Based on 2 Kings 5:1-4

 

In Scripture she had no name – yet she got fame.
Was just a young, but godly girl, whom God did use to honour His great name.
She was taken violently in a riot’s rave,
To nevermore enjoy her mother’s, father’s love…
A company of Syrian soldiers raided Israel some years ago,
By robbing, stealing, taking captives, it was so
Among the captives was a faithful, very young native,
Who is mentioned in this narrative.
Because of her good manners, humble disposition, she was chosen to be a maid
to the wife of the renown, great captain of the host of Syria’s king – Naaman.
But Naaman was smitten hard with leprosy,
The disease destroying flesh and body.
The very thought of it, evokes terror, and great fear to anybody.
As the disease progressed it became more obvious,
The skin becoming white, there was no way to hide,
And soon Naaman would no longer be the man,
To lead the army to the battlefield as victorious captain.
On his limbs and body open sores will soon appear,
Not be able putting on his armour,
He will be disfigured before all.
And without Naaman’s wise, courageous strategy,
The army would not gain a victory.

……………………

These were hard times to face Naaman and his army,
A true serious concern also for the king,
Because of leprosy, that awful, dreadful thing.
At home the godly Hebrew maid, did see her master’s worsening condition,
The sadness in her mistress’ and her husband’s eyes,
As they envisioned the tragic outcome leprosy will cause,
That all hope and happiness come soon to nothing with great loss.
Then the maid took courage, she had compassion on Naaman, his severe disease,
To enter to her mistress’ quarter, yet not with ease,
For she was not called, but urged in spirit, with a great sigh in her heart did say:
“Would God my Lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria!
He would recover him of his leprosy!”…
Then one man went to Naaman, to tell him what the maid did say.

……………….

And the king of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel with a letter,
He went with change of raiments, gold and silver.
But it turned out to be an error, Israel’s king was found in terror,
Fearing this whole thing was a scheme and threat for war …
He rent his clothes, and when Elisha, the man of God heard of the cause,
He called Naaman to his house, to know there is a prophet in the land of Israel.
Standing with his entourage before the prophet’s home.
Expecting eagerly the prophet out will come,
With a great gesture lay his hand on him,
Calling on to God to make Naaman clean.
But nothing of this sort was done, the prophet’s servant just did come,
To tell him “Go to Jordan, dip thyself there in the river seven times
And you shall be clean…”
What is this? The man of God disdaining my presence?
Does refuse to meet me with all my presents?
This is a mockery to my position, this is not the way I did envision,
To be so ignored – just a servant talking so to me, is an insult!
I, the captain of the host – this makes me angry to the uttermost!
And this Jordan? Are not the rivers of Damascus better,
Can I not bathe and be clean there in the latter?”
The anger in his face was clearly seen, he turned, went off in a hurry, with great fury…
But his servants did entreat Naaman not to be so rash, rather considering
If the prophet would have bid him to do some great thing,
Would he not do it? But only said ‘wash and be clean?’
Then his anger was abased, his wounded pride erased,
But humbly did submit and dipped as he was bidden,
Seven times in the Jordan river, and then arose with a God-praising quiver,
Shouting up to Heaven words of deepest gratitude,
Thanksgiving, for his so miraculous great healing!
Not only with a flesh anew, but heart and soul and mind did God renew.
He was indeed reborn in every sense,
The God of Israel he from now on will worship and give thanks.

……………..

With joy the entourage and a very happy Naaman,
To Elisha did return then,
With overflowing gratefulness bowed before the man of God,
To shower him with silver, gold, but Elisha would receive it not,
The gifts of God are free, without a fee,
What God desires is the heart and will be given Him,
That His Holy Spirit could freely move within,
To mold the mind and souls to His own likeness,
And stamp God’s law upon the heart for righteousness and holiness….
The now God-worshipping, God-fearing Naaman went on his way
Back to Syria.
And all who saw him – with an astonishing glance
Noticed his healthy, vigorous appearance.
For this dreadful leprosy was gone…

……………

In great triumph, Naaman, with joy and gladness with his troop went home….
The name of God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, through Naaman was glorified,
As a living miracle he testified,
What God can do to anyone, His grace and power is not specified,
To any race or color, nation.
He is a God of love, compassion, all He requires is submission,
To His will and holy law supreme.
He is the living God, the Holy One serene.
But what this great change and wonder sparked alone,
Was the faith, compassion of a little maid, who in Scripture did not have a name….
Amen.

Edda Tedford, Canada