2 Kings 5:1-14
I had a friend who was an unbeliever. One night, a group of us were talking, and the topic turned to Christianity. This friend said she felt like she was just as good a person as those who claimed to be Christian. She didn’t see why she needed to change anything.
I didn’t know how to respond to that.
It’s been several years since that conversation, but it still sticks with me. I’ve heard that attitude repeated many times. Why should they change anything? They’re a good person. They give to the poor. They’re nice to people. Why isn’t that enough for heaven?
Naaman had a similar thought. 2 Kings 5 tells us that Naaman was a captain in the Syrian army. He had leprosy, and his wife’s servant, an Israelite, suggested that a prophet in Samaria would be able to heal him of leprosy. So of course Naaman decided to seek this prophet out, and why wouldn’t he? We all flock to the idea of healing. But when Elisha didn’t even see Naaman, simply sent him instructions, Naaman was angry. He wanted the prophet to see him, touch him, and then be healed forever. But Elisha told Naaman to go to the Jordan River and dip himself 7 times. Why, Naaman wondered, did he have to dip in the Jordan? He could’ve just stayed home and dipped in one of his own rivers.
But then Naaman’s servants convinced him to follow the prophet’s instructions: “Wash, and be clean” (2 Kings 5:14) When Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions, he was changed. Not only was he a healed man, but he was now certain that God was supreme and sovereign. And best of all, Naaman wanted to serve Him.
Following God takes something on our part. We have to be willing to wash and be clean. That requires an understanding that we aren’t already clean. That we don’t deserve to go to Heaven based on our own merit. The rivers of Damascus aren’t better than the rivers of Israel. There is only one way to get to heaven. It’s not through good works or acts of kindness. It’s not by following a set of rules. It’s by acknowledging that Jesus shed His blood for our sins, that He is perfect but we are imperfect. That we need forgiveness, which He gladly offers. And all He asks in return is for us to follow Him, to dedicate our lives to Him.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Only Jesus can wash us and make us clean.
