In 2 Kings 5:1-12, we find an interesting story about Naaman. Before experiencing God’s miraculous healing power, Naaman had to learn some vital things about God.
Who was Naaman (2 Kings 5:1)?
- Naaman was the captain of the army of Aram. He was the top man in the Syrian army!
- Naaman was highly respected by the king.
- Naaman had been given victory by the Lord. The Lord used the Syrian army to get Israel’s attention.
- Naaman was a valiant warrior. Among the ancients, respect was achieved on the battlefield. It was gained through courage and being viewed as a valiant warrior.
- Naaman was a leper. He had a dreadful flesh-eating disease that was extremely contagious and painfully killed people. The ancients widely believed that those who contracted leprosy had a spiritual problem. Those infected were often viewed as wicked and punished by the “gods.” Naaman’s diagnosis meant that his life would have to change drastically. He would no longer be able to continue his job and would likely have to move into a leper colony.
- Naaman hears some encouraging news from a servant girl in his house. This girl was a captive from Israel and waited on Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:2). She had faith that the prophet Elisha could heal Naaman (2 Kings 5:3).
- Since Elisha lived in the land of the enemy, the king of Syria made provisions for Naaman to travel there safely (2 Kings 5:4-5). He sent a letter, money, and expensive clothes to King Joram.
- King Joram is suspicious of the letter and falsely assumes that the king of Syria was trying to pick a fight with him (2 Kings 5:6-7). Elisha tells the king to send Naaman to his house, so he would know that a true prophet was in Israel (2 Kings 5:8).
- Once Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house, the prophets sent out his servant with instructions. Naaman needed to dip seven times in the Jordan River to be healed (2 Kings 5:9-10).
- These instructions did not meet Naaman’s expectations (2 Kings 5:11). He wanted Elisha to do something amazing. He certainly didn’t want to dip in the dirty Jordan River (2 Kings 5:12).
- Thankfully, one of his servants talks some sense into him (2 Kings 5:13-14). During this visit to Israel, Naaman discovered some important things about God.
What did Naaman discover about God?
- God doesn’t bend to the will of man. God wasn’t going to heal Naaman in the way he desired. The only path to being cleansed was God’s way. The same principle applies to all we do today (Colossians 3:17).
- God’s ways aren’t man’s ways. God’s prescription for his healing doesn’t make sense to Naaman. Many people feel the same way about God’s giving access to forgiveness and spiritual life through the death of His Son on a cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
- He needs God. After Elisha’s instructions, while Naaman leaves angry, he still has leprosy. He still needs God. No one else could help him! The same is true when it comes to us being infected with the spiritual disease of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). Only Jesus can save us from dying in our sins (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 6:67-69).
- He needs to trust and obey God. God demands that we carefully follow His will (Luke 6:46; John 14:15; Matthew 23:23).
Conclusion:
Have you done what the Lord requires to receive spiritual cleansing (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; 1 John 1:9)?