FAITH IS PROVED GENUINE BY OUR ACTIONS
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Nestled in the Old Testament is the account of a most miraculous healing paralleled with displays of authentic faith in action. The setting is Israel in the 9th century BC when Elisha is the anointed prophet of God in the northern kingdom. The kingdom of Aram, historically an adversary of God’s chosen nation, is often engaging and dominating Israel in conflicts.
Naaman is introduced as the commander of the Aramean army. He is a brave soldier who has been victorious in many a battle. He has won the favor and respect of the King of Aram. Yet he is plagued with leprosy.
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
In the household of Naaman is a young Israelite girl taken captive when her town was raided by Aramean soldiers. She works as a servant for Naaman’s wife. She bravely steps forward and shares with the master’s wife of a miracle-working prophet in Israel…
“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” – 2 Kings 5:3
→ Faith in Action – Servant girl
Faith blooms in a humble heart. This kind, unassuming young girl has a deep, abiding faith in her mighty God. No doubt she has heard of the signs and wonders of this man of God, Elisha. She believes in the God of miracles. Even though she is a captive servant, she cares about her master and his debilitating disease. She is young, but she exhibits a faith beyond her years.
Naaman reports this news to his king who readily agrees that he should meet with this prophet of God in Israel. Naaman sets out on his journey, laden with gifts. Arriving with his entourage on horses and chariots, he is met by Elisha’s messenger with this divine command from the prophet…
“Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” – 2 Kings 5:10
Naaman departs, angry and indignant. For Elisha to have his servant deliver this message is not what he envisioned. He has come with great pomp and bountiful gifts, expecting to be treated with high respect…
“I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” – 2 Kings 5:11-12
Naaman’s pride demands that his healing happen on his terms… by extraordinary means. He desires a cure equal to the grandeur with which he arrived… with the honor which he feels is his due. Despite his humbling state of health, he is not a humble man. Faith cannot take root in a prideful heart.
Naaman would rather wash in the great rivers of Damascus. Surely those rivers would better cleanse him of this evil disease. Yet it is the God of Israel upon whom he is counting for a miracle. It is the anointed Jordan River where he will find his healing. Pride is Naaman’s downfall.
“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2
Naaman’s servants approach him boldly yet lovingly…
“My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” – 2 Kings 5:13
→ Faith in Action – Naaman’s servants
Faith is nothing without love. Naaman’s servants care about his welfare. Empathy is the driving force behind their boldness as they attempt to reason with him. The prescription for healing may sound simple, yet could it not perhaps be a cure? They encourage him to heed the command of this man of God.
Wash and be cleansed. Was not our salvation seemingly simple? The miraculous cure for our leprosy of sin was to wash and be cleansed, to repent and believe. We were to step out in faith, accept and trust. God honored our humble faith.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” – James 2:14
Naaman at last agrees to follow the instructions of Elisha. When he sets aside his pride, steps out in faith and dips into the Jordan seven times, he is miraculously healed. His skin is restored to new. For God is the God of new beginnings.
→ Faith in Action – Naaman
Faith requires humility… a humble acquiescence to a mighty God. Naaman needed to humble himself and believe, even if with a tentative faith. To recognize that his grandness is nothing compared to the greatness of the mighty God of Israel.
God’s miracles come to obedient hearts. He acts in response to true faith. Although only a kernel of faith on Naaman’s part, God honored his obedience as he acquiesced to His will. Because of his faith, Naaman is healed…
“Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” – 2 Kings 5:15
In his joy, Naaman returns to Elisha to give praise to the Almighty One who has healed him. He acknowledges that Israel’s God is the one true God. For, despite his prideful stance, his tentative step of faith is mercifully rewarded. Naaman is given his life back. No longer is he plagued by the dreaded leprosy.
“A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” – James 2:24
A tree is known by its fruit. Our faith must be more than belief. It needs to be an active, dynamic part of all that we do. Faith emanates from a righteous heart… a righteousness that comes from Christ Jesus. Faith is proved genuine, comes to fruition, by our actions… our kingdom fruit.
† Eternal Takeaway: God acts in response to authentic faith †
