Dipping into Healing: The Power of Obedience
"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." - 2 Kings 5:14
In the account of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:14, we are provided with a vivid depiction of faith, obedience, and divine healing. The verse states, "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." This passage provides a profound understanding of the transformation that occurs when we respond to God's call with obedience, even when it seems foolish or beyond our understanding.
Naaman was a mighty commander of the army of the king of Syria; he was a man of great valor but was afflicted with leprosy, a disease that not only threatened his life but also kept him separated from others due to its stigma. This condition was a metaphor for his deeper spiritual need, an uncleanliness that extended beyond the physical realm. Despite his power and status, Naaman’s illness was a humbling experience, demonstrating that no amount of success or strength can shield us from the brokenness of our human condition.
The story takes a turn when a captive Israelite girl tells Naaman's wife that Elisha, the prophet of God, could heal him. This information provides Naaman with hope—a chance for restoration. Yet, when Naaman approaches Elisha, we see God’s methods often at odds with human expectations. Instead of coming out to Naaman himself, Elisha sends a messenger to instruct Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Naaman’s initial reaction is one of anger and disbelief. He expected a grand gesture, a dramatic healing, something befitting his status as a commander. The Jordan, often seen as a muddy and unimpressive river compared to the rivers of Damascus, seemed an unworthy place for such a significant act of healing. It is here we see the struggle many of us face—God’s ways are not our ways, and often, they can seem trivial or even absurd from our human perspective.
However, the crux of this story lies in Naaman's decision to act contrary to his initial impulse. After being persuaded by his servants about the simplicity and power of following the prophet's instructions, Naaman finally chooses to obey. "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan..." is a phrase that illustrates the essence of faith. Faith often requires action, a 'dipping down' into the depths of our doubts, fears, and insecurities, trusting in what God has said through His word or His messengers. Naaman’s obedience results in a complete restoration of his health; his skin becomes like that of a child—the mark of purity and newness.
This narrative extends beyond physical healing; it serves as an allegory for spiritual renewal. Each of us, at different points in our journey, encounters ‘Jordan rivers’ that we are hesitant to cross or dip into. It may be forgiving someone who has wronged us, seeking counsel for a struggle we face, or believing God for something seemingly impossible. The difficulty lies not just in the act itself but in our willingness to lay aside our pride and preconceived notions about how God should operate.
In this passage, we learn that obedience leads to blessing. Naaman’s story encourages us to approach our own struggles with the same willingness to submit to God’s unorthodox methods. We may not always understand how our obedience will result in healing or restoration, but we can trust that God knows what we need and when we need it.
As we reflect on 2 Kings 5:14, let us ask ourselves: What areas of our lives need healing? Are we willing to obey the Word of God, even when the instructions are counterintuitive or require us to step outside our comfort zones? Like Naaman, may we find the courage to dip into our own ‘Jordan,’ and experience the refreshing, transformative power of God’s healing touch.
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2 Kings 5:14 - "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." - 2 Kings 5:14
2 Kings 14:5 - "¶ And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father."
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 5:14 - "And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy."
2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."
1 Kings 5:2 - "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,"
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
2 Kings 24:5 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."
Genesis 14:5 - "And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,"
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 5:19 - "And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way."
"¶ And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father." - 2 Kings 14:5
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18
2 Kings 14:1 - "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah."
2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."
2 Kings 3:5 - "But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel."
2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
2 Kings 21:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
1 Kings 2:14 - "He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on."
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
2 Kings 18:5 - "He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him."