Faith can be defined as trust in the goodness, kindness and power of God, rather than assent to any formal creed or doctrine. It often escapes our attention that gratitude is a vital element in that faith. Naaman the Syrian was not only a pagan foreigner but the general of the military forces opposed to Israel — and yet he came seeking healing from the God of Israel at the hands of the prophet Elisha. It took courage and a certain amount of faith on his part to venture into enemy territory. He was at first indignant because Elisha asked him to wash seven times in the Jordan. It just seemed too simple — no magic words, weird rituals or painful ascetic practices. He was clearly disappointed, but his assistant talked him into giving it a try — nothing to lose! The results were spectacular and Naaman’s gratitude was boundless. He tried pressing gifts on Elisha, but the prophet refused any gift or payment.

Since divinity was believed to be tied very closely to a land and its people, Naaman requested some earth from the land of Israel to take back with him so that he could worship Israel’s God. Naaman made a response of faith and gratitude born from the wonder and delight that he felt at being granted such kindness from a foreign God. God hears plenty of lamentations and complaints from human beings but not nearly as much gratitude and thanks. It is too easy to have a sense of entitlement that quickly turns to bitterness and disillusionment when things don’t go the way we think they should.

“The Word of God is not chained” is a very interesting and inspiring turn of phrase. The Word was understood to be the message or proclamation of Christ and not necessarily a written work. As God’s message to humanity it could never be snuffed out or silenced — something we all need to take to heart. It also cannot be controlled or silenced by those who would claim to be its guardians or brokers. Sooner or later the Word of God will be proclaimed despite human efforts to the contrary. Paul (or one of his disciples) believed that the suffering endured for the sake of the Gospel was of little consequence and well worth the price. After all, eternal glory was at stake. There was a sober warning: Christ was to be followed and imitated. Jesus Christ was and still is a pattern for our lives rather than merely an object of worship.

Jesus healed 10 lepers and restored them to health and wholeness, but only one returned to praise God and thank Jesus for the healing — an overjoyed and grateful Samaritan. Once again, an outsider was the focus of God’s kindness and an example of faith. The Samaritan had no expectations and was not confined by the same conventional or collective ways of thinking about God. But what about the other nine? Is it possible that they were healed of such a terrible disease but were not happy or grateful?

The story follows a biblical pattern of the outsider embracing God with eagerness and joy while insiders remain lukewarm and blasé in their attitude. Being joyful and grateful means embracing the healing, letting go of the past and starting life anew. The other nine lepers were perhaps like so many people. They were unable to shake loose from negative thought patterns and behaviours. Sometimes our own attitudes are the biggest obstacle to the healing mercy of God. God’s chief concern is granting life, happiness and wholeness so we should not be shocked or doubtful.

The message that continually comes through to us from the New Testament is that God is for everyone, regardless of their beliefs or state in life, and all have the right to call upon God and receive healing and mercy. We should be extremely reluctant to decide who is in or out and who is worthy of God. God usually has a few surprises in store for us.