Article February 14, 1942 Issue

God's Designs versus Human Planning

SUSAN F. CAMPBELL

In II Kings, the fifth chapter, we find the account of Naaman, who was "captain of the host of the king of Syria ... and honourable," and who was regarded as a very important person. His life and career, however, had been sadly blighted by the terrible scourge named leprosy. When the little maid from the land of Israel spoke of the great prophet in her country who could heal through the power of God, a ray of hope must have seeped through Naaman's darkened thought and speeded him on his journey to the dwelling place of Elisha.

The prophet of Israel was a spiritual seer; he was therefore no respecter of persons. Human position counted as nothing with him, and so it came about that his distinguished guest was not even invited into his presence.

The advice which Elisha gave Naaman seems strange unless it is understood metaphysically, for he bade him dip himself seven times in the river Jordan. This message stirred Naaman's pride to its very depths. He had made a plan as to how he was to be healed, and Elisha's remedy had entirely upset his plan. Naaman had expected to be received as an honored visitor, and now he was ordered to go and bathe in what seemed to him a little, insignificant river, very inferior to the great rivers of his country, Syria; and we read that he decided not to consider Elisha's advice.

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