NAAMAN'S LITTLE MAID
"1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:1-3.
The man called Naaman was an important man in the Kingdom of Syria. He was the General of the Syrian Army, and second in command to the King. Indeed, Naaman was a man of great authority, influence and position. Sadly, there was a a big 'but' in his life. And, this ‘but’ was causing him sleepless nights. Naaman held a big position, but also a big problem. In spite of all that he had achieved, Naaman was a leper. His name means “radiant, pleasant, delightful, gracious, and beautiful.” Yet he was a leper. What an irony! Leprosy destroyed his beauty. Naaman had everything going for him, except leprosy. He was wealthy and respected in the community, but afflicted with a disease money could not cure. In the ancient world, leprosy was a death sentence because it was incurable. General Naaman occupied a powerful position in the nation. He was respected, admired, and followed by many. Yet he had a flaw. His successes brought him honor, fame and glory. But leprosy turned him into an object of ridicule, shame and reproach. Despite his impeccable military records, Naaman was sick and soon to be an outcast. Despite his brilliance, that ‘but’ remained a part of his biography. He had a full compliments of trained officers, professionals, soldiers and other servants in his command. Yet none of them could help him. When he give orders, many people hurried to pleased him. But now he is facing something that is out of his control. God had given him great victories, gifts, and blessings. But the one thing he desired the most eluded him. Since his youth, Naaman had fought and won many battles for the Syrians. Yet leprosy defeated him. He had destroyed armies of many nation, but leprosy is destroying him. He was well-connected. But his connections, and power couldn't help him. He had visited the best physicians, and healers in Syria but found no cure. He had paid prophets in Syria to get a cure, but it all came to nothing. The courageous and decorated son of Syria was faced with imminent death. Even the gods of Damascus could not help him. Without a cure, Naaman would be doomed to a life of shame, isolation, humiliation. Only an act of God could help him. He alone could heal Naaman from his leprosy. And from an unlikely source, God sent him a helper. "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’" Isaiah 41:13.
Naaman’s wife had been given a maid, a young girl from Israel. We don’t really know much about her. In fact the Bible doesn’t even mention her name, family, or tribe. But she was from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In those days, the Syrians were bad news for the people of Israel and were constantly at war with them. In one of those wars, the little girl was abducted. Through no choice of her own, she was taken away from her home, family, friends and all that was familiar. She was brought to a foreign country. The girl must have wept bitterly as they violently took her away. But with no way out, she settled in Syria. The anonymous young maid from Israel served her mistress faithfully. These Syrians brought tears, blood and death to her people yet she served Naaman’s wife reliably, and brought joy into the household. Even in the midst of deep sorrow over not been able to see her family again, she was not bitter. She was a victim of life's unfavourable circumstances, yet she refused to dwell in a victim mode. She dutifully waited on Naaman’s wife. On a certain day, she saw Naaman's leprosy, and felt very sorry for him. She could have rejoiced in his agony. But instead, she thought of how to help him. The little maid felt compassion on Naaman, even though he didn't had compassion on her people. Though he was an enemy, she still looked at him with concern. The little maid could easily have been bitter against the Syrian. But she showed love. She had every reason to feel sad and vengeful. Yet she chose to help him seek healing for his leprosy. She wanted him healed. This girl had been raised in a society governed by the influence of God’s commandments, covenants and promises. Although far away from home, she remembered what she had learned in Israel. The girl knew God could do outstanding things through prophet Elisha. So she spoke to her mistress. Naaman’s wife told him and after he sought permission from the King, he and his servants traveled to Israel.
Wherever you are today, God has called you there for a purpose. He placed you where you are to reach out to those who are working in darkness. So, don't be afraid! Trust that He's working behind the scenes on your behalf. Even in the seemingly hopeless situation you are facing now, God's in control. Isaiah 43:2.
1. Jesus invites you; come as you are. Every time you feel weary, discouraged and troubled, Jesus says come! "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. He promises relief, rest, refreshment and restoration for weary souls. What are you waiting for? Come to Him today!
2. Turning away from sins brings you closer to God. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8. Sin interrupts our fellowship with God. So, the first step to a restored relationship with God is confession of sin and repentance. 1 John 1:9.
3. Forgive. We see a forgiving heart in the little maid that bore no grudge against the people who caused her so much pain. Regardless of how we have been hurt by others, we must forgive them. We can forgive the person(s) that hurt us.
4. Don't be bitter. Bitterness, anger and unforgiveness are typical responses to injustices. But we must not go there.
5. Seek healing from damages caused by past hurts. God wants you to move on toward the future He has planned for you. It’s a future filled with hope and new beginnings. Pour out your heart to God. Ask for the courage to break free of whatever is binding you to the past. Know that God understands and feels the pain of your heart. Trust Him to bring something good out of your pain. Ask Him to give you new hope and restore your life's purpose. Invite God to help you understand His purposes for your life and give you a vision for the new beginnings He has for you. Isaiah 43:18-19.
6. Have faith. Despite living in an idolatrous nation, the little maid maintained her faith in Jehovah her God. Is trouble shaking your faith in God? Trust Him today. Have faith in God’s ultimate plan. Regardless of what today looks like, you are never forgotten. Even when you can’t fully see the path ahead, trust that He has a unique plan for your life.
7. Wherever God has placed you, serve! Where has God placed you? How can you be a light there? Who needs to hear about Jesus in your neighborhood? Jesus told his followers in Matthew 5:14, "Ye are the light of the world." If others are going to hear about the Lord Jesus, they are going to hear it from you and I. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
8. Love and care for God's children. We all need to love and care for those who surround us enough to share the Good News with them. Until you care, you will remain silent. Until you love them, you will judge them. Mark 12:30-31.
9. Witness Christ to others. If the little maid had said nothing of prophet Elisha, Naaman would have died a leper. Today, there is a Prophet greater than Elisha. Are you witnessing Jesus to others? What are you waiting for? Start today.
"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10.
According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the word for “little” means "young, small, insignificant, unimportant." The unnamed maid of Naaman was insignificant to the world, but she was important to God. He knew who she was and had a very important task for her to do. God used her to bring about the healing of Naaman. He can use you, too! The God knows you by name. Even when your effort is not recorded in the records of men, He has a record of all you've done. God has a book of remembrance for everyone! "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name." Malachi 3:16. So, you are not anonymous to God. Your little effort is not forgotten. He sees you when you faithfully serve Him. God sees you no matter how obscure your role feels. Each one of us is precious in His sight. You are unique. You have a special place in the Kingdom of God. There are things that He created and called you to do that no one else can achieve. Not all of us are called to be a Biblical Paul, Deborah or a Peter, but we all have a part to play as we find and use the gifts that God has given us. He is able to use you, to bless others. People may not notice or appreciate your efforts, but God sees and He'll will reward you. The Lord Jesus cares deeply about the little things that His people do to bless others. Your little efforts can make a big difference in someone's else life. The little things you do matters. Hence, what little thing do you need to be faithful in doing even when no one is watching or appreciating?
"6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7.
If you want to resume a broken relationship with God, say this prayer now: Father, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the Cross to save me and He resurrected the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Amen.
PRAYER POINT:
1. Father, thank You for using me as an instrument of Your Love, in Jesus name.
2. O Lord, help me to have a deeper relationship with You, in Jesus name.
3. Father, You have placed significant value on the little things in my life. help me to be faithful, in Jesus name.
4. Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayer.
