2 Kings 5:1-19
How has God’s grace and mercy surprised you?
Maybe for you, you’ve gone to see God at work through unexpected places or people. Maybe it took a new experience, traveling to a new place, or a life-changing moment. Or, maybe you slowly came to see the unexpected work of God in moments of simplicity throughout your life.
From today’s reading in 2 Kings, we see an unlikely character named Naaman discover God’s healing and grace in an unlikely way.
Naaman is an army commander and an enemy of Israel and was of high social standing, as seen in the text. And yet, he suffers from a skin disease. Though seeking healing, Naaman is challenged by where or how this healing will come. Throughout the text we challenge the assumptions of Naaman and the reader, myself included, being fleshed out. It’s not my money or power or social status, but by the suggestion of a young girl in captivity, Naaman visits the prophet Elisha.
And though kings exchange letters, it is by the simple message of the prophet Elisha for Naaman to wash in the waters of the Jordan. Naaman almost dismisses the message, both enraged and feeling disrespected by the simplicity of the healing practice.
And again, we hear a voice of help from a servant, another person of low status, from Naaman to do what the prophet Elisha tells him. And finally, Naaman agrees and is indeed healed.
From the unexpected voices, hidden in plain sight, help and healing are found.
From those of low status and respect, wisdom is heard.
The surprise of God’s grace and mercy is both by whom and where it can be found.
This message, seen and lived throughout the life and death of Jesus, shows that God comes to us where we least expect it, hidden in plain sight in weakness, in service, and in suffering. And even when we might miss it due to our ego, our power, our human nature, God is still at work.
Thanks be to God.
Questions for Reflection:
- Who do you identify with most in the story?
- How has God’s grace and mercy surprised you?
Prayer:
Excerpt from the Prayer of Saint Patrick:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
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