May 22, 2026 - 2 Kings 5, 6:1-23

Week 21

• 1 Kings 16:29-34, 17

• 1 Kings 18-19

• 1 Kings 21-22

• 2 Kings 2

• 2 Kings 5, 6:1-23

Second Kings 5 tells the story of Naaman, an Aramean army commander who came to Israel seeking a cure for his skin disease. The Israelite king sent Naaman to Elisha, who in turn sent instructions for Naaman to wash in the Jordan River. Naaman balked at the idea because he, like many of us today, had too much pride to humble himself before this prophet. It took the persuasion of Naaman’s servants to convince him to listen to and trust God’s prophet and to follow his instructions. Naaman reminds us that we all are in need of God’s healing power because of the way sin wreaks havoc in our lives. As Naaman’s example shows, God is ready and willing to cleanse and restore us when we humbly approach Him with our need. After Naaman was healed, he tried to give Elisha a gift, but Elisha refused. The prophet’s attendant Gehazi privately tried to get something from the commander. Consequently, Gehazi was stricken with a skin disease. The parallel reversal of fortunes that take place in Naaman’s and Gehazi’s lives remind us that God’s power alone transforms us from being selfish and disobedient people to being humble and obedient children of God.

Do you see any of Gehazi’s misunderstandings about life and ministry in your own life? What can you do to correct those misunderstandings through the truth of the Word? How will you have to rely on Him to open your spiritual eyes and renew your mind as He transforms you into doing so?