Christian poem 'Naaman' by Albert Watson (Christart.com)

Naaman
by Albert Watson

My wife could see I'd leprosy,
At that time no hope for me.

Yet in my house a captured slave
To my spouse, a message gave.

That slave I said, a captured foe,
Where does she expect me go?

To Samaria a prophet's house,
Hope did rise within my spouse.

My story with the king did share,
Encouragingly said, do travel there.

A letter to Israel's king did write,
Sharing of his commander's plight.

The King impressed with gifts we bore,
On reading letter his robes, he tore.

Look am I God, can I raise the dead,
I don't believe what this king has said.

Heal my commander he has leprosy,
He's trying to pick a fight with me.

The message relayed to Elisha's ears,
His answer quelled the sovereign's fears.

Send this man to the prophet's place,
He'll see the Lord's amazing grace.

Arriving, I thought this man so rude,
Another was sent, a message crude

Wash seven times in the Jordan river,
I so outraged, body all of a quiver.

Thought he'd come and then shout.
Lay hands, clear my leprosy out.

No, go to a river not very clean,
Abana and Papha, our waters pristine.

Thank God for my servants so wise,
Calming my rage, these men advise.

You'd obey if some difficult task.
Why not do this, they simply ask?

Feeling foolish and quite unsure,
Will my actions provide the cure?

Elisha's instructions, I did comply,
Seven washes then, ecstatic joy.

Appearance changed, just as a lad,
Back to the prophet humbled, so glad.

I'm sitting here and now reflect,
On that servant girl and her effect.

Though captured still a testimony,
That healed my body, introduced me,

To the God of all the universe.
He changes lives, inspired this verse

Please contact Albert Watson at "albwat@talktalk.net" to request permission to use this poem.

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