Namaan, healed only after repenting

In the Bible, Naaman was a prominent figure mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of 2 Kings, chapter 5. He was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (also known as Syria), and he held a high position of authority and honor.

The story of Naaman revolves around his battle with leprosy, a serious and contagious skin disease. Naaman's wife had a servant girl from Israel, who suggested that he should seek healing from the prophet Elisha in Samaria.

Upon hearing about the possibility of being healed, Naaman went to the king of Aram, who sent him with gifts and a letter to the king of Israel, asking for Naaman's healing. However, the king of Israel was alarmed and felt incapable of healing Naaman, suspecting a trap.

Elisha learned about the situation and sent a message to the king, instructing Naaman to come to him for healing. When Naaman arrived at Elisha's house, Elisha did not meet him in person but instead sent a messenger, telling Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy.

Initially, Naaman was indignant and felt insulted by the simplicity of the remedy, but eventually, his servants persuaded him to follow the instructions. Naaman dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River as instructed, and miraculously, his leprosy was completely healed.

After being healed, Naaman returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the one true God, and he offered gifts to Elisha as a token of gratitude. Naaman's story is a significant account of faith, humility, and the power of God's healing.

After being healed, Naaman's heart was deeply touched by the miraculous restoration of his health. He recognized the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel and acknowledged that there was no other God like Him. In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Naaman offered gifts to Elisha, but Elisha refused to accept them, emphasizing that the healing had been the work of the Lord, and no reward was necessary.

Naaman then requested that he be allowed to take two mule-loads of earth from Israel back to his homeland, so that he could build an altar to the God of Israel. He believed that he would no longer offer sacrifices or worship any other gods, except the God of Israel.

With this newfound faith, Naaman returned to his homeland, Syria. He remained committed to worshipping the God of Israel and not engaging in idolatry anymore. It is likely that his faith had a significant impact on the people around him, including those who served under him and in the royal court.

The story of Naaman serves as a powerful example of God's willingness to heal and work in the lives of those who come to Him in faith, regardless of their nationality or background. It also highlights the importance of humility and obedience in receiving God's blessings.

In later biblical accounts, Naaman is referred to as a righteous and revered figure, known for his faithfulness to the God of Israel. His story continues to be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of those who turn to Him.

The point of this story, is that once Namaan stopped comparing his own bodies of water in his own nation, and just repented and obeyed God’s command through his prophet, is when the miracle of salvation happens.

So many of us want to earn God’s favor our own way. The problem is that God is already satisfied with Christ at the cross. The remedy has already been provided, so anything added to that, is an offence to God.