Mosaic (Mar 20)
- Amber Thiessen
- 16 minutes ago
- 5 min read
“Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).
There are a handful of moments in my life where I’ve tasted, in a very small way, what it might feel like to be a celebrity.
On our wedding day, we went through town taking pictures and celebrating with our friends on one of the most significant days of our lives. We rode in a limo, followed by a photographer, no less. Not quite celebrities, but it felt extravagant.
When we returned home from the mission field, people regularly invited us for dinners and coffee. We shared in churches and small groups. Wherever we went, we were recognized and warmly welcomed. In a small town, that kind of attention can feel like prominence.
For those who live with real influence or public recognition, I can only imagine the ceremony that surrounds their everyday lives. The expectations must be immense.
Naaman, the Syrian commander, was one of those men. Second Kings 5 tells us he was highly regarded by the king because of his military skill and the victories he secured for his nation.
His problem, however, was a grave skin condition. It was unlikely Haman’s disease as we know leprosy today, but still dreadful and threatened his wellbeing.
Then we meet a small character, a side figure in the unfolding story. She was likely small in stature and certainly small in influence, both as a slave and as a young girl. An Israelite, taken captive in a raid, now served Naaman’s wife. Yet her concern for her master, joined with a steady faith, moved her to speak. She grieved his illness and pointed him toward Samaria, where the prophet of God could surely heal him.
Up to this point, there had been no record of Elisha healing anyone with leprosy. Still, this young girl’s faith held firm. Her words carried enough weight that Naaman went straight to the king to request permission to go, and it was quickly granted.
But the king of Israel didn’t believe in a God who would heal.
When Elisha heard of the king’s panic and unbelief, he sent a messenger to summon Naaman. With full display and generous gifts, Naaman arrived at Elisha’s door. Yet instead of receiving him with the honor his position demanded, Elisha sent a messenger with simple instructions for his healing.
Naaman burned with anger and turned to leave.
But here again, the small servants step forward.
“My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash and be clean’?” (2 Kings 5:13).
These words softened Naaman’s rage and brought the promise of healing within reach. He chose to obey, followed Elisha’s instructions, and his skin was miraculously restored! Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, he returned to Elisha and confessed his faith in Yahweh.
“Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).
In those days, Israel had turned from Yahweh. The king walked in the ways of his father Ahab, practicing and promoting idolatry throughout the nation.
Yet those who sought healing found it.
Not through their leaders, but through faithful servants along the way.
Not through pride, but through humble obedience.
Naaman’s story is remarkable, but the people God used in it were not.
A captive girl.
Unnamed servants.
A prophet who refused to flatter power.
None of them held influence. None of them commanded attention. Yet through their faithfulness, a powerful man was brought face to face with the living God.
This is often how God works.
Not through prominence, but through obedience.Not through grand platforms, but through ordinary faithfulness.
A word spoken in trust.
An act of compassion.
A willingness to point someone toward the Lord.
The kingdom of God advances in ways that rarely draw attention. But heaven sees what the world overlooks.
And sometimes, through the simple faithfulness of servants no one notices, someone comes to confess the same truth Naaman did:
“Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.”
May we be just as faithful in the ordinary opportunities set before us, trusting that God works through what the world often overlooks.
📝 In Writing
📚 On My Shelf
Still learning from this commentary on 2 Kings for our ladies bible study.
I finished the The Pursuit of Holy Leisure! (I hope you'll check out the review and pre-order!!)
Continuing with Delighting in the Trinity
I started Sarah Edwards: Delighting in God by Sharon James, and Surprised by Joy by CS Lewis. (probably can't do a study on joy without visiting this classic). I don't read enough biographies, but apparently I still buy them. One of my goals this year in crafting my personal curriculum was to pull out books in my kindle library I've not gotten to yet. (I want to say it's helped me buy less books, but that's yet to be determined).
🗞️ In Articles
"Personally, I’ve needed assurance that God wasn’t just somewhere “up there”, promising to one day work all things for my good, but that he is with me now. I need to know that he is present, attune, and active as my good Shepherd when darkness descends upon me. I need to know his heart is for me, even when my circumstances don’t seem to be."
I had a habit of re-writing my notes for some of my classes during my first year of university. The act of writing and thinking again on the same topic helped solidify the information, especially in the crunch time of spring session. So, it's similarily helpful to write out passage of Scripture, something I've not developed a habit of, but am leaning into lately. Denise has this Word Writers series, if you're interested in a booklet or this article also to can help you start.
I was encouraged by Heidi's conviction and courage to intentionally develop friendships with a stranger. Relationships are ministry, and we see people everyday around us, it's the eyes to see people as the Lord does, along with that step of bravery. May this challenge you like it did for me.
"An often overlooked factor in our struggle to delight in God’s Word is our motivation or goal. As long as we aim merely to check a task off our lists, earn favor with either God or other people, or build up a mental storehouse of knowledge about the Bible, we’ll continue to battle disappointment and frustration despite our best efforts. But when we shift our perspective and open our Bibles with the intention of knowing God more, our experience becomes delight rather than drudgery."
Ever had a situation where you thought you knew what was best, and the other person didn't agree? Maybe just a time, or two?? Cheryl's journey identifies with our lack of peace in these moments and a few words to help us surrender to Christ.
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