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2 Kings 5:14-18(NIV)

5 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.[a]2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. 5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents[b] of silver, six thousand shekels[c] of gold and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

The kingdoms of Aram (Syria) and Israel had been fighting off and on with one another for several years. In chapter 5, we read of the intervention by a young Hebrew girl, enslaved during a raid between the kingdoms, on behalf of her master. The young girl told Naaman's wife he should see the "prophet who is in Samaria." The king of Aram was happy to intercede for his commander and ordered lavish gifts sent with Naaman along with his letter. (One commentary equates the value of the gift today to be more than $700 million!)

God gave every king of Judah and Israel prophets to guide them and bless his kingdoms. However, the kings of Israel wanted prophets of other gods who would "tell them what they wanted to hear, and not what God said. King Jehoram, a weak and corrupt king, had no relationship with the prophet Elisha and detested him. It was a mutual admiration society as Elisha had no respect or regard for Jehoram. Word got to Elisha of Jehoram's anxiety-ridden behavior and the tearing of his garments in verse eight. He inquired of Jehoram why he had torn his garments instead of sending for him. The remainder chapter shows that Elisha instructed Naaman to immerse himself in the Jordan River seven times to heal his skin condition.

As people of the New Testament covenant, the application of this chapter to our faith journey is like Jehoram's. We have a helper and deliverer available anytime, anywhere, with more power than Elijah or Elisha. Yet, how often do we react like Jehoram and attempt to figure things out for ourselves, "go it alone"? If we are honest with ourselves and God, too often. Philippians 4:6-7 clearly instructs us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and hour minds in Christ Jesus."

Prayer: Lord God, Your Word tells us to bring our burdens, our anxiety, our fears – everything, every big or little thing to you. You are the creator of the universe so nothing, absolutely nothing, is too trivial, too big, or impossible for You. Why do we think we can “fix it ourselves”? Forgive us when we react like Jehoram. Forgive us for failing to take You at Your Word. Forgive us for our lack of faith. Forgive us for not coming to You first! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Becky Jordan