2 KINGS 5:1-17c

THE BACKGROUND

This is a story about a miracle that the prophet Elisha performed in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (aka Samaria).  It is also a story about pride and humility.

Note: The selection to be read in church omits verses 4-6.  I have included the whole story here, to provide the whole picture.

THE DETAIL

• Naaman was the head of the military in the army of the Aramites.  Aram was situated just north of Samaria.  It’s capital was Damascus.  Naaman was not only a great warrior, but he was a “great man”.  The Hebrew word translated as “great” in this translation could also be translated as “influential”.  The good news was that this man, who was a great warrior and influential, was highly respected by the king of Aram.  The bad news is that he had leprosy.  Leprosy was a contagious, incurable disease.  A cure for this disease was only discovered in the mid-1940’s. People suffering from it experienced crippling of the hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness.  Because it was so contagious, there were laws which excluded its victims from normal society.  (v. 1) 
• The Aramites went to war, off and on, against the Northern Kingdom.  On one of these battles, a Samaritan girl had been taken captive, and became the handmaiden (a slave) to Naaman’s wife.  This slave girl knew of Elisha, and believed that he could heal Naaman’s leprosy.  She mentioned him to Naaman’s wife., who must have then mentioned it to Naaman.  (vv. 2-3)
• Naaman is desperate to be cured of this shameful disease, so he goes to the king, and tells him. The king offers to write a letter to the king of Samaria.  In order to hide his shame, Naaman heads south with a mammoth amount of money, as well as ten fancy suits of clothes.  (vv. 4-5)
• Naaman first went to the king of Israel with the letter.  The king freaked out, tearing his garment.  (This is a universal sign of extreme despair.  It is done when grieving, when someone blasphemed against God, etc.)  In the king’s case, it was his way of saying “How can you expect me to cure someone of leprosy?” He was also afraid that Naaman’s king was trying to start a fight.  (vv. 6-7)
• Elisha, on the other hand, tells the king—“Why did you tear your clothes?  Send him to me, so I can show him the power of our God.” (v. 8)
• So, Naaman proceeded to Elisha’s house, dressed in his finest, riding in a war chariot pulled by war horses, and bringing a treasure chest full of money.  All of this was intended to impress Elisha into doing something for this foreigner.  But Elisha was not impressed.  He doesn’t even come out to see Naaman.  Instead, he sent a servant out to tell him what to do.  What an insult!  (vv. 9-10)
• Naaman is visibly upset.  He has not only been upstaged by Elisha, but he was told to simply wash in the river! He wants nothing to do with it, and leaves in a rage.  (vv. 11-12)
• His servants convince him to do as he was instructed.  In humility, he goes to the river and washes seven times, as instructed. It works!  (vv. 13-14)
• He returns to Elisha, praising the God of Israel.  And he gave him the present of money.  (v. 15)

THE TAKEAWAY

This story prepares us for understanding the gospel lesson for the day.  Also, verses 9-10 show me that Naaman was a very proud man.  He had preconceived notions about what would happen, based on his pride.  Naaman had to first learn to be humble before he could approach the man of God for healing. The same holds true for us.  It is impossible to approach God without humility.

2 TIMOTHY 2:8-15

THE BACKGROUND

Paul continues to give Timothy (and us) some very useful device, in spite of the fact that Paul is chained and in a Roman prison.

THE DETAIL

• In verses 8 & 9, Paul instructs Timothy to remember something.  And in eight short words, Paul explains why he is not ashamed to be in chains in a Roman prison.  The words below in bold type are the words.  Each has my explanation.  Paul says that Jesus is:
  1. Christ—the Anointed One.  He is the Messiah, in spite of his shameful death.
  2. Raised from the dead—His resurrection is the proof positive we need to put our trust in him.
  3. Descendant of David—He is our king.  The promised rule of the Davidic line has been restored.
• Paul says it is for this reason that he suffers—to bring the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus to all.  (v. 10)
• What follows is either a summary of his teachings or an old Christian hymn.  Either way, it encourages us to be faithful, even in the face of suffering or embarrassment.  (vv. 11-13)
• We are reminded that when we Christians argue amongst ourselves, not only do we accomplish nothing, but we spoil the name of Jesus to those [non-believers?] who might be listening.  We come off as hypocrites, since we are not showing love for one another.  (v. 14)
• Paul closes with words of encouragement.  Don’t be ashamed, but present yourself with confidence, as you are approved by God himself. Good advice for us as well!  (v. 15)

THE TAKEAWAY

Paul’s eight words say it all.  The problem we Christians have is that we can’t keep it that simple.  We need to wrangle with one another, discussing the finer points of prayer, number of sacraments, what a proper baptism is and isn’t, when to baptize, etc.  We fail to realize how foolish we look to non-believers.  In one breath we say “love your neighbor”, and in the next we argue with our brothers and sisters over details.  Yet, we all agree on those eight words.  Let’s get along!
 

LUKE 17:11-19

THE BACKGROUND

Several lessons can be gleaned from today’s Gospel.

THE DETAIL

• Jesus is headed to Jerusalem.  This will be a one-way trip.  At the time of this story, he was in the border area between Galilee and Samaria. While the Jews tolerate Gentiles, they hate Samaritans.  Oddly, Samaritans worship the God Yahweh, but have somewhat different traditions than Judean Jews.  I guess their “wrangling” over details went ballistic at some point in time.  (v. 11)
• Ten lepers approach him, but they kept their distance.  This was required by Mosaic Law.  After all, lepers were highly contagious.  (v. 12)
• They call Jesus “Master”, which was normally a title for Jesus that only his disciples used. I take it as an expression of humble admiration and faith.  They ask for mercy.  (v. 13)
• Jesus healed them on the spot, and told them to show themselves to the priest.  This was according to the instruction from the Torah—if you were cleansed from leprosy, a priest needed to examine you.  If he deemed you clean, you could re-enter society.  If not, you were still an outcast, and could not touch or come in contact with anyone.  (v. 14)
• One of the ten was so elated at being cured, that he returned to Jesus, shouting praises to God.  “And he was a Samaritan.”  (vv. 15-16)
• Jesus is quick to point out that this “foreigner” was the only one of the ten to return and praise him.  He sent him on his way.  (vv. 17-19)

THE TAKEAWAY

This story holds several lessons for us.  First, for many of the onlookers, they would be reminded of Elisha’s miracle healing. It might tell them that Jesus is no ordinary itinerant preacher.  Second, Jesus’ promise of saving grace is not reserved for “God’s Chosen People”, but is for everyone, including this despised Samaritan.  Third, we should remain humble and thankful when receiving God’s healing grace, acting like the one in ten.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

When it comes to living our lives under God’s grace, are we like the Samaritan leper or like Naaman? Are we puffed up and proud, or humble and thankful for God’s loving grace?