The Success God (Part Two)

I read Robert McGee’s The Search for Significance over 30 years ago. It prompted an inward look at my pastoral motivation. Was it a calling from God or a need to be needed? Now Timothy Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods, especially his chapter on career success calls me to take another inward look—maybe for you as well. Let’s look at the story of Naaman, and the different elements that impact the great general.

• The Jewish maid (5:2-4). She was a victim of General Naaman’s invasion of Israel and thus served the general’s wife. Even though we don’t know her name, we can sense her character. She could have viewed the leprosy as revenge for her capture. If she had a bitter spirit she might have thought, “It serves him right!” But no, forgiveness and compassion filled her heart. She knew about a prophet back home who was a miracle worker and could heal Naaman. So she suggested that her master go to Elisha. (Note that the servants are the real heroes in this story!) And when Elisha instructed Naaman to dip in the Jordan, it was his Syrian servants who urged their angry master to obey the prophet (5:13).

• The king’s letter (5:5-7). The blunt letter Naaman carried from the king of Syria to the king of Israel aroused some political turmoil. “I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.” The letter sent King Joram into a rage. He considered it as coming from a bordering nation that wanted a fight.

• Elisha’s remedy (5:9-14). Naaman finally appeared at Elisha’s door expecting a spectacular healing. But Elisha sent out a servant with a simple message: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” Was the prophet being rude? Or was this a forecast of the simple gospel message that requires saving faith for salvation? Was Naaman’s problem a matter of pride? Did he have his own ideas about how God deals with needs? Yes (see 5:11).

Tomorrow we will take a final look at Naaman and his struggle to balance life, health, and career.