Naaman the Leper
Introduction. (II Kings 5:1-5 ) Syria was (and is) the nation located to the north of Israel.
- During the time of David he had set up garrisons in Syria and the people there had offered themselves as servants of the Israelites (II Samuel 8:6).
- As time went on they had regained their independence and allied themselves with the wicked northern kingdom of Israel. When Asa was king of Judah he persuaded the Syrian king Ben-Hadad to break his alliance with Israel and make a treaty with Judah (I Kings 15:18,19).
- When the prophet Elijah came on the scene he is commanded by the Lord to anoint Hazeal the future king of Syria (I Kings 19:15). It would not be until after Elijah’s death and even after the incident with Naaman that Hazeal would replace Ben-Hadad as the king (II Kings 8:15).
- The king in this story is Ben-Hadad
- The Commander of his army is Naaman
- Love/hate relationship with Israel - allies/ captives - raids/now a favor. Little girl a captive.
- Naaman: A leper. Leprosy in the ancient world - outcast! Naaman probably had contracted it as a commander.
He learns of the prophet in Israel who can heal. King send him to Israel.
This morning let’s talk about the events associated with his journey and see what lessons they can teach us in this age.
I. “Then He Brought the Letter to the King...” (vs. 6). (II Kings 5:6-9).
Naaman didn’t realize he was going to the wrong source. Probably assumed that the king would have authority over God’s prophets. Note: Ahab’s reaction “Am I God to kill and make alive that he send this man to me to heal his leprosy?” Example of...
Looking to the Wrong Source for Answers
We often try to find the answers to life’s problems in a number of different places:
- Modern science - Human wisdom
- Psychology - Intelligence
- Pleasure - Recreation
- Political action - Hobbies
- Talk shows - Friends
Naaman would only find true answers when he looked to a Godly source. The same is true for us.
II. “...Indeed, I said to Myself...” (vs. 11). (II Kings 5:10-13).
Notice that Naaman goes into this with an idea already in mind of how Elisha should behave. He thought Elisha should...
- Wave his hand over him
- Call out to him
- Syrian rivers are better than the Jordan!
He was allowing his preconceptions to shape his obedience. This is an example of having...
Preconceived Expectations
when Approaching God
- Modern day examples of this tendency.
- Worship. Many say...
- “I think a church ought to have a good choir!”
- Or, “If there isn’t a band or a piano I just can’t get into the service!” (Colossians 3:16) singing.
- The work of the church. Many say...
- “I think the church ought to try to fed and house the poor of the world.” - Only examples of church benevolence to the saints. I Tim. 5:16 some things church not to be burdened with.
- Or, “The church needs to plan entertainment activities for the young people!” (Ephesians 6:4) Parents responsibility to bring children up.
- Or perhaps, “The church needs to have a kitchen and hall for eating together!” (I Cor. 11:34 ) not a work of the church to eat together.
- The organization of the church. Many say...
- “I think a church should have one man who acts as the Pastor or shepherd of the church!” (I Peter 5:1-3) Pastor=elder=bishop=sheperd=overseers
- “A church needs a national organization!” Local church only organization.
- Samuel’s words to Saul (I Samuel 15:22,23).
III. “...And He was Clean” (vs. 14). (II Kings 5:14).
Naaman didn’t have to do anything all that difficult. All he had to do was to obey. He had to dip seven times in the Jordan. When he did it he was healed. When he refused his leprosy remained. This illustrates for us...
The Blessings of Obedience
In this age God asks little of us in order that we be saved. He asks of us that we...
- Hear the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
Romans 10:17 - “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
- We must repent and turn from our sins.
Luke 13:5 - “... except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
- We must be baptized (which is a wording meaning “to immerse”) in water for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 - “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Note this is immersion: Acts 8:38,39 Went down into, came up out of water.
For the remission of sins - Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
- We must remain faithful to the Lord’s word.
Revelation 2:10 - “...Be faithful until death and I will give you a crown of life.”
John 8:31 - “If you abide in my word you are My disciples indeed.”
Even so many people want to object to the role of baptism in salvation. In this text baptism is illustrated. (Note: In the LXX the same word is used.) (I Peter 3:21) NASB
IV. “...I Will Receive Nothing” (vs. 16). (II Kings 5:15-19).
Giving God the Glory
This is similar to what Paul did on at least two occasions.
- The Example of Paul.
- While in Lystra. Acts 14:8-15
- To the Corinthians.
- Some calling themselves after Paul (I Cor. 1:12).
- Paul’s attitude (I Corinthians 2:1-5; 3:4-6 ).
- How Can We Give God the Glory?
- By giving Him credit for the good things in our lives (James 1:17).
- By giving Him preeminence in our lives (Matthew 6:33).
- By confessing Him before men (Matthew 10:32,33).
V. “...I Will Run After Him and Take Something from Him” (vs. 20). (II Kings 5:20-24).
You wish that you could give Gehazi the benefit of the doubt - perhaps he was looking out for the material needs of his master. Yet his lie leads us to believe that it was simply for his own gain. Would he have kept it for himself? Probably! This is an example of...
The Folly of Materialism
- New Testament teachings (I Timothy 6:6-10).
- The example of Annanias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11).
Material things just aren’t worth sacrificing our relationship to God! We do this when we...
- Obligate ourselves so much financially that we can’t meet our spiritual responsibilities because we must meet our financial ones!
- Young people don’t get yourselves in debt, to have all those nice things - you may find yourself so obligated that worshipping regularly is put on the back burner!
- Those in this situation: You must meet your responsibilities, but do the best that you can to free yourselves from the burdens that take you away from the Lord’s work - determine not to get into the same situation in the future!
VI. “...Is It time to Receive...?” (vs. 26). (II Kings 5:25-27).
In all the times I have heard and studied this story I had never noticed Elisha’s words. Note: Is it time to receive, money, clothing, olive groves, vineyards, etc. (vs. 26). What is he talking about here?
- As a prophet he was not about the business of seeking material gain. Rather his focus was upon doing the work of the Lord!
- There is a time for gain for the people of God but it is not the present. This illustrates...
The Time for Treasures
- The treasures for God’s people (Matthew 6:19,20).
- The inheritance reserved for God’s people (I Peter 1:3-5).
Conclusion.
May we learn the lessons Naaman can teach us that we might be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord and enjoy the blessings of obedience.