My way ∙∙∙
So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. – Psalms 78:7
2 Kings 5:1-15
The king of Syria held Naaman, the commander of his army, in high regard because the LORD had granted Syria great victories through him. Despite his military prowess and status as a mighty warrior, Naaman suffered from the debilitating disease of leprosy.
During one of Syria’s raids on Israel, a young girl was captured and later assigned as a servant to Naaman’s wife. One day, the girl spoke to her mistress, saying, “If only my master would visit the prophet in Samaria, he could heal him of his leprosy.”
Naaman relayed the girl’s words to the king of Syria, who encouraged him to seek the prophet’s help. The king even provided a letter of introduction to the king of Israel and sent Naaman off with lavish gifts: 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. The letter to the king of Israel read: “With this letter, I present my servant Naaman. I request that you heal him of his leprosy.” Upon reading the letter, the king of Israel was distraught and tore his clothes in despair, exclaiming, “Am I God, able to give life and take it away? This man is clearly trying to provoke a conflict with me!”
When Elisha, the prophet of God, heard of the king’s distress, he sent a message: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will see that there is a true prophet in Israel.” Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house with his horses and chariots, waiting outside the door. However, instead of meeting him personally, Elisha sent a messenger with instructions: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Your skin will be restored, and you will be healed.”
Naaman was furious. He had expected a grand gesture or dramatic healing ritual. “I thought he would come out to meet me, wave his hand over the leprosy, and call on the name of the LORD his God to heal me!” he exclaimed. Feeling insulted, Naaman stormed off in anger. His officers intervened, reasoning with him: “Sir, if the prophet had asked you to do something difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? How much more should you obey when he simply says, ‘Go and wash and be cured’?”
Humbled by their words, Naaman went to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, just as Elisha had instructed. Miraculously, his skin was restored, becoming as healthy and smooth as that of a young child.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Naaman and his entire entourage returned to Elisha. Standing before the prophet, Naaman declared, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.”
The Story Behind “My Way”
In 1968, Paul Anka penned the lyrics to what would become one of the most iconic songs in music history, “My Way.” He gifted the song to Frank Sinatra, who recorded it on December 30, 1968. The song quickly became a timeless classic and Sinatra’s signature anthem, embodying themes of individuality, resilience, and self-determination.
The lyrics reflect a life lived with conviction and authenticity, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. Below are some of the most memorable lines:
My Way
And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows
I took the blows
And did it my way
Leprosy in Biblical Times: A Life of Isolation
In the Old Testament, leprosy was a devastating and incurable disease, often seen as a physical and spiritual affliction. Those suffering from leprosy were labeled as “unclean” and forced to live as outcasts, separated from their communities. They endured perpetual isolation, living in designated areas far from the “clean” population. Social distancing was not just a precaution; it was a way of life.
Lepers were condemned to die in obscurity, their condition a symbol of both physical decay and societal rejection. However, amidst this bleak reality, the story of Naaman, a Syrian military commander, stands out as a remarkable exception.
Naaman: A Great Man with a Hidden Affliction
Naaman was no ordinary man. As the commander of the Syrian army and second only to King Ben-Hadad II, he possessed great power, wealth, and prestige. His victories on the battlefield earned him honor and respect, and his uniform likely showcased his high status. Yet beneath the grandeur, Naaman carried a secret burden: his body was afflicted with leprosy. This set the stage for a life-changing encounter.
A Servant Girl’s Bold Faith
In the kingdom of God, there are no coincidences. A young Hebrew girl, captured during a Syrian raid, became a servant to Naaman’s wife. Despite her humble position, she had faith that went beyond her circumstances. She knew about the prophet Elisha in Israel, a man through whom God performed miracles.
With wisdom and humility, the servant girl approached her mistress and said, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” Her words, though soft and unassuming, carried the weight of divine guidance.
Naaman, desperate for a cure after many failed attempts, was willing to take a chance. But first, he needed his king’s approval.
The King’s Support and Naaman’s Journey
King Ben-Hadad valued Naaman deeply and was fully supportive of his quest for healing. He provided a letter of introduction to the king of Israel, along with a generous offering of gold, silver, royal garments, and fine cloth as payment for the anticipated miracle.
However, Naaman’s pride posed a challenge. He sought healing on his own terms and insisted on doing things his way. However, this pride was soon put to the test as he embarked on a journey that would challenge not only his faith but also his willingness to surrender to God’s will.
REFLECT & PRAY
Charles Stanley explains, “God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. And obedience always brings blessing.”
Father, may I learn to release my expectations and trust in Your plan, even when I don’t understand the “whys.” Besides, if I knew why, would it truly change my response?
INSIGHT
A Clash of Expectations
When Naaman, the powerful Syrian commander, arrived in Israel, he probably expected a grand welcome fitting his status. Flanked by his entourage and carrying gifts, Naaman stood outside the prophet Elisha’s door, expecting a personal audience. However, what he received was far from what he had anticipated..
Elisha’s response is noted in 2 Kings 5:10. Instead of greeting Naaman personally, Elisha sent a messenger with instructions: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be cleansed.” This seemingly dismissive act deeply offended Naaman.
Naaman’s response was one of anger and indignation. His thoughts are revealed in 2 Kings 5:11: “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” To Naaman, this was an affront to his dignity. He expected a dramatic display of prophetic power, likely with elaborate rituals or grand gestures. Instead, he was met with simplicity and pretentiousness. Naaman turned and stormed off in a rage.
A Test of Pride and Obedience
Elisha’s actions weren’t dismissive; they were intentional. The Father had already shared His game plan with Elisha, allowing him to foresee Naaman’s next steps. This encounter went beyond merely healing Naaman’s leprosy. Instead, Elisha was imparting a profound spiritual lesson. Naaman needed to understand that the God of Israel is the one true God and that His ways are not bound by human expectations.
Naaman’s pride almost cost him everything. Frustrated, he was about to leave in a huff, refusing to follow the prophet’s simple instructions. His anger stemmed from his own ideas about how God should act. Like many of us, Naaman wanted to control his encounter with God. Really? Control how God interacts with us?
Wise Counsel: A Turning Point
Naaman had loyal and wise advisors who intervened at this critical moment. In 2 Kings 5:13, they reasoned with him, saying, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”
Their words struck a chord. Naaman humbled himself. He was willing to set aside his pride and follow Elisha’s straightforward, somewhat curt instructions. He went to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, just as the prophet had instructed.
The Miracle of Healing
As Naaman came out of the water after his seventh dip, his skin was miraculously healed. The leprosy was gone, and his flesh looked as healthy as that of a young child (2 Kings 5:14). But the physical healing was just part of the story. The greater miracle was the change in Naaman’s heart.
Acknowledging the One True God
Naaman’s healing led to a profound spiritual revelation. He returned to Elisha and declared, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15). This statement marked a significant turning point in Naaman’s life. He not only experienced physical restoration but also recognized the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel.
God’s Ways Are Not Ours
Naaman’s story shows us that God’s ways are different from what we expect. Like Naaman, we often approach God with our own plans, hoping He will do things our way. When things don’t go as we hoped, we can feel frustrated or even angry.
But, as Charles Stanley wisely points out, “We sometimes want God to make a great show of His work; He usually prefers to do His work quietly and without a lot of fanfare. Yet it is His work nonetheless.”
Naaman’s healing emphasized obedience, humility, and faith, rather than drama or spectacle.
How often do we allow pride or biases to stop us from obeying God? Are we ready to follow God’s guidance, even when it seems too simple or unusual? True faith calls for humility and submission. Whether through song lyrics or the story of a leper, the main message is clear: real fulfillment comes not from doing things “my way,” but from aligning with God’s way.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 