Word for the day by Christian Forum

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Theme: A child’s courage that led to healing

Bible Reading: : 2 Kings 5:1–14

Key verse:  

“One day she said to her mistress, “I wish that my master could go to the prophet who lives in Samaria! He would cure him of his disease.”– 2 Kings 5:3

DEVOTION

We are all too familiar with the story of Naaman the leper. Yet, my hope is to present a unique perspective that draws us closer to God.  Naaman, Commander of the Syrian Army was held in high esteem due to his military accomplishments. What is striking, is that the Lord had granted victory to the Syrian forces! Contrary to popular belief, we see that even in the Old Testament God was ruler of the whole world and not just for the chosen people of Israel.  Naaman was respected as a great soldier but was struck with the dreaded disease of leprosy. Even as we ride the waves of success, God can rock the boat and ground us.
The essence of this passage lies in the faith of the little Israelite girl who served as the domestic help to Naaman’s wife. It is evident that she was brought up well in faith, with courage and learnt the scriptures. Despite being captured by the Syrians she harboured no grudges against her enemies. Doesn’t this draw us to the words of Jesus on the cross? - “Father! forgive them for they knowest not what they do”.  She encourages us to follow the path of Jesus, long before Jesus had arrived.  She refers to prophet Elisha who will facilitate the cure, without her having seen Elisha curing lepers. This is confirmed years later in Luke 4 Vs 27 by Jesus who states that among the many lepers in Israel only Naaman the Syrian was cured by Elisha.
Naaman set off to meet the king of Israel carrying gold, silver and fine clothes. He did not see Elisha in person but obtained instructions to wash himself seven times in the River Jordan. This infuriated Naaman but Elisha had intended to correct his arrogance, too. Naaman’s servant prevails and Naaman agrees to accept Elisha’s advice. He gets cured and his flesh is renewed like that of a baby. God’s healing leads to complete renewal. The start and end of the story is influenced by servants. We must first be humble to be healed.

PRAYER

Loving Father, help us find wisdom in your living Word. Grant us deep faith to forgive our enemies. Grant us child like faith to be witness to your miracles.   
 Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.” 
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)
 

Varghese Philips (Santosh)
St Mathew’s Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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