I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.

2 Kings 5:11

For Meditation

What is wrong with people? What makes us think we should get everything we wish? Why should everything be done our way? Rich or poor, we’re all selfish. The rich push people around by their authority, and the poor, by emotional manipulation. We demand and claim respect, and we go bonkers when we do not get it.

Naaman, the Aramean general, came with an entourage, with horses and chariots, to the prophet Elisha for healing.  He was leprous. He expected a welcome that recognized his rank, but Elisha sent a messenger to tell him to go and wash seven times in the Jordan for his healing (2 Kings 5:9 -10). That was impudence to the General’s ears.

The whip cracked, and the wheels of his chariot squealed, as the General turned away at top speed towards his country.

 “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy” (11).

If wishes were horses, Naaman would have ridden them to his healing and cleansing. But God is not human to be manipulated. He is sovereign and does things his way. Our ways are not His ways (Isa. 55:8).

God’s way for healing Naaman sounded like foolishness to the Syrian General (1 Cor. 1:18). He wished his healing would come by way of his experience, so Elisha’s words insulted his intelligence. He would not be humiliated by the so-called prophet.

Sometimes, that is how we act with God. We go to Him in prayer with our rehearsed expectations and with ready answers. When we do not get our way and our timing, we walk away, disappointed, and complaining.

Sadly, many people turn away from Jesus when they can’t fit Him into their selfish and worldly patterns. But there is no other way to be saved apart from a clean wash in Calvary’s flood (Acts 4:12; Eph. 2:18-19). That requires humility, and Naaman did not have it.

If wishes were horses, we would all be kings. But we are not. God, the Sovereign King, rules over His world and does things His way. We are His subjects, and we must submit to Him in everything.