Easter 32

Lord and God,

You set your promise upon the waters; you say, ‘here you will find cleansing.’ The disease upon our flesh needs more than a simple bath. As Naaman was washed in the rivers called by your name, so all must find cleansing in the waters of Jesus. In his name alone, the waters avail for us.

How then can we, those you cleanse in his mighty name, turn again to idols? How can we, like Naaman, say there is no God but you and then attempt to pay you back and move back in with our idols? Far be it from us. Let those washed in Jesus forsake utterly the false gods which lead to confusion. Let us forget them, and remember Zion. However clear Abana and Parphar, Rimmon or Artemis may appear, let us find forgiveness and wholeness and cleansing in you. No other fount we know; nothing but his blood.