Author: Administrador

The text this week centers on a common theme: the faith of a servant acted out on foreign soil. Naaman, at the outset of the story, is not the unexpected one with great faith. The narrator chooses to describe him differently. Instead, he is the commander of the army of Syria. He is a “great … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr.”

This delightfully pesky story of the healing of Naaman the Aramean by Elisha the prophet of Israel is a story of border-crossings, whereby the Lord works in mysterious ways — unwelcome by anyone, ancient or modern, who wants the Lord to observe humanity’s boundaries, and welcome by those finding themselves at the margins or on … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary by Samuel Giere”

Healing seems to be the big take away from the story of Naaman. The powerful soldier, stricken with a difficult disease, reluctantly follows the prophet’s instructions and finds his health restored. That his healing comes through his acceptance that the Jordan holds healing properties superior to the rivers of his native Syria, touches on the … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary by Steed Davidson”

Last fall, the wife of a good friend and colleague was diagnosed with lymphoma. What they had enjoyed for so much of their lives — their work, daily routines, their relationships — was suddenly unsettled. They describe their experience as disorienting, almost like going to a foreign country with no time to pack. As travellers … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary by Karla Suomala”

At Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia there is a tomb of the Unknowns. It commemorates American service members who have died without their remains being identified. The Unknowns were interred as recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. On the face of it, 2 Kings 5 is a story of a Syrian military leader but … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-14 Commentary by Stephen Reid”

Set amidst international politics is a remarkable story about healing, humility, and universalism, which centers around the character of Naaman. Verse 1 introduces us to him by first noting his military status and his foreign nationality: he is the head of the Aramean army. Next, the verse praises him for being “a great man before … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Commentary by Sara Koenig”

“How can we pray for you?” For the seasoned, even not-so-seasoned pastor, this question often brings a request for physical healing. By nature of leading a community of faith, the pastor often comes to the forefront of the darkest times of sickness and death. We understand that we are called to pray, and we believe … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Commentary by Roger Nam”

In this election season, we have grown accustomed to news reports, Twitter feeds, and television ads filled with the faces and voices of the candidates. They are people of power and influence, usually wealthy, dressed well, telling us with great confidence why they should be elected rather than their opponent. Naaman, to whom we are … Continue reading “2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Commentary by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker”

Today’s reading is one of two back-to-back but separate stories of Elisha providing food for his disciples. In the first account (verses 38-41), the context is one of great need — there is a famine in the land. Elisha instructs his servant to make stew for the company of prophets. Intending to gather herbs for … Continue reading “2 Kings 4:42-44 Commentary by Elna K. Solvang”

Only two verses long, this lectionary selection is obviously — and notably — quite short! But even in its brevity, it resonates and connects with all the other texts for thus Sunday, and therefore would be a wonderful choice for the sermon text. Within the larger context of 2 Kings 4, this story comes as … Continue reading “2 Kings 4:42-44 Commentary by Sara Koenig”