You Want Me to Do What?

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

February 15^th 2008

Rev. Mark R. Bradshaw-Miller

“You want me to do what?”

II Kings 5:1-14

Looking back over my calendar this past week I noticed that is has been five weeks since I last preached. Considering that fact it might seem odd to come back a preach two weeks from the book of Kings. It is probably safe to assume that few, if any of us have heard a sermon from these books. Given that reality then it is also safe to assume that my use of these texts says that there might be some hidden gem or I just want to know how well you can stay awake this morning.

By way of confession I do have a natural aversion to the book of kings which is not really all that logical. It all begins with the title, for a long time I ignored this book because I read the title and assumed too much. When I, or any of us, “judge this book by its cover,” the book of kings can seem like a long litany about the succession of kings in Judah and Israel. And while the book of kings does talk succession there is another witness which bears hearing. At its heart the books of Kings there is a story about the importance of the Torah over the temple, the worship of one God over many, and how often truth is found in the most unlikely places. In these books we find a world that is on the verge of social collapse and uncertainty about tomorrow mostly because of the greed and short-sightedness of the elite. I suppose it could be considered a bit contemporary. And, in the middle of this social unrest is a story of how God is still faithful and can be trusted.

Part of the power of this story is the repeated truth that Kings do not have the last or most important word. A powerful voice in this text comes by way of the prophets who do not reside inside the halls of power. The prophet Elisha, the wilderness prophet, is brought once again to center stage in our morning’s scripture. Next week we will learn how Elisha learned the ways of faithfulness. But this week we see him at full stature. When Naaman comes seeking this wilderness prophet, Elisha has already served in the places of power and with those on the margins of society. Throughout his journey Elisha never forgets that faithfulness to God alone means speaking the truth no matter the location or person.

Naaman is the sort of figure who people naturally would notice. He is a great military hero who walks the halls of power. But he suffers from a dreaded social disease. Despite his great military prowess he is not fully acceptable to the social world in which he walks. Despite access to all the resources he might need, this successful man cannot find healing and wholeness. Finally, in what looks to be desperation, Naaman decides to listen to the voice of a Hebrew slave. This great Syrian General finds himself asking his king for permission to seek alternative medicine in a foreign land.

The journey to healing for Naaman is not what he expects. Despite hearing about a wilderness prophet he decides to seek him out in the places of power. After arranging an official state visit Naaman enters the court of Israel’s King. Much to his surprise, and the King’s terror, healing is not found in the palace. Instead Naaman must travel to an out of the way place. The impressive group, with all its’ pomp and parade, head to the desert.

Naaman’s second surprise is that this miracle man will not even come out to see the great general! What was the prophet thinking? Does he not understand proper protocol? Or did his time with the King as royal prophet teach him that Naaman’s need for healing that goes well beyond the physical illness?

When Naaman is given the message that healing for him comes by washing in the muddy Jordan it is the last straw. Elisha has not offered the proper respect and does not offer a healing befitting one of the ages’ great generals. Fortunately, the scorned general does listen to the voice of an unnamed advisor. Because of his willingness to humble himself, by listening to the unnamed advisor and the strange wilderness healer, Naaman finds healing and restoration beyond his wildest imagination.

When Naaman is brought to wholeness he is overcome with joy and wants to pay for service rendered. Elisha will have none of it. After all, God’s healing is not for sale, despite reports to the contrary. Naaman not only expresses his gratitude but makes a profession of faith. This is no small act given that Naaman is from Syria and has spent his life in service to his nations Gods. However, this faith conversion does not turn out to be a story of “happily-ever-after.”

Naaman seems to know the perils that lie before him. He must now return to his home confronted with ever present questions. As a result of his healing, will he operate in the world of power politics in a new way? Will he listen to the voice of those without power? Will he reconsider the givens of his world and continue to look for healing in unexpected places? I believe the two mule loads of dirt that Naaman requests to take with him is a sign that he will seek to answer these questions in the affirmative.

While this may seem like a rather odd story about reversal of fortunes and strange wilderness healing, it is a contemporary story. As people who come to faith through Jesus, we too are invited to face the same questions which journeyed with Naaman the rest of his life. Having been offered healing and wholeness in Jesus will live in a world dominated by power politics in a new way? Will we listen; really listen to the voice of those without access? And will we continue to look for healing, for ourselves and others, in unexpected places? These are indeed contemporary questions. After all we too live in a time when the greed of a few has left the social fabric in tatters. As we face the uncertainty of tomorrow, let us find humility and those couple of loads of dirty which will remind us that God is still faithful and can be trusted. Amen? Amen.