by Melina Smith, 2026 Labor Day Weekend Retreat Dean
As we prepare for Holy Week, I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the full narrative we are woven into, from the start of it all with the words… “In the beginning” to Jesus’ last words, “It is finished.” All of creation has been woven into a story in motion, moving us toward the healing we all so desperately need.
Let’s take a look at the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-15b.
There once was a man named Naaman—a Syrian commander with a bit of a problem. You see, he had leprosy, which was a terrible skin disease. He had heard of God, but he didn’t quite believe or know where to turn. So, he sent his servants to fetch Elisha, one of God’s prophets.
Elisha listened to Naaman’s messengers and sent back clear instructions for him to be healed. The message was sent to Naaman, and this is what they said: “Naaman, you must go to the Jordan River and wash seven times, and you will be healed.”
You would think that, having such a terrible disease, he would leap at the chance, but Naaman was still feeling unsure and didn’t quite believe…
This is a moment of curiosity and a reminder of human nature and the way God works.
In Genesis 2, there is a break in the poetic description of the creation to let us know that four rivers poured out of Eden. In Genesis 16, the Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar beside “living water,” and Jesus appears to the Samaritan woman at a well of water.
God moves through ordinary means to assure us of his promises and healing nature over us. When we hear the promises of God, we are given the sight to see the goodness of God’s way.
Jesus is our ultimate healer and source of life.
As you move through the end of Lent and enter Holy Week, remember to whom we belong and invite your children or teens into the story of the unlikely Savior who has been since the beginning, is now, and will return to see us through into God’s kingdom.
“I am the LORD, your healer.” — Exodus 15:26
Thoughts to Ponder (Family Reflections)
After a little convincing, Naaman gave it a go… And he was healed!
Ask Your Kids:
Did you know the Bible is full of miracles?
Did you know miracles happen every day?
Name two miracles that come to mind: _________ and _________
Grown-Ups share two miracles: _________ and _________
Stop + Think: The miracles in the Bible are not random. Through each miracle, God tells us who he is. Think of how Jesus healed the sick and the blind, multiplied fish and loaves, and raised the dead to life. What did all of those miracles say to his friends and followers?
