Second Kings 5 recounts the story of a Syrian military commander, Naaman, who was afflicted with leprosy. One of his servants gave him a simple message: if he went to the prophet in Israel, he could be healed (5:3). The servant said nothing about going to the king, involving the government, taking gifts, money, or anything concerning wealth. Yet, with just a few snap decisions and actions, Naaman had changed the simple message and perverted it far beyond what had been stated. Thus, he went bearing gifts and more to the king. Later, when he finally did what the servant had said to do, he was given uncomplicated directions by the prophet as to how he could be healed. He must simply dip seven times in the River Jordan. But the commander’s response to the instructions reveal much about his attitude. It shows his desire to have things done how he wants it to be.
Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean? ” So he turned and went away in a rage. (2 Kings 5:11-12) Instead of just doing what he was told to do, he rejected the simple plan and pontificated a completely different method for what he thought should have been done. He had in his mind and heart what he would accept. When he heard something other than what he wanted, he became angry and went away. His pride and anger became an obstacle to being healed!
Naaman’s angry response his how many respond to the plain and simple Gospel message of, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord!” (Acts 22:16) Many want to alter and pervert the simple message by rejecting what is stated so clearly in Scripture. Not only is it bluntly declared, but it is also exemplified multiple times by those who desired to become Christians! (cf: Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-13, 8:38, 10:48, 16:15,33, 19:5 and Romans 6:1-6) They all simply obeyed the command without hesitation.
Fortunately for Naaman, another one of his servants courageously stepped forward with yet another simple message, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” (2 Kings 5:13) In other words, why not just do what he said to do? Naaman wisely heeded the words of his servant, and when he had done exactly as he had been instructed, he was healed of his leprosy. It happened precisely as the prophet (and those two servants) had said it would!
Therein lies the lesson for us. How much more so should we hear and follow the words of our Creator?
- His simple worship – not some elaborate pomp and flair. There’s no need for instrumental music, bands, or choirs. Just simply gathering together to praise Him with a’cappella singing (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16).
- His simple memorial meal – not some elaborate ritual. The Lord’s Supper is an uncomplicated request to remember each week what Jesus did for us and to proclaim His death until He returns (1 Cor 11:23-29).
- His simple plan of salvation – not some elaborate, complicated process, or what we think and want. Honestly, how hard is it to just get in the water – to do what the apostles instructed to do? It’s simple!
Don’t take away or add to what is plainly stated. If Naaman had stopped at five, or even six times, it would not have been enough to heal him. God is very specific about what we must do to be saved. Why not just do it?