Jay Mijares gave us a lesson about pride today, called “Never Too Proud.” Taken from 2 Kings 5:1-16, the story is about Naaman, a highly regarded soldier from Aram who was also a leper. The king of Aram thought so highly of Naaman that when a young girl suggested that the prophet Elisha could cure him, the king sent him to Israel (with a large sum of money) to be cured.
Naaman and his contingent of horses, chariots, and armed men went to Elisha’s house. Elisha simply sent a messenger out to Naaman, telling him to (v. 10) “...go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored.”
Naaman was incensed that Elisha didn’t come to him personally and was ready to return home. They had already traveled approximately 100 miles from Aram; the trip to Jordan would be another 30 miles. However, Naaman’s servants talked him into going to the river Jordan. Of course, when he (v. 14) “...dipped himself in the Jordan seven times… his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”
Naaman’s pride was hurt when Elisha didn’t meet him in person. In his eyes, that was improper protocol. He was likely also expecting his cure to come in the form of a miraculous, grand event. He thought that bathing was much too simple a thing to do. In short, he didn’t have humility or faith. But, taking his first step back from his pride, he listened to his servants and went to Jordan anyway.
What did Naaman learn? He couldn’t solve his problem his way. He was witnessed to by the unlikeliest of people (a young girl; Elisha’s messenger; his own servants.) His arrogance, position and pride almost prevented him from being healed. He learned that faith that doesn’t lead to obedience is not a true faith.
Some questions we can ask ourselves:
Is our pride a stumbling block?
Are we too busy doing things our own way?
Where is our faith placed?
A final comforting thought to keep in mind: You are never too proud to dip yourself into the forgiving waters of God’s love.
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