A Clean Heart 
from a Dirty River



Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. 
(2 Kings 5:1, NIV)


Naaman was the command of the armies of Aram, a mettlesome enemy of the nation Israel. He was a great man in the sight of his master [the King] and highly regarded. Unfortunately, though a great man in his country, Naaman had leprosy. Apparently, his country, Aram, did not separate our lepers from society to protect against the spread of the disease. Through the evangelistic efforts of his slave girl from Israel, Naaman was pointed to the Lord God of Israel for cleansing of his disease. As it turns out, Naaman had needs far beyond his leprosy. Little did Naaman know at the time that it was his heart as well as his body that would be healed.

NEED #1 Naaman's leprosy...no, actually it was faith in God that Naaman needed. His cure from the leprosy was more of a want. God is concerned about specific needs in our lives - that's how special you are! But God works first to satisfy our real needs. And He has promised: "God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19, NIV).

When Naaman arrived at the prophet Elisha's house, he expected a magical experience with one who would "...wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy" (2 Kings 5:11, NIV).  Elisha, a man of God, proclaimed the Lord's deliverance for Naaman:

Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed. (2 Kings 5:10, NIV)

What a tremendous promise from God! But Naaman walked away, angry at the way he was treated. Naaman was "Mr. Big" - the commander of the army. Elisha did not even come to the door of the house to meet with him. To make the insult complete, his requirement for cleansing was to "wash himself" in the dirtiest river around!

NEED # 2 A challenging act to earn God's favor...no, actually was Naaman needed was to overcome his foolish pride. God does not work His will our way - God's way is perfect and right and just. Naaman wanted God's provision but he wanted it his own way and in his own time. God had something greater in mind. Our Lord and Savior had in mind to reveal Himself to Naaman and give him a healing of his spirit which would transcend any physical ailment he had.

Don't you know that Naaman must have been looking at his skin after each dip! About the 4th or 5th time it would appear hopeless to him, probably even laughable. But the point is that Naaman kept dipping - he was faithful to do that which was set before him by our Lord. And our Lord is always faithful to honor His promises. Naaman was cured on the 7th dip. As a result, Naaman's understanding of "gods" was considerably enhanced: "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15, NIV). And don't you know how he told everyone in his country, Aram, about this one Almighty God!

He still seeks us today - What is the barrier to your faith today? Are you looking for the "magic miracle" to convince you to do what God has already revealed to us through His Son, Jesus Christ? Trust him as your Savior. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all your needs will be provided for you (Matthew 6:33). You too can find, as Naaman did, that the real miracle is in the cleansed heart and the changed life that results from trusting the one true God (Deut. 6:4; John 17:3) and worshipping Him only.







Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com

Copyright 3/30/2001, Randy Lariscy.