Naaman (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?
2 Kings 5:12

Naaman (2)
When Naaman arrived in Israel to be healed of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha, he had his own ideas how the healing should take place. But Elisha didn't receive him; he simply sent him the message that he should bathe in the Jordan seven times; then he would be cleansed.

Naaman became very angry: his pride was offended, his expectations thwarted. Healing by bathing in the Jordan seemed to him a pitiful means. He judged the rivers in his own land to be considerably better.

Many people have a similar inferior judgment of the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. They believe the world has more suitable ways of meeting people's needs and despise the gospel. "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

"I said to myself" (v.11): so long as Naaman stuck to his own opinion, he could not be healed. He had to give up his own views. That he did so he owed to the persuasion of his aides. They rightly pointed out that he spared no expense to get well. So he could easily carry out Elisha's orders. When Naaman finally followed the prophet's instructions and submerged himself in the waters of the Jordan, he got the cure he desired.

Whoever wishes to be cleansed of the leprosy of sin needs only to heed God's call by turning to God and accepting the crucified Son of God by faith as his Saviour.

(concluded)

Today's reading: Joshua 1:1-18 · 1 Corinthians 1:1-9