The story, which our curriculum titles "God cleanses Naaman," is another example of God's power and mercy. Once again God uses the prophet Elisha to bring hope to the suffering - this time a man named Naaman. Naaman had leprosy and had no chance of getting well until a little Israelite girl directed him to Samaria.
But when Elisha told Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, Naaman responded in anger. Elisha's ways (which were God's ways) made no sense to him. Naaman thought he knew better. And if Naaman hadn't listened to the counsel of his servants, he would have completely missed the opportunity to be cleansed.
As Believers, we know all too well that it is easy to forget the truth of Isaiah 55:8: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." Parents, as you share this story with your child(ren), talk about things God has asked you to do that originally made no sense to you. Then share the blessings that came from walking in obedience to Him, even when you didn't understand.
While it is always amazing to hear of God healing someone physically, it's important to note that this story is about so much more than that. This story is about God revealing Himself to the nations. As a result of God's kindness, Naaman (a man of high standing from Syria) proclaimed, "There is no God in all the earth but in Israel!" God ultimately used Naaman's leprosy to bring Him glory and to make Himself known. How then, when you walked in faith and obedience to the LORD, did He reveal Himself to you? Parents, model for your children how to proclaim God's goodness to the world, just as Naaman proclaimed it in 2 Kings 5:15.
Of course, this story is a natural one to talk about with your kids throughout the week. I know my children are frequently getting "boo-boos." In fact, my two year old son has two boo-boos on his fingers right now that he loves to show to anyone who will look. As I bandaged him up earlier in the week, I shared about a man named Naaman who was completely covered in boo-boos (way more than two boo-boos) and didn't think he could be healed. But God miraculously healed him because God is all-powerful and God is merciful! How neat is that!
I also enjoy talking about this story during bath time. As I'm "cleansing" my children with soap and water, I share about a God who cleansed Naaman in the Jordan River, and who can cleanse us with the blood of Jesus Christ if we simply believe. So parents, have fun sharing the story this week; it is one full of God's grace and love!
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