Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Fred Ogimachi.

2 Kings 5:1-15a

In reading 2 Kings 5:1-15a we learn of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, inflicted with a skin disease seeks healing from the prophet Elisha in Israel. After initially rejecting Elisha’s simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River seven times, Naaman eventually complies and is healed, leading him to declare, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel.” (vs15a) The story illustrates God’s wholeness is not necessarily dramatic, not difficult to obtain, not to be bought, is open to all, and can change a life.  A marvelous lesson.  But there may be something additional that could be of value to us. I ask that you take a moment and lean into the ‘invitations.’

In the story there are three invitations extended to Naaman for healing.  The first invitation is from a young servant girl who serves Nathan’s wife.  She says, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his skin disease.” (vs2) The second invitation is from Elisha’s servant who invites Naaman to “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your skin will be restored and you will be clean.” (vs10) The third invitation is from Naaman’s own servants after Naaman dismissed the second invitation, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do it when he only tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’?” (vs13)

The first thing that stood out to me: Each invitation was extended by a ‘servant.’ Not a person of position, not someone rich and powerful, not the gifted and talented, but servants.  Perhaps a glimpse into whom God partners with to extend wholeness to those in need, partnering with those who have a servant’s heart.

The second thing was it took three invitations to persuade Naaman to accept the wholeness that God was offering.  Something was preventing Naaman from initially seeing the whole picture.  Maybe it was his pride, his disbelief of such a simple remedy, or his objection that he could not buy the solution.  Whatever it was, it took three invitations.  God does not give up or reject us based on our reactions, nor does God force Himself on us, but continues to invite us.  Perhaps a lesson for us knowing that God continues to pursue all and partners with us in that pursuit.

Today’s question: Who will you invite into wholeness today?