Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. (2 Kings 5:1 NIV)
Leprosy was a disease that did not discriminate. It afflicted the powerful and the powerless alike. Though Naaman held a position of great authority, he was just as vulnerable as any other man. Among the captives taken by Naaman’s army was a young Hebrew girl who became a servant to his wife. Though far from home, she never forgot the God of Israel or His power to heal. When she learned of Naaman’s condition, she had the courage to speak up, telling her mistress about the miracles performed by the prophet Elisha.
She believed with certainty that if Naaman could meet Elisha, he would be healed. Her faith set in motion a journey that would change Naaman’s life forever. With permission from the king, Naaman traveled to Israel to seek healing from Elisha. But when he arrived at the prophet’s house, he was met with an unexpected and humbling response. Instead of greeting Naaman personally, Elisha sent a messenger with simple instructions:
Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10 AMP)
Naaman was outraged. As a man of status, he expected a grand display—perhaps a personal meeting with the prophet, a dramatic prayer, or a powerful act of healing. But to bathe in the muddy waters of the Jordan? It seemed beneath him.
Seeing his frustration, Naaman’s servants spoke wisely:
“If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5:13 NIV)
Their words struck a chord. Naaman humbled himself, obeyed the prophet’s instructions, and dipped seven times in the Jordan. When he emerged, his skin was completely healed.
The Lesson for Us:
Many of us feel called to serve God, but when the opportunity comes in the form of small, unnoticed tasks, we hesitate. Like Naaman, we resist “dipping in the Jordan” because it doesn’t match our expectations of what serving God should look like. We might say, “God has big plans for my life!” But when He opens a humble door of service, we dismiss it as insignificant. We would rather wait for something grand than step into something small.
But God’s kingdom operates differently from the world. Jesus taught that the way up is down, that the greatest among us are those who serve (Matthew 23:11). God doesn’t need “great big” leaders—He needs “little” leaders. Those who aren’t too important to serve in small ways.
So, begin where you are. Don’t let pride keep you from being a blessing. Whether it’s stacking chairs at church, leading worship in a small church, visiting the lonely in a nursing home, encouraging a friend, or serving behind the scenes. No act of obedience is wasted. Naaman’s story reminds us that true obedience often looks like humility in action. Whatever God asks of us, may we do it with all our hearts. And when we do, we will see God’s miraculous hand move in ways we never dreamed.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. (Colossians 3:23 NKJV)
