Special Directions
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 2 Kings 5:4
Read 2 Kings 5:2-5
A servant was sent by Naaman’s wife to tell him: thus and thus was said by the young maiden from the land of Israel concerning his dilemma. Remarkably, Naaman went to the King of Syria and told him the message which had been conveyed to him. He was obviously encouraged that there might be a possibility of being healed from his disease. King Benhadad was also gladdened by the message that his beloved general might be restored. He was willing to cooperate in every way possible. He wrote a letter to the king of Israel and provided a large gift.
This was completely wrong! It would have been much better if they had listened more carefully to the instructions of the young Israelite girl. How often is this not the case! Man seldom listens attentively to the Word of God. The Syrians add to what was said by the maid of the land of Israel with their own pagan ideas. They thought that the prophet of Israel would have similar expectations as their magicians and medicine men who received large payments for their services. After all, the patient was in great need. In any event, a royal letter was written to King Joram. Pagan belief was that an earthly king was a son of the gods. Therefore the king would conduct the affairs of his prophets, would he not? In any event, Naaman made his way to the land of Israel.
Thought: When you hear about the possibility of being converted and having your sins forgiven, to be restored to God, does that mean that you have been converted and forgiven at that moment?
Psalter 417: 1,2 (based on Psalm 43) Send forth, O Lord of my salvation, Thy light and truth to be my guide, O let their rays, in my privation, Lead me unto Thy habitation, Where ‘neath Thy wing I’ll be supplied With grace Thou wilt provide. Then, at Thy sacred alter bending, My heart to God in prayer I’ll raise With harp and voice, in worship blending, Thy courts resound, while psalms ascending To God, my highest joy, bring praise For all His wondrous ways.