Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."

But Naaman went away angry...

II Kings 5:10-11, NIV 

 

The event above takes place during the life of Elisha the prophet. Elisha had become famous for the miracles that God had performed through him. Naaman, who was the commander of the army of Aram, had leprosy, and the king of Aram sent Naaman to Elisha to see if he could cure him.

 

Picture the event: Naaman, one of the most powerful and important people in the world, pulls up in front of Elisha's house with his horses and chariots. Naaman was probably used to deferential treatment, so he was surprised when Elisha just sent out a servant to talk to him. The message the servant brought enraged Naaman: Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan river".

 

Naaman's response is important: He said that he thought the prophet would come out in person, wave his arms and cure him of his leprosy on the spot. That's what he thought. But Elijah didn't do what Naaman wanted or expected, so Naaman got mad and started to leave in a rage. Then a voice of reason came in the form of Naaman's servants. They said: "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it" How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"

 

And the beautiful thing was that Naaman listened to reason! He didn't say, "I think I'll just sprinkle myself with a bit of the water", nor did he say that he would recite "the leper's prayer of faith" to have his leprosy removed. Instead, he obeyed the command of God! And he dipped himself seven times in the waters of the Jordan River and his leprosy was removed!

 

Now let me ask you what you think: Do you think that God would have accepted Naaman's terms if Naaman had "tweaked" God's command? Do you think that God would have cleansed Naaman if Naaman had just sprinkled some of the water from the Jordan River on himself? Do you think that God would have healed Naaman if Naaman had decided instead to offer a leper's prayer of faith? Do you think that God would have cleansed Naaman of his leprosy if he had only dipped himself in that river six times instead of the commanded seven?

 

Now let me ask you this: Do you think that God will cleanse you from your sins if you "tweak" His plan of salvation?

 

It's something to think about, isn't it?

 

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV

 

Today is the 18th day of the 30 day challenge to read the books of the champions and the kings, with II Kings 1-6 being the reading for today. You can see all of the thirty day Bible challenges by going to 30dayBibleChallenge.com . May God richly bless your efforts as you seek and do His holy will!