Leprosy, Serpents, and Salvation: Healing Stories from the Christian Bible

The world is facing extremely difficult times. In fact, many believe the world, as we know it, may be in jeopardy. Through pivotal and era-defining moments such as these, many seek solace and comfort in many forms. Sadly, many turn to things such as abusing different mediums (drugs, alcohol, etc.) or other mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually unhealthy acts. However, there are those who look inwardly to their respective faith. These faiths may vary, as some are Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jews, Hindus, or followers of various other religions.

For Christians, various stores from the Bible and the historical tradition describe overcoming strange diseases through faith in God. For example, in 2 Kings 5 (one of the historical books in what Christians call the Old Testament), there was a man named Naaman, who was the chief of Aram’s host (or army). Despite his greatness throughout the land, Naaman had leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that attacks the nerves in the body, usually leading to crippling and deterioration of body members. Through a series of events, Naaman goes to Israel to seek the prophet Elisha for healing. When he and his troupe arrived in Israel, Elisha sent a messenger to Naaman instructing him to go and dip in the Jordan River seven times. After hearing this, Naaman was extremely angry that the prophet did not come out to perform a magical healing; however, after being persuaded by his men, he complied. After he had dipped the seventh time, his flesh was restored to him fully, and he was healed. Faith had cured him and made him whole.

Another example (this time of healing on a mass scale) is the story of the serpent in the wilderness. In Numbers 21 (also from the Old Testament), venomous snakes had invaded the camp of Israel, with many dying, because they had ungratefully spoken out against God. Therefore, the people cried to Moses and asked him to pray to God to heal them. Then God instructed Moses to forge a bronze serpent and place it on top of a pole. “And it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he beheld the serpent of brass, that person lived” (Numbers 21:9).

The New Testament states that God used this story to foreshadow Jesus Christ. Jesus says to Nicodemus, a teacher of the Jews at that time, “just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, in this way must the Son of Man [Jesus] also be lifted up.” Nicodemus understood because of this that Jesus would be “the serpent on the pole” who healed the sins of the world. This is another encouraging example for Christians to always trust in God, as He takes pleasure in healing those who have faith. Let these stories encourage you in God today, believing He has seen and knows all things. Those who trust in Him will always be redeemed.

- Prepared by Kevin Rolle, Jr.

Naaman by C. Melegari

Click on picture to go to source.