Saturday, December 7, 2013

Elisha- Naaman has Leprosy

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From A Servant in the house of Naaman's House Journal

photo courtesy
My master, Naaman, is the commander of the king's army in Aram. He is considered great and is highly regarded because of the many victories over our enemies. Naaman is also a valiant soldier. So many of the soldiers look up to him. Unfortunately he has leprosy.

During one of our army's raids, a soldier brought back a young Israelite girl to serve Naaman's wife. The girl heard about the master's leprosy and said to her mistress, "I have a suggestion for my master."

"What is it, girl. Tell me what you know."

"If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria. He would cure him of his leprosy."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The mistress wrote a message and asked me to give it to Naaman, telling him about the prophet who could help cure his leprosy. 

Naaman read the note and asked me, "She knows of a prophet that can help me?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then I want you to go with me to visit my master."

We travelled to his master's house and asked permission to speak with him.

"Naaman! How can I help you?"

"I have a request. A new servant girl in my home said there is a prophet from Israel who can rid me of leprosy."

"That's good news. Hurry, don't wait another moment and be sure to do all he says. I need you well. I'll send a letter to the king of Israel to help grant you an audience with the prophet. Here, take ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing with you to give to the prophet."

The king told his scribe to write: With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of leprosy."

Naaman bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will take these things and do as you've said."

We left immediately for the castle in Samaria to speak with the king of Israel. Naaman walked as though with a happy spring to his step. He actually told a few jokes, laughing with us.

It didn't take too long for us to arrive and request an audience with the king. He handed the king the letter from the king of Aram.

The scribe read the words to the king. The king nearly fell out of his chair. "What! Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this man send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!"

We didn't expect the king to become angry. All we wanted was to speak with the prophet who could cure my master. We've had our battles, and of course we've won. Still, the king didn't need to get so upset.

We waited to see what would happen next. I'll keep you posted.

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1. Naaman was the __________________
2. A little servant girl told Naaman's wife _________________
3. Naaman asked his master for permission to _____________________
4. Naaman took some men and went to see ______________________
5. Why was the king of Israel so upset? __________________________

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