The Story of Namaan (Draft 1)

In preparing for this week's KFW, I started looking for new ways to approach the text (2 Kings 5:1-14, pages 150-151 in the spark bible).  While I haven't found new ways to introduce it or share it yet, I was in for a bit of a shock.

I had no idea that Leprosy was still a disease that took so many lives, especially in Asia and Africa yet today.  The worst part?  While it is easily transmitted, it is easily CURED.  Yes, cured.  With the right treatments, even the skin discoloration that indicates the beginning of the disease can disappear over time--and loss of limbs and sight are entirely preventable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtIgXbi4m1c

Once upon a time there was a rich and powerful soldier by the name of Namaan.  People respected him and he had everything he could ever want--money, power, servants of his own--except he had Leprosy.  Leprosy is a disease that slowly turns your skin different colors and then makes toes, fingers, hands, legs fall off and eyes go blind.  Namaan was afraid.  One day, Namaan's servant said, "it's too bad you cannot go see the prophet nearby in Israel.  He could cure you--I KNOW he could!" Namaan told his boss, the King of Aram, and the King told him "Go!  I will send a letter with you to the King of Israel explaining the situation, and money to make sure that you are healed by this prophet!"

When Namaan met with the king of Israel and gave him the letter, he tore his robes, yelling "why did the King of Aram send you here?  I'm not God.  I can't heal you.  Does he think that by paying me I can do miracles?"  Then he remembered the prophet, Elisha, was nearby.  "Go see Elisha, the prophet.  He may be able to help you."

Namaan arrived at Elisha's door, with other soldiers and horses waiting, but Elisha only sent out a messenger to talk with Namaan. “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."

Namaan was angry.  He had come alllllll this way to see a prophet, and brought him money to have him wave his hands over the spots and watch them disappear.  Namaan wasn't even seen by the prophet!  Not only this, but he was also told to go wash in the stinky, dirty river there--the Jordan--and SEVEN TIMES??  What difference does the number of times make?  Weren't the rivers nearer his home cleaner?  Better for healing?

His servants spoke to him, and said "If Elisha had asked to do something difficult, wouldn't you have done it?  Wouldn't you have walked up mountains, swam across oceans, eaten bugs or even played the quiet game for HOURS? Go and wash--it's simple--and you will be healed! 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the prophet and his servant had told him to, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

What did Namaan learn?  Sometimes God asks us to do something that seems easy, but requires faith.  Sometimes God asks us to trust and to listen to people who usually have to listen to us.


...so what else do you think is important to share with children from this story? Do we try it with puppets?  Talk with them about how leprosy is still a disease around today and we, as caring christians, could have something to do with bringing healing to others in Christ's name?  I'm up for all new ideas you can throw at me!