Reflection on 2 Kings 5:1-19

Scripture
“I am a servant of the living God,” Elisha answered, “and I swear that I won't take anything from you.”

Observation
This story is a favourite children's story but it goes very deep into what it means to serve God.

This is a story about healing, restoration and peace-making. The general of the enemy army comes to the king of Israel seeking his help in getting healing. Predictably, the king of Israel fears a plot to find an excuse to make war. He sends Naaman to Elisha who proceeds to heal him.

Let's contextualise this a little. Suppose Osama bin Laden turns up in church seeking prayer. How many christians would recoil in horror and reach for their guns rather than the anointing oil?

Elisha heals Naaman and refuses payment. The Lord's gifts are not for our personal reward. While the workman is worthy of being paid, we need to avoid the “I'm worth more than this” mentality which allows some christian ministers to live in luxury at the expense of their followers.

Application
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. It's not enough to bless the people we like- we have to go the extra mile and love people who have set themselves against us. That is hard! It requires supernatural grace.

I need to be careful not to write off those who give me a hard time. I need to beware of the temptation to seek revenge, even when vengeance seems justified.

Prayer
Father, help me to love those whom I find hard to love- to go beyond the people I like to extend friendship to those who don't like me. You are the peace-maker- help me to walk in the way of peace.