eg. Gehazi’s greed contrasted with Elisha’s unselfish attitude).
And lastly, there is one very important symbolic lesson which sums it all up. Sin (in whatever form it takes) is a “spiritual leprosy” which separates us from God and seeks to destroy us. Wise people humble themselves before God, confess their sin, and receive his spiritual healing and salvation. If we do, then we too (like Naaman) can testify that there is one true God “in all the earth” (2 Kings 5:15).
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
