The Slave Girl & Naaman

I will like you to think of as many instruments as possible. As you reflect on these instruments, think about their uses and how beneficial these instruments have been to you or people you know. The reason I ask you to do so is because I do not want you to lose sight of why you are listening to this series. Even the smallest and insignificant instrument is useful. Subsequently, we will be looking at another example in scripture how the life of an army commander was changed as a result of an advice received from an Israelite slave girl.

2 Kings 5:1-3 (NIV)

 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.  Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.  She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

This was a slave girl whom under such circumstances, her opinions will not count. Nevertheless, she had vital information that will transform the life and appearance of her master. She could not get the message to Naaman directly but that did not stop her. That is what happens when your desire to make a difference in a life surpasses your status in society.  She eventually tells Naaman’s wife, thinking, perhaps his wife will tell him. Naaman’s wife told him, thank God, and he was able to meet Prophet Elisha. Naaman received his healing according to the instructions given by Prophet Elisha. What a testimony. Would you agree with me that the Israelite slave girl was very instrumental to that household? It was very shameful to be leprous in Naaman’s days.

I bring up this particular story to emphasize that no one is insignificant when it comes to being an instrument of change. Have you ever wondered whether or not your opinion about a situation counts? I believe the slave girls’ thoughts were not far from yours, nevertheless, she did not hold back the information. Sometimes when you wonder whether or not your opinion counts, I encourage you to go ahead and prayerfully provide the information. Someone will be blessed if not the person you are sharing the information with. As insignificant as the Israelite slave girl was, she became an instrument of change in the life of Naaman the Army Commander. Examine your instrumentality. You are not insignificant. Meaning, you are not too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.