Realizing who God is was an experience that happened to Naaman, the commander of the Army of Aram. The Holy Spirit must open our hearts for us to come to faith. Perhaps the Lord is calling you today to open your eyes to who He is.
Revelation 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. [1] Naaman was the commander of the Aram army, and the King admired him, but he suffered from leprosy. Leprosy is a terrible disease, but God would use this to get his attention and humble him. Often, it is not the mountaintop experience but the struggles in the valley that cause us to look up to God.
When We Don’t Understand God’s Ways
Naaman’s household included a young girl from Israel who had been taken captive by Aramean raiders. As she lived out her faith, this youthful maid suggested to her mistress that Naaman visit Elisha, the prophet of Israel, who would heal him of his leprosy. Naaman believed her and visited the King of Aram to receive a letter of introduction to the King of Israel. The King of Israel rebuffed Naaman, but Elisha heard about it and sent Naaman a message to come to him and learn that there is a true prophet in Israel.
Naaman came to Elisha as a pagan who did not understand God or his ways. He was surprised when Elisha did not come himself but sent a servant with a message. Naaman was to wash seven times in the Jordan River to receive healing. He thought this sounded too easy, and besides, the rivers where he was from were better. Naaman’s pride was hurt, and he was offended.
In our pride, we think repenting of our sins and asking Jesus into your heart to be your Savior may sound too easy. When we don’t understand God and the sacrifice of His Son to save us, we often over-contemplate salvation.
God Reveals Himself Through a Miracle
As Naaman stomped around like a toddler having a meltdown, his officers tried to reason with him to do what Elisha said. Humbling himself, Naaman went to the Jordan River and received healing after dipping himself seven times. 2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.[2] Like scales falling off his eyes, this miracle spoke to Naaman’s heart as he came to believe in the true God.
As we place our faith in Jesus, we don’t deserve this great treasure, but it is a gift from God. Paul says it best. Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? [3] You may be experiencing difficult circumstances as you read this, but the Lord wants to remind you of His kindness as He calls you to look to Him in your time of need.
To find help realizing who God is, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/naaman
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.