“Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
— 2 Kings 5:14 (KJV)
In the world of human reasoning, obedience is often associated with logic. We prefer instructions that make sense to our natural mind. But in the realm of the Spirit, obedience is not about logic—it’s about faith and trust in God’s voice. The story of Naaman the leper in 2 Kings 5 is a powerful reminder of the life-transforming power of simple obedience to divine instructions.
🛡️ A Mighty Man with a Hidden Problem
Naaman was no ordinary man. The Bible describes him as “a great man,” “honourable,” and “a mighty man in valour.” He was the celebrated commander of the Syrian army—a man others saluted. Yet, beneath the glitter of his achievements was a disfiguring, shameful disease: leprosy.
This contrast mirrors many people today. Outwardly successful, inwardly afflicted. Publicly celebrated, privately struggling. But as it was with Naaman, the turning point begins when divine help is introduced into a human problem.
💬 The Journey Begins with a Word
Naaman’s healing didn’t begin in the palace or a hospital. It began with a little servant girl’s faith-filled word:
“Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:3)
This teaches us that God often packages divine help in humble vessels. The key to Naaman’s miracle came through a young captive girl. Never despise the vessels through which God sends instructions. Divine help can come wrapped in humility, not majesty.
📩 Divine Instruction May Confront Human Pride
When Naaman finally reaches Elisha, he is met not with a dramatic display of power, but with a simple, specific, and humbling instruction:
“Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10)
Naaman expected something more sophisticated, more dramatic. His pride was wounded. He asked:
“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?” (v.12)
Like Naaman, many believers miss their miracle because they expect God to move in familiar ways, or through grand gestures. But obedience is not about how we feel, it’s about what God said.
🤲 Obedience Is the Bridge Between the Word and the Result
Naaman’s breakthrough didn’t come when he heard the word. It didn’t even come when he argued about the word. It came when he obeyed the word.
“Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God.” (2 Kings 5:14)
Not six times. Not in a different river. Not his own way.
He obeyed according to the saying of the man of God.
And the result? “His flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child.”
💡 Key Lessons for Today
1. Divine instructions are often simple—but they carry supernatural power.
Your miracle is hidden in your obedience.
2. Partial obedience is disobedience.
If Naaman dipped only once or in the wrong river, he would have remained a leper.
3. God’s ways may offend your mind to reveal your heart.
Obedience requires humility, especially when divine instructions challenge our pride.
4. Your status, title, or experience don’t substitute for submission.
Even Naaman, a national hero, had to submit like a child to receive healing.
🙏🏽 Final Exhortation
In our walk with God, we must come to terms with this truth: God doesn’t owe us explanations. He gives instructions.
Miracles, breakthroughs, promotions, healing, and divine direction are often on the other side of uncomfortable obedience.
The question is: Will you obey?
Whether God is asking you to forgive someone, sow a seed, step away from a relationship, take a bold faith step, or trust His Word above your experience—remember, the Jordan is not for debate, it’s for dipping.
Just like Naaman, when you obey the instruction fully, you will see the miracle of transformation.
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
— Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)
May you receive the grace to obey, and may your obedience unlock your wholeness.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 