DoublePortion_October2023_8.5x5.5_REV.indd

there’s the same skin, there’s a new man inside!”

Delving into our key text, 2 Kings 5:1-15, we’ll encounter someone who not only changed for the good, but got new skin as well. Naaman, a sick man to say the least, can be defined as follows: A high position- As commander of the army of the king of Aram, he held a very esteemed and influential position, one that most young soldiers could only dream about. He had the ear of the king and was part of his inner circle. A good reputation- Many enjoy high positions, yet don’t have good reputations, Such was not the case with Naaman. According to Scripture, “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 . . . ” (2 Kings 5:1). A deadly condition- Despite all these great things I’ve just described, he had leprosy, a slow growing bacteria causing skin le sions and nerve damage. Progressing, it led to paralysis/ crippling of hands and feet, shortening of toes and fingers, chronic ulcers on the bottoms of feet, blindness, and more. Known also as Hansen’s disease, leprosy is both treatable and curable today. Things were much different in those days, as you might imagine. Fortunately, a faithful servant, one work ing directly for the king’s family, possessed vital information. Specifically speaking, this was a young slave who worked for Naaman’s wife. Discovering the husband’s condition, “She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy’” (2 Kings 5:3). From Israel originally, she was no doubt well aware of the miracles Elisha had already performed. Actually, this servant girl had every reason not to be taken seriously.As a slave, she held a very low position. She was young in a society that paid more honor to the elderly. Elihu, after hearing

102