Special Directions
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus
said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
2 Kings 5:4
Read 2 Kings 5:2-5
A servant was sent by Naaman’s wife to tell him: thus and thus was said by
the young maiden from the land of Israel concerning his dilemma. Remarkably,
Naaman went to the King of Syria and told him the message which had
been conveyed to him. He was obviously encouraged that there might be a
possibility of being healed from his disease. King Benhadad was also gladdened
by the message that his beloved general might be restored. He was
willing to cooperate in every way possible. He wrote a letter to the king of
Israel and provided a large gift.
This was completely wrong! It would have been much better if they had
listened more carefully to the instructions of the young Israelite girl. How
often is this not the case! Man seldom listens attentively to the Word of God.
The Syrians add to what was said by the maid of the land of Israel with their
own pagan ideas. They thought that the prophet of Israel would have similar
expectations as their magicians and medicine men who received large
payments for their services. After all, the patient was in great need.
In any event, a royal letter was written to King Joram. Pagan belief was that
an earthly king was a son of the gods. Therefore the king would conduct the
affairs of his prophets, would he not? In any event, Naaman made his way
to the land of Israel.
Thought: When you hear about the possibility of being converted and having
your sins forgiven, to be restored to God, does that mean that you
have been converted and forgiven at that moment?
Psalter 417: 1,2 (based on Psalm 43)
Send forth, O Lord of my salvation, Thy light and truth to be my guide,
O let their rays, in my privation, Lead me unto Thy habitation,
Where ‘neath Thy wing I’ll be supplied With grace Thou wilt provide.
Then, at Thy sacred alter bending, My heart to God in prayer I’ll raise
With harp and voice, in worship blending, Thy courts resound, while psalms ascending
To God, my highest joy, bring praise For all His wondrous ways.
