Article April 23, 1927 Issue

Wouldst Thou Be Cleansed?

CLAIRE DAVIS LASSETER

In the fifth chapter of II Kings it is related that Naaman, mighty captain of Syria, was taken with leprosy. A little maid, a captive daughter of Israel who served the wife of Naaman, knew of Elisha. She rejoiced in the works made manifest by this faithful follower of her God, and declared that through him Naaman might be healed. In all his worldly pride and power the king of Syria was appealed to, and he in turn wrote to the king of Israel, asking him to heal Naaman. But the king of Israel "rent his clothes, and said, Am I God ... that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?" Then Elisha, "the man of God," sent word to the king saying, "Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." So Naaman went; but it was with a great deal of pride he stood in his chariot outside the door of Elisha's house! Pride is so foolish, so poor, so selfish! How many seeking healing to-day stand in their worldly chariots just outside the door!

The message Naaman received was to go and wash seven times in the Jordan. A very simple thing to do; yet it tested to the full the humility of Naaman—captain, conqueror, and the king's leader—to do this humble thing in obedience. We are told that finally he obeyed and was healed; and, what is more, he returned to acknowledge the God of Israel. He was purged of false beliefs, "and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."

Pause a moment, you who are weary of carrying your burden, longing too, perhaps, to be free from pestilence! Has worldly power failed you? Has nothing been able to restore what you have lost? Has even Christian Science, as you have tried it, seemed to fail to meet your need? Arise, leave your chariot at the door, and go wash yourself seven times in the waters of humility and prove your obedience; and see if you, too, can return to praise the Lord your God.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Wouldst Thou Be Cleansed?

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access