Have you ever expected complicated answers to a problem when the solution God had for you was actually quite simple?

This is where we will find Naaman today. You may remember that this valiant, well-respected commander of the Armenian army was stricken with leprosy. An Israelite servant girl told Naaman’s wife that he could be healed if he would go to the prophet in Israel.

In his desperate condition, Naaman accepted any hope that was offered. He went to his king to report this news.

“By all means, go,” the King of Aram replied. II Kings 5:5

As was the custom, Naaman packed many rich gifts to take with him—ten sets of clothing, 6,000 shekels, and ten talents of silver. To get an idea of the value of a talent, one man paid two talents to purchase the hill where they later built the capital city of Samaria. Ten talents would have been a hefty gift!

A king often sent a letter with someone going to another country. The king’s letter read,

“With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” II Kings 5:6

No pressure or anything! Well, King Joram of Israel went into a major tizzy, tearing his robe. He knew he was incapable of curing leprosy and declared that the King of Aram was trying to pick a fight with him. 

Elisha, the prophet, heard about the king’s dilemma and sent a message:

“Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know there is a prophet in Israel.” II Kings 5:8

So Naaman gathered his horses and chariots and went to Elisha’s house. BUT, Elisha didn’t come out to meet Naaman, he sent his servant out. The servant’s message:

“Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” II Kings 5:10

Naaman was mad as a hornet. First of all, Elisha didn’t even bother to come out to meet him—unforgivable protocol! Added to that, Naaman had expectations:

“I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.” II Kings 5:11

Besides that, he reasoned that the waters near his home in Damascus were much better than this old dirty Jordan River. He stomped off in a rage.

Isn’t that just like us? We desire something so passionately, maybe it’s something good or something noble. Why we may even pray about it. We have expectations of how God will work it out. Then he asks us to do something rather simple. This surely isn’t it, we think. That’s not the way I planned it. 

Ah, there’s the catch—”I planned it.” I may have asked Him to lead, but before I know it, I have it all planned out. Ever happen to you?

Dear Naaman, what will he do? Next week.

~ Joyce ~