2 Kings 5:1-Na‘aman, commander of the king of Aram’s army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him Adonai had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara‘at. 2 Now on one of their raids into Isra’el’s territory, Aram carried away captive a little girl, who became a servant for Na‘aman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Shomron! He could heal his tzara‘at.” 4 Na‘aman went in and told his lord, “The girl from the land of Isra’el said such-and-such.” 5 The king of Aram said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Isra’el.”
He set out, taking with him 660 pounds of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold and ten changes of clothes. 6 He brought the king of Isra’el the letter, which said, “When this letter reaches you, you will see that I have sent my servant Na‘aman to you, so that you can heal his tzara‘at.” 7 When the king of Isra’el finished reading the letter, he tore his clothes. “Am I God, able to kill and make alive,” he asked, “so that he sends me a man to heal of tzara‘at? You can see that he is only seeking an excuse to quarrel with me.” 8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Isra’el had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why did you tear your clothes? Just have him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Isra’el.”
9 So Na‘aman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, who said, “Go, and bathe in the Yarden seven times. Your skin will become as it was, and you will be clean.” (Complete Jewish Bible)
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Scripture reminds Christians to be ready to give the reason for their hope, but also to do so gently and respectfully (1 Peter 3:15b). The slave girl who served Namaan’s wife in 2 Kings 5 probably did not pronounce judgments upon the cultural or religious practices of her captors. Instead, she lived quietly and respectfully within a culture she did not know, earning the respect of her mistress. Because of the slave's respect and concern for her master's well-being, Namaan encountered the power of God and was healed.
As the Israelite slave girl shared her faith, Christians can gently and lovingly spread the word of Jesus’ saving power to people of all cultures. A Christian tutor working in a secular college in the United States was spontaneously asked by an ailing Muslim student to pray with him for his healing. The tutor had shown kindness to this student and had gently answered questions about her faith. The student was healed, and the young Muslim man was amazed at the power of this Christian’s God.
Judgments and hatred mute the message of Christ; loving actions and gentle words speak much more loudly.
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Hymn for Today: "Rescue the Perishing" by Fanny J. Crosby.
1. Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.
Refrain: Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
2. Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
waiting the penitent child to receive;
plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently.
He will forgive if they only believe.
Refrain: Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
3. Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
chords that are broken will vibrate once more.
Refrain: Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
4. Rescue the perishing, duty demands it.
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
back to the narrow way patiently win them,
tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.
Refrain: Rescue the perishing,
care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
Thought for Today: On the contrary,
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For by doing this, you will heap
fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”[Romans 12:20 Proverbs 25:21–22] (Romans 12:20)(Complete Jewish Bible).
Please pray: That many young people in Peru will be called into Christian ministry.
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