Daily Devotional for Thursday, April 24

The Cleansing and Curse of Leprosy

“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man…but he was a leper,” 2 Kings 5:1.

Naaman was a man who had everything the world could offer. He was a valiant commander in the Syrian army. But, when he was struck with leprosy, the Syrian king was very disturbed. What were they to do? 

But God without Naaman realizing it, was working behind the scenes on his behalf. His leprosy was for God’s glory. On one of his raids into Israel, Naaman carried away a young Israelite maiden who became a servant to his wife. This brave little Jewish girl knew about Elisha and the power God had displayed through him. She was sure Naaman could be healed. 

When Naaman arrived at Elisha’s home, the visit did not go as he had imagined. Elisha sent his servant to the door, and the servant instructed Naaman to go dip himself seven times in the muddy Jordan River. Naaman was furious and left the prophet’s home just as he had come—still a leper. 

This time, God used another one of Naaman’s servants to help him see the ridiculousness of his reaction. He repented and obeyed Elisha’s instructions. In an instant, he was clean! Naaman declared, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).

Unfortunately, Elisha’s servant Gehazi’s life was forever changed in judgment. Gehazi coveted the treasures Naaman had offered Elisha. God judged this wicked servant with leprosy for the rest of his life. 

Naaman was a man who had everything materially but was spiritually bankrupt. Gehazi had nothing materially but was blessed to be a witness to some of the greatest miracles recorded in Scripture. Naaman was desperate for healing, and he found the only true source in the God of Abraham. Gehazi was desperate for worldly riches, and God judged his wicked heart.

THOUGHT

Will you choose the blessings of being cleansed of your sins or the curse of the love of the things of the world?

Karen Meigs