In the ancient land of Israel, there was a great prophet named Elisha. He was known far and wide for his wisdom and the miracles he performed by the power of God. One day, a message came from a distant land. Naaman, a powerful general from the nation of Syria, was suffering from leprosy, a terrible skin disease that had no cure. Despite his high position, Naaman was desperate for healing.
Naaman had heard of Elisha’s reputation and decided to seek his help. He traveled to Israel with great wealth and gifts, hoping to buy his way to a cure. When he arrived, he sent his messengers to Elisha’s house, but Elisha did not come out to meet him. Instead, he sent a servant with a simple message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and you will be healed.”
Naaman was furious. He expected a grand ceremony and a dramatic miracle, not a mundane task like washing in a river. He stormed away, thinking that the rivers in his own land were cleaner and more worthy. But his servants, seeing his frustration, gently persuaded him. “If the prophet had asked you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Why not try this simple act?”
Reluctantly, Naaman went to the Jordan River. He dipped himself in the water seven times, as Elisha had instructed. To his amazement, his skin became clean and healthy. The leprosy was gone! Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman returned to Elisha, ready to offer his gifts and proclaim his faith in the God of Israel.
But Elisha refused his gifts, saying, “I serve the Lord, and I will not take anything from you.” Naaman, humbled and transformed, went back to his land, forever changed by the simple act of obedience and the power of God.