2 Kings 5
Naaman healed of leprosy
Summary:
Naaman was a great Aramean army commander, but he was leprous. His Israelite wife told him that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal him, so the king of Aram sent a message to the king of Israel on Naaman's behalf.
When the king of Israel received it, he was insulted that he had been called on to cure leprousy, but when Elisha found out about it, he told Naaman to come to his house.
Naaman came, and Elisha told him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan to be healed. Naaman was disappointed with this option, because it didn't seem significant or powerful. His attendants convinced him to do it, and he was healed, and dedicated himself to God only, and offered Elisha gifts. Elisha refused and Naaman went on his way.
Elisha's servant Gehazi, however, followed him, thinking Elisha should've taken the gifts, and got some silver and clothing from him. Elisha knew about this, and when Gehazi returned, Elisha cursed him, and he was leprous for the rest of his life.
Key verse:
11. I thought that 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.
My thoughts:
I think a lot of us think like Naaman. We want great and spectacular signs and wonders, however God often chooses to move through simply everyday events. We are not comfortable with this, but that is probably why we are not God.
Here a tip for life - don't try to deceive a man of God. Gehazi did, and got leprousy. Ananias and Sapphira did, and they died instantly. Adam and Eve lied directly to God. It's just not a smart thing to do.