That He May Know (2 Kings 5:8)

 


Saturday, 18 October, 2025


Psalm 107:1-22

2 Kings 4:38-5:14

Matthew 14:22-36


Observance: Luke, evangelist and martyr


That He May Know (2 Kings 5:8)


But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”


We see here different ways of being a human who acknowledges the existence of God. First is the military commander Naaman, who had no problem with believing in the supernatural. He had been told there was a God who heals, and went looking.


Then there is the king of Israel, who had no clue what he was doing. Merely mentioning God’s name and his existence made him completely flip out; all he was worried about was himself. “Am I God?” Well, no – but that wasn’t the question.


Then we have Elisha, the man of God. He was the chosen vessel through whom God would work his miracles. Reading back through Elisha’s coming-of-age story, it seems it was nothing more than God’s sovereign free will that made Elisha who he was.


But then we have two others, both the same in their own way: the kidnapped child, and Naaman’s servant. The child in her youthful innocence had faith that God could work wonders, and her faith was what started the whole thing. And Naaman’s servant, likewise innocent in his curiosity and love for his master, encouraged Naaman to do just what Elisha said.


In the end, all was well. And we have been left this account for our example, teaching and encouragement. Which character would you like to be more like? Which do you think you are actually more like at the moment? How might you grow into the Christian God is calling you to be?


God of healing, who answers the prayers made to you in faith: we thank you for your inspired scriptures that teach us so much about ourselves and you. Teach us how to draw closer to you, and give us grace that we may do so.

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