Scripture
So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child's, and he was healed.

Observation
Naaman the general in Aram's army, suffered from leprosy. A Hebrew slave girl captured by Naaman tells her mistress that there is a prophet in Israel who can heal him.

So Naaman, armed with a letter from his king, and great wealth in silver, gold and clothing, appears in Israel. The king of Israel sends him to Elisha who through a messenger tells Naaman to bathe seven times in the Jordan.

Naaman is angry because Elisha did not honour him sufficiently. He thinks the task of bathing in the nondescript River Jordan is beneath him.

His people talk him around and he does what he has been told. Instantly he is helaed.

Application
Naaman is a proud man because of his military achievements. It is pride that almost prevents him from receiving God's blessing. He gets offended by Elisha's failure to follow protocol and distracted by the fact that his healing comes freely and without heroic effort.

How often do we come before God with our requests without the proper attitude of humility?

How often do we fail to obey God because his task for us is either too hard or else too menial?

The problem is often that our eyes are on our own ability rather than God's ability or on our own achievements rather than God's grace.

We must learn our absolute dependence on God in order to receive the blessing she wishes to give.

Prayer
I am so sorry Lord for the way I often come to you with demands and expectations of what you can do for me. Help me to learn to be totally dependent on you. Amen