Digging Deeper: Humbled and Healed
“And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”
Luke 4:27 (NLT)
HUMBLED AND HEALED
In 1947, a multimillionaire named Howard Hughes was involved in a horrific plane crash. Despite his wealth and power, he was completely helpless as he lay in the wreckage with crushed lungs and third degree burns. All the money in the world could not knit his bones back together or heal his skin. He was forced to rely entirely on the skills of doctors and nurses whom he would normally never have acknowledged. In that moment of crisis, his “status” was irrelevant; only his need mattered.
Jesus gave a second stinging example to the crowd: Naaman the Syrian. Naaman was a high ranking military commander, an enemy of Israel, and a leper. Like the widow of Zarephath, he was an “outsider.” Many lepers in Israel thought they had a “claim” on God, yet only the foreigner who humbled himself and dipped in the Jordan River was healed. Jesus was pointing out that the people of Nazareth were “insiders” who were spiritually blind, while “outsiders” like Naaman were finding healing through humility.
God’s power flows toward humility, not toward those who think they have Him figured out. If we want to experience the healing power of Jesus at Northstar, we must first be willing to humble ourselves and admit our need.
Reflection Questions
● Is there a “Jordan River,” a place of humility, that God is asking you to step into right now?
● How does the story of Naaman challenge your view of people who are “outside” the church?
Suggested Prayer
Lord, I humble myself before You. I admit that I need Your healing touch in my life. Help me to set aside my pride and trust in Your way, not my own.
Dr. Larry Grays is passionate about helping churches grow and reaching people in fresh, creative ways. He launched a church in a Midtown Atlanta movie theater and later served as an Urban Church Planting Strategist with the North American Mission Board. Today, he speaks, writes, and coaches pastors and leaders. Larry has degrees from UCF, Southeastern Seminary, and Southern Seminary—but more importantly, he loves Jesus, good coffee, and seeing the next generation step into their calling. He and his wife Lori love raising their incredible kids and love doing life and ministry together.