2 Kings 5.1-14
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
On this day when we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the United States and the courage of the founders
of this nation to stand up against unjust subjugation of the vastly superior military of the British empire, it seems strange to hear the story of Naaman, a commander in the army of the mighty kingdom of Aram, an enemy and oppressor of the ancient Israelites.
Although a superpower in its own time, Aram is now long forgotten and stands as an afterthought in the ancient book of Kings. As we listen to this story on this day that we celebrate the courage of our founders, we hear of people who demonstrated self-centeredness, fear, and cowardice. But from these unlikely examples, we also learn about the human relationship with God and, most especially, God’s grace to the enemy.
The story begins with Naaman. Naaman was not a simple soldier or even a sergeant in the Aramean army. He was the most celebrated general of his time. He was a commander comparable in stature to Washington, Eisenhower or Petreaus. He was so legendary that the king, to keep Naaman happy, granted all of his desires. But as you heard, Naaman had a leprosy problem. Leprosy back then was probably not what we think of today but in ancient times it was greatly feared for three reasons: 1. It was contagious, 2. It was a social stigma, 3. You couldn’t hide it. Naaman would have given anything to be healed of this disease but not even his powerful king could provide.
One of Naaman’s captives, a slave girl from Israel who served his wife, heard of Naaman’s sickness and his desperate search for healing. She told her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” (Samaria being the prominent city of the northern kingdom of Israel and the prophet being Elisha.)
Naaman, having tried everything in Aram with no luck, was willing to make the journey to Samaria. He went to see his king who wrote a letter to the King of Israel demanding Naaman be healed. Naaman gathered up a great many of his treasures, both money and garments, to pay for the healing. He did this because he assumed to know how it would take place. He expected to be able to pay for what he most desired. He believed he was in control of what was ahead of him. And then he set off on the long journey. When he arrived in Israel, he presented the letter to the king who threw up his arms in disgust believing that the King of Aram was attempting to begin a quarrel. He asked, “Does he believe that I am a God?” The King was scared.
But Elisha heard of the king’s predicament. He sent a message saying essentially, “Stop worrying, send this man to me.” So Naaman was sent to Elisha but Elisha did not see him. He sent a messenger to meet Naaman. The messenger told him that to be healed he should wash in the Jordan River seven times. That was an easy solution. No need to pass over vast amounts of treasure or piles of clothing. No need to even meet one another. The solution was taken care of. All he needed to do was wash himself and what he most desired would be his.
But Naaman couldn’t believe that Elisha didn’t honor him with a face-to-face meeting. Elisha’s treatment was a slap at his pride. And on top of that treachery, the supposed treatment was a waste of his time. He was smart enough to know that water of the Jordan was no better than the water from the rivers of Aram. And in his mind, it was ridiculous to even suggest that it was superior.
But the proud general listened to his servants who pointed out that it cost nothing to try. And so Naaman did and he was healed.
We learn from this short story several things about God’s relationship with us. First, God is concerned for and provides for all people. In this instance, he cared for Naaman, the commander of the army of Aram and an enemy of the people of Israel. We often get so secure in our faith and in our birthright that we forget that God cares for everyone, equally. No matter where someone lives or what someone professes. God’s grace extends into their lives and they can be healed.
We also learn that God has given us a responsibility to share God with others. From the proclamation of the faithful servant girl who shared her experience with Naaman’s wife, to the prophet Elisha who brought healing to the enemy, we are called to share our faith with others. This theme is echoed in the gospel lesson today, when Jesus sends out his disciples two-by-two to share what they know. This responsibility can be an uncomfortable proposition, particularly for Episcopalians, but could the call be more clear?
On this Independence Day when we celebrate our freedom, remember to share what is important in your life so that the light you carry will grow brighter.
I ask this in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Kurt Gerhard - kurt@stpatrickschurchdc.org
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