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In 1986, two Russian ships collided in the Black Sea. Hundreds of passengers died in the icy waters. The ships collided because neither of the ship’s captains was willing yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late. Pride can cause disaster and may even stand in the way of our blessings. It almost happened to Naaman. The account is in 2 Kings 5. He was in charge of the Syrian army, but he had leprosy. A young girl working in his house told his wife about Elisha. She said Elisha, a prophet in her country, could heal Naaman. With the Syrian king’s blessing, Naaman went to Israel. When he arrived at Elisha’ house, the prophet did not bother to out to greet him. He sent him a message by his assistant. He told him to go dip seven times in the Jordan River and his leprosy would disappear. Pride caused Naaman to say, “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me. I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy, and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me! Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” His officers reasoned with him, and he finally followed Elisha’s instructions. He was cured at once. Naaman learned that obedience to God can bring His blessings; and obedience begins with humility.
