The Story of Naaman and the Little Maid
Hi Kids! This weeks story is about about a little girl who used her voice to bring healing to man with leprosy.
Naaman was an important man in Syria. He was the commander of the King’s army. The King thought Naaman was a very impressive commander; he had just helped the King in battle to gain victory over Israel. Naaman also had a disease called Leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that affects the skin and parts of the lungs. The word Leprosy comes from the Latin word “Lepra” meaning scaly.
Naaman’s wife had been given a maid, a young girl from Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife and also saw Naaman each day. The little maid saw Naaman and felt very sorry that he had to suffer with Leprosy. So she spoke to Naaman’s wife and said “I wish that my master could come before the prophet who lives in Samaria. He would cure him of his skin disease.” So Naaman’s wife told him and after he sought permission from the King, he and his servants traveled to Israel.
Naaman arrived at the home of Elisha the Prophet and was waiting to see the him. But Elisha sent a messenger who told Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times and then he would be healed.
This angered Naaman because he thought that the Prophet would come out, wave his hands, call out to God and cure him right then and there. He certainly did not come all this way to bathe in the Jordan River. Syria had rivers too, much better rivers! What made the Jordan River so special? Naaman’s pride was hurt and he went away in a rage.
Naaman’s servants reasoned with him. “If the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? All he said to you was, ‘Wash and become clean.'” So he went down to the river and bathed seven times, just as Elisha had instructed. After he came up from the water the seventh time he was healed!
Naaman was so happy! He went to Elisha and said “Now I know for certain that there’s no God anywhere on earth except in Israel.”
Isn’t it wonderful to know that just by the little maid speaking up, Naaman was healed and came to believe in the one true God. Remember that even little children can have a big impact on this world and give glory to God!