Listen

Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots. He stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent out a messenger who said, “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored and become clean.”

But Naaman went away in anger. He said, “I thought for sure that he’d come out, stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the bad spot, and cure the skin disease. Aren’t the rivers in Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than all Israel’s waters? Couldn’t I wash in them and get clean?” So he turned away and proceeded to leave in anger.

2 Kings 5:9-12

Think

There are rule followers and, of course, rule breakers. You may identify with one or the other. Or maybe it depends on the situation. Whatever the case, human nature isn’t always as compliant as one might hope. As a military man in charge, Naaman is typically the one giving orders. He commands, and his soldiers obey. But today Naaman is not in the seat of power. Rather, his sickness brings him to a position of vulnerability. Wash multiple times in the Jordan River like a common civilian and finger-crossing fool? Who in their right mind would think this is a good idea?! Nobody. And Naaman is a somebody.

At this point of the story, Naaman is confronted with a choice: follow his anger or follow the prophet.

By which path will he be ruled? By which path will you?

Aram Bae

Pray

God of Life, it’s not easy to follow the ways of the prophet Jesus. Often my reactive emotions get the best of me and I choose to be ruled by my immediate feelings without thinking through the situation.

Help me to remain in you so that I may be led by your Spirit who teaches and guides.

In Jesus’ merciful name I pray, amen.

Go

May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

May the Spirit of Mercy lead you along the path of truth and wisdom.

And all of God’s people say —

Amen.