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Obedience

2 Kings 5

Naaman was a powerful man under the king Aram, but he contracted Leprosy. He heard of a prophet who could cure him in Israel. So, his king sent him to the prophet, Elisha with a letter, and gifts of silver, gold and clothing. Elisha sent his servant to tell Naaman to go dip 7 times in the Jordan river and you will be cleansed. Naaman was not happy because first Elisha didn’t even come out to greet him in person and 2nd, he didn’t wave his hands over the illness and call on the name of the Lord for him. But Naamans friends said, what can it hurt, go do what he said, so Naaman went to the Jordan river and dipped 7 times, then he was healed and his flesh was that of a young man. He was grateful and realized that this God of Israel was the real, true God. He went back to Elisha and wanted to repay him but Elisha said NO. Naaman started home when one of Elisha’s servants caught up with him. Even though Elisha had declined the gifts because it was God who healed Naaman, the servant wanted to get something for himself. Now the servant, Gehazi, took for himself, 2 talents of silver and 2 sets of clothing.

As Gehazi went into Elisha’s presence, Elisha asked him where he had gone. He told Elisha that he had not gone any place.

2 Kings 5:26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? 27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.

I have seen several times in my life when God blessed my obedience. Naaman didn’t think that dipping 7 times in a river made sense, but when he was obedient, it paid off. Now Gehazi on the other hand…. He was disobedient and a liar, and he was punished.

Lord, help us to recognize a word from you so that we can be obedient. Help us to be faithful to you as you are to us. Thank you for your blessings every day! Amen

Shirlene Peterson