A divine encounter is a divinely orchestrated situation where divinity intercepts humanity for the good of man. They are a lot of biblical figures who are products of divine encounters. Jacob was a product of divine encounter as he was able to face his brother Esau, his then Master, Laban and also had his name changed and his fortune turned around at the end of the day. Moses and Jabez on the other hand, also had encounters with God, that shaped their life and future.
NAAMAN’s ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
The life of Naaman (2Kings 5) portrays the perfect picture of a man whose life was changed, the moment he encountered God. Naaman was a powerful Syrian Commander, firm, resolute and powerful in command but he had one blemish, he was leprous. This particular blemish signified an attack on his capacity, potential, assignment, prosperity and destiny because he was growing in all leaps and bounds until he became leprous.
When this infirmity came upon Naaman, he was advised by the wife’s maid, who was a captive from the land of Israel to visit the prophet of God who resides there. When he got to the Land of Israel, he was instructed by the Prophet Elisha to go soak himself 7 times in the Jordan River, only then can he be clean. He murmured and demanded that the prophet changed the river to a more exquisite and beautiful river but he was eventually convinced by his servants to do as the prophet said. He went to the river and dipped himself seven times and His body became as clean as that of a baby the moment he rose up after the seventh time of dipping himself in the river.
When the commander found out that he has been healed, he went to pay reverence to the prophet and also give to him, the talents of Silver and Gold that he brought with him but the prophet asked him to go in peace and he departed. Gehazi, the servant of the Prophet Elisha, went after the commander and lied that he was sent by his master, the prophet, to get a talent of Silver and two changes of Garments. The commander offered unto him two talents of Silver and Two changes of Garments. Gehazi went up to his master who enquired of his previous location but he lied to the master saying that he went nowhere. The master on realizing that he had lied cursed him saying “the leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and unto thy seed forever” and he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
LESSONS
DO NOT DESPISE ANYBODY IN LIFE: The information that led to Namaan’s was brought about by his wife’s maid; she made the information known to the wife who then passed it down to her Husband, Namaan. This definitely wouldn’t have been possible if the maid was maltreated in any way or if Namaan is not on good terms with his mistress. Moreover, it was his servants that convinced him to do as the prophet said when he was indecisive about it.
MAKE NO EXCUSES FOR YOUR FAILURE: The bible made it clear in the book of Ecclesiastes 11:4 that whosoever watches the wind will not plant and whosoever looks at the clouds will not reap. Commander Naaman, in spite of his leprous state, made no excuses and kept on fighting in wars and battles, he didn't let this set back put his back on the ground, he remained composed in the midst of adversities.
CONCLUSION
Naaman’s condition changed the moment he had an encounter with God. Lessons were derived from it and hopefully this experience will help us as Christians in our everyday life in our homes and society at large.
Feel free to drop your comments below.