“She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy”

2 Kings 5:2-3

There are moments in life when one’s contribution to stories of particular importance is often disregarded or consigned to a footnote. The servant girl in the narrative of Naaman and his healing is one of them. But all things considered, she is so pivotal in the events that led to the cleansing of the Syrian Commander. Without her initiative, Naaman could have remained leprous for life.

She was a mere servant – a young girl from Israel and captive of a band of raiders from Aram (2 Kings 5:2). She did not have a say in the personal life of her mistress’s husband. That was extraneous to her role in the house. So, what led her to invade the privacy of her mistress and her husband?

Her initiative demonstrates love and concern for the Commander. She may have seen weariness in the accomplished General’s face every day or overheard the couple’s conversation as she served them in the evening shadows. Desperation can wear a person down to a miserable soul. It reminds me of Haman’s irritation about Mordecai’s refusal to bow to him at the palace gate. Bragging to his wife and friends about his imperial recognition, Haman remarked, “But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate” (Esther 5:13). Similarly, Naaman’s leprosy might have taken the joy out of his military and administrative accomplishments. But who cared, and who could help him?

The unnamed servant girl cared. She came from the country where Jehovah is their God. She grew to love and show mercy and compassion for those in need from the   history of her people. She knew she could bring the love of Israel’s God to touch the life of this poor soul.

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy,” she said to her mistress (2 Kings 5:3). 

It took courage to suggest this to her mistress. She knew the consequences, should her mistress take offense at it, but she did it. You remember the end of the story.

Naaman reluctantly obliged and received his healing. It was not just physical healing. He received a place in the family of faith in Israel’s God (17-19).

We all are like that servant girl. We are surrounded by several Naamans, needing healing from their sin infection, and going to hell, but for the mercy and grace of God through Christ Jesus (Rm. 3:23, 6:23). Experientially, we know His love. He has commissioned us to share this love with everyone in our sphere of living (Matt. 28: 19-20; 2 Cor. 5: 18-20). It is a daunting task, but divinely mandated with all of heaven’s backing. We may feel inadequate, but the Holy Spirit empowers us if our faith could rise in obedience to the call. The Gospel of Jesus Christ saves souls and brings life and joy to those who believe in our story (Jn. 3:16; 15:11).

So, can you be that obscure housemaid, in Naaman household, to somebody with the leprosy of sin today?