THE PRIDE THAT ALMOST BLOCKED THE MIRACLE
FEBRUARY 24, 2026
TEXT: 2 Kings 5
KEY VERSE: “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?” — 2 Kings 5:13
2 Kings 5 introduces us to Naaman — a commander, a warrior, a man of reputation — yet a leper. He had honor, influence, and victory, but beneath the armor was an incurable condition. This chapter teaches a sobering truth: success in public does not cancel hidden affliction in private. Naaman’s leprosy symbolizes internal decay masked by external achievement. Many appear strong, respected, and accomplished, yet carry wounds only God can cleanse. Position cannot cure what only obedience can heal.
The turning point in the story is striking. Healing did not begin with Naaman’s power, but with the faith of a captive servant girl. God often places answers in unexpected vessels. Naaman travels with wealth and prestige expecting dramatic prophetic performance, but instead receives a simple instruction: wash in the Jordan seven times. His pride resists. The simplicity offends him. He expected spectacle, not humility. This reveals a dangerous spiritual pattern — we sometimes reject God’s method because it does not match our expectations. Pride almost cost Naaman his miracle.
The servants’ counsel becomes the voice of wisdom: if you would have done something difficult, why not do something simple? The miracle was not in the river; it was in obedience. The Jordan was muddy and unimpressive compared to the rivers of Damascus, but healing is not found in preference — it is found in submission. When Naaman humbled himself and dipped seven times, restoration came completely. Not partial healing. Not gradual improvement. Scripture says his flesh became like that of a child. God does not partially cleanse what we fully surrender.
The chapter closes with a contrast: Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, who allowed greed to corrupt integrity. While Naaman was cleansed through humility, Gehazi was infected through covetousness. The story becomes a dual warning: pride can delay your miracle, and greed can transfer another man’s affliction onto you. What you pursue in secret determines what follows you publicly.
What Must Stand Out?
External success cannot hide internal decay.
God’s solution may offend your pride.
Obedience, not spectacle, releases miracles.
Humility attracts restoration; greed invites corruption.
SEARCHLIGHT: The miracle is not in the river — it is in surrender. Pride resists simplicity; humility receives restoration.
PRAYER: Father, remove every trace of pride that resists Your instructions. Teach me to obey even when Your method challenges my expectations. Cleanse what I cannot hide and restore what only You can heal. Guard my heart from greed and preserve my integrity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 16-18 | 1 Corinthians 15
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
