“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:15-27
Naaman brought lots of money and gifts to pay Elisha for his cure. But all he had to do is believe in the promise of God. So, Naaman humbles himself and dips seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha said. Why seven times? To signify total trust and obedience to the Word of God. For though salvation is free, the Gospel must be obeyed. The miraculous happens! His leprosy is gone, he’s a new man! Astounding! But even more wonderful is the cleansing of all sinners, who by grace through faith, entrust themselves to Christ and are washed of all their guilty stains. Now Naaman confesses, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.” Thus, what the king of Israel would not confess in his unbelief, this Gentile comes to experience and proclaim.
Thankful for his healing, Naaman wants to pay for it. But teaching that God gives salvation purely as a gift of grace that can never be earned or repaid, Elisha refuses anything from Naaman’s hands. Gehazi, however, thinks otherwise. What he thought of Elisha’s treatment of Naaman, the world thinks of the Gospel. It’s too easy and too cheap. Yes, because it’s priceless! And receiving payment from Naaman, Gehazi receives, as punishment from God, his former leprosy.
Yes, there is a prophet in Israel. And one infinitely greater than Elisha- our crucified, risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can say, I, even I am the LORD, and besides me there is no saviour.(Isaiah 43:11)
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that our lives may show the wonder of God’s grace to us through Jesus Christ alone, and the good works we display as nothing but thankfulness for His salvation.
Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
