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It had been almost a year since the diving accident that left her a quadriplegic. Joni Eareckson was feeling helpless and hopeless. She thought only if she had the use of her hands, even just her fingers, she could do something for herself. Instead, totally dependent upon others, she assigned herself to a life of nothingness. Learning of Joni's feelings occupational therapist Chris Brown came into her room. Encouragingly Chris suggested to Joni, "You can use your mouth to do some of the things you'd normally do with your hands." Joni refused this first invitation, but later accepted the challenge. She learned to use her mouth to accomplish many tasks, but that which became most astounding was her ability to paint. Placing a brush between her teeth she created beautiful paintings that have become hallmarks in the art world.
Healing comes in unexpected ways. That is the message in our lectionary reading this day. Naaman, the commander of King Ben-Hadad II army, had a horrific skin disease that could not be healed. His wealth and his position of authority were of no avail to this rancid disease. He learned from his Israelite slave that there was a prophet who could heal him. Holding a letter of introduction and bearing bountiful gifts he journeyed from Syria to Israel. After meeting with the king of Israel, Naaman received a summons to visit the home of the prophet Elisha. But, the encounter became one of a perceived insult. Elisha did not invite Naaman into his home or meet with him personally. Instead, he instructed Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was insulted, infuriated, and disbelieving. He was enraged that a man of his stature was not personally greeted. He was disbelieving that the muddy Jordan was superior in healing powers to the pristine rivers of Damascus, the Abana, and the Pharpar. But, on the advice of a subordinate, he followed Elisha's command and was healed.
If we truly want to be healed we must take seriously the advice of others. The solution offered may not be to our liking and even beyond our comprehension. If we do not extend the effort and heed their advice then there can be no blessing. The instruction for God's healing will come to us in many different voices. God's healing will come in many different forms. If we believe and trust, if we are willing to place a paintbrush between our teeth or wash in the muddy Jordan, our lives can be restored.
Healing comes in unexpected ways. That is the message in our lectionary reading this day. Naaman, the commander of King Ben-Hadad II army, had a horrific skin disease that could not be healed. His wealth and his position of authority were of no avail to this rancid disease. He learned from his Israelite slave that there was a prophet who could heal him. Holding a letter of introduction and bearing bountiful gifts he journeyed from Syria to Israel. After meeting with the king of Israel, Naaman received a summons to visit the home of the prophet Elisha. But, the encounter became one of a perceived insult. Elisha did not invite Naaman into his home or meet with him personally. Instead, he instructed Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was insulted, infuriated, and disbelieving. He was enraged that a man of his stature was not personally greeted. He was disbelieving that the muddy Jordan was superior in healing powers to the pristine rivers of Damascus, the Abana, and the Pharpar. But, on the advice of a subordinate, he followed Elisha's command and was healed.
If we truly want to be healed we must take seriously the advice of others. The solution offered may not be to our liking and even beyond our comprehension. If we do not extend the effort and heed their advice then there can be no blessing. The instruction for God's healing will come to us in many different voices. God's healing will come in many different forms. If we believe and trust, if we are willing to place a paintbrush between our teeth or wash in the muddy Jordan, our lives can be restored.
