Whose River?

“Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you” … But Naaman became furious … “Are not … the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?”—2 Kings 5:10–12

As commander of Syria’s armies, Naaman knew how to lead troops. He expected obedience and wanted others to do things his way. Facing leprosy, he displayed the same attitude. He wanted to do things his way.

When he heard Elisha’s proposal as a solution, Naaman was surprised and even angry. It seemed like a simple command: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.” Elisha promised that if he obeyed, he would be healed.

But Naaman became furious because of the choice of rivers. He felt the rivers of Damascus were better than those in Israel. He wanted to choose the river. He wanted a river that was familiar to him and part of his tradition.

Eventually, Naaman obeyed. When he did, he was healed. This was because he did things God’s way and washed in His river.

Like Naaman, we can want to choose the rivers for our own lives. We find it easier to follow our traditions or lifestyles and do things that seem more familiar.

But God wants us to learn to do things His way. This can be challenging. We may resist Him and insist on doing things that make sense to us. But the real key to blessing is obedience and trust. Realize that He pours out blessings on those who obey Him unconditionally and walk by faith!

Reflection Question: What happens when you insist on doing things your way?