adapted from 2 Kings 5:1-19 by Kimsey C. Wade

The Aramean army stood along the shore of the muddy Jordan River. The men looked uneasy at the sight of their leader plunging into Israel’s filthy water. But this was his last chance.

Naaman wanted to be cleansed of his dreaded skin disease. So he went to Elisha, a prophet of God, who told Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan. Then he would be cured.

“Do you think it will heal him?” Semeon asked as he held the reins of General Naaman’s chariot.

“I hope so,” Jason replied. “A slave girl from this land said its prophet could heal the general.”

“Look!” Semeon whispered. “The general is surfacing.”

“Any change?” Jason called.

“I don’t see any,” Naaman replied as he studied his arms. He dunked himself a second time.

The men watched as Naaman surfaced again and looked at his hands and chest. He shook his head and submerged himself for the third time.

“Even though he is Aram’s fiercest warrior and the king’s close friend, the general will have to leave if his disease remains,” Jason stated solemnly.

“Did you see how Israel’s kings and priests reacted when General Naaman handed them the letter from our king?” Semeon chuckled. “You would’ve thought we declared war on them!”

Jason smiled and nodded his head in agreement as Naaman slipped under the polluted Jordan River for a fourth time. Some of the men fidgeted uncomfortably at the lack of progress.

They’re probably afraid of Naaman’s reaction if this doesn’t work, Jason thought. I’ve seen Naaman when a plan didn’t proceed as he wanted. His fiery personality makes him a great fighter.

“Perhaps Israel’s king is fearful of what could happen if Naaman is not cured,” Jason finally replied. “But the prophet certainly wasn’t afraid of the general.”

“If that’s so, why did the prophet send a messenger instead of dealing with the general himself?” Semeon asked.

Jason shrugged his shoulders. He watched as Naaman broke the surface of the water. Their eyes met, and Naaman slowly shook his head: no change.

I’ve never seen the general look this way, Jason thought. Was that a look of fear? If the prophet was wrong, the general will be humiliated in front of his troops.

Naaman took a deep breath and dunked himself for the sixth time.

“You shouldn’t have pleaded with the general to follow the prophet’s advice,” Semeon stated quietly. “After all, the general is right about our rivers being pure. You saw how angry he was.”

“I know the Abana and Pharpar rivers have the purest water in the land,” Jason replied. “But the prophet said to wash in the Jordan.”

“Maybe the prophet wants to humiliate General Naaman, and sending him to the Jordan is his way of doing it,” Semeon said in an accusing tone.

Jason didn’t reply. If this fails, the general will feel betrayed, he thought. Had the prophet told Naaman to do something mighty, he would have gladly done it. But this simple act is so hard for him.

Naaman stood up and examined his upper body. Jason could see nothing had changed. The soldiers and servants on shore turned away, but Jason stared at his beloved general. Their eyes locked.

“One more time, General,” Jason urged. “The prophet said seven times.”

Naaman paused and stared at Jason. Finally, he slowly lowered himself under the water. When he surfaced, Jason whooped with joy. He ran into the water as Naaman threw his arms around Jason and gave him a mighty hug.

“My skin is as smooth and clean as my young son’s,” Naaman cried. “Thank you for insisting I do what the prophet instructed.”

“Let’s return to his house and thank him!” Jason shouted with joy.

Naaman, Jason, Semeon and the troops returned to Elisha’s home. This time the prophet came out to meet them. Naaman stepped from his chariot and knelt.

“I now realize the only true God of the Earth is the God of Israel,” Naaman stated. “Please accept a gift from me as a token of my gratefulness.”

“No,” replied the prophet. “Give the glory to God for His mercy. He is the One who healed you.”

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