What role does faith play in seeking healing, as seen in Naaman's journey? Setting the Scene “Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in the sight of his master and highly honored, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. Though a mighty warrior, he was a leper.” (2 Kings 5:1) Faith Awakens in a Foreign Heart • Naaman’s military success could not shield him from leprosy; human strength met a limit only God could cross. • The captured Israelite girl testified: “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” (v. 3) • Faith often ignites through simple, Spirit-inspired testimony. Compare Romans 10:17—“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Obedience Tested by Humility • Naaman arrived with royal letters, silver, gold, and garments (vv. 5–6), expecting grand ceremony. • Elisha didn’t even come to the door; he sent a messenger: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored.” (v. 10) • Faith bows. Pride raged: “Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better?” (v. 12) • Servants urged him: “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it?” (v. 13) • True faith submits to God’s way, however ordinary. See 1 Peter 5:5-6. Faith Receives and Responds • “So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times… and his flesh was restored like that of a little child, and he was clean.” (v. 14) • Healing followed complete, persevering obedience—seven dips, not six. • Naaman confessed, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.” (v. 15) • Faith that seeks healing ultimately seeks the Healer. Hebrews 11:6: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Takeaways for Our Healing Journey • Faith begins when we hear credible witness to the power of God. • Genuine faith submits to God-given instructions, even when they seem beneath us. • Resources, status, and expectations must yield to simple trust. • Perseverance in obedience secures the promise. Galatians 6:9 affirms, “in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” • Healing deepens worship; the miracle leads to wholehearted allegiance. Supporting Scriptures • Luke 4:27—Jesus highlights Naaman as an exemplar of grace received through faith. • Matthew 8:5-13—The centurion mirrors Naaman; both Gentiles trusted God’s word and saw healing. • Mark 5:34—“Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Faith appropriates Christ’s power. • James 5:14-16—Prayer of faith will save the sick, underscoring the continual link between faith and healing. |
    |