“Two Mules”

By

Emilio Chaviano

July 31, 2012

For the last few months the name of Bashar al-Assad, president of Syria has been on the news almost daily. Now, consider this headline: “Highest Ranking Syrian General Travels to Israel Seeking Help.” This event did not make the evening news, papers or other internet based outlets. About 2,850 years ago Naaman, the Syrian commander-in-chief traveled to Samaria to get help from Elisha the prophet. The general had achieved great victories in battle and answered only to king Ben-Hadad II of Damascus in the time of Joram, king of Israel. Naaman had great power, wealth and a very big challenge. He was gravely ill with the dreaded leprosy. Besides his physical affliction, Naaman also had a huge ego, enormous pride, and an arrogant attitude; but he still demanded a miracle. He was furious when Elisha did not come to his door to greet him and simply sent a servant with instructions for Naaman to obey.  Many of us are openly or secretly asking for a miracle of some sort. Our sense of self-righteousness can turn into a harmful form of pride. That kind of pride can easily degenerate into arrogance. Arrogance is destructive and highly contagious.  There is a little general inside all of us who likes to be in control of everything and who tells us that we are better than other people. With God’s help Naaman conquered his self-centeredness and was able to humble himself to receive the healing he desperately needed. On his way back to Damascus Naaman took two mules loaded with Israeli soil so that he could build an altar to worship The Lord who saved him. The healing of attitudes is the greatest miracle we all desperately need and this man who lived so long ago can teach us important lessons today. What can you do if you don’t have two mules?