Text: 2 King 5:1-15
By: Odafe Obus
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BACKGROUND
The story of Naaman and Prophet Elisha is one of the interesting/important stories in the bible due to the lessons that we can draw from it which are still applicable today. Our main Character in this story is Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because of the many victories won by the Syrian army.
He had great power, authority, and riches. However, he suffered from a terrible sickness called leprosy. The name Naaman means “pleasant” and he lived up to his name.
This story, though is thousands of years old, but there are lessons to learn from it. These lessons are applicable to us today.
HEALING OF LEPROSY (2 King 5:2-4)
Naaman was informed by the slave girl that prophet Elisha of Israel could heal him of his leprosy. He responded pleasantly to her recommendation. The Syrian King gave him recommendation letter to King of Israel for healing. Naaman was directed to Prophet Elisha for healing by the king of Israel. When he got to prophet Elisha, he was instructed to go dip in the Jordan river 7 times. He was very upset about the instruction and initially refused to do it. But his servant persuaded him and he followed the instruction and got his healing .
NAAMAN EXPECTATION
- Naaman was full of high expectation and he believed he was worthy of healing because he is a man of position and wealth.
- Naaman thought that Elisha would come out to him, lay or stretch his hand upon him and call on the name of the Lord his God to heal him. He expected a special reception from prophet Elisha that would befit his status. Naaman was prepared to give the piles of silver and gold worthy of his high social position to appreciate Elisha.
- Naaman was prepared to give the piles of silver and gold worthy of his high social position to appreciate Elisha.
LESSONS FROM THE CHARACTER
- WEALTH, HONOR, FAME AND RICHES ARE NO PROTECTION AGAINST THE TROUBLES OF LIFE
Often, we think if we only had more money or better job or something else, we won’t have the problems we are going through. But troubles happen to everyone; there is no getting away from it. Jesus said in the world, you will have tribulation, burden, anguish etc. (John 16:33)
- GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK ACCORDING TO OUR EXPECTATIONS. (ISA 55:8-9)
This scripture tells us that God does not do things the way we think they should be done. Naaman expected Elisha to come out and lay hand on him to cure his leprosy but things didn’t go according to his expectation. He was very upset and was forced to ask this question, “What was so special about the Jordan river?” He felt disrespected because Prophet Elisha’s instructions to him to go and dip himself in Jordan river seven does not befit his status.
- ANGER IS AN ENEMY OF BREAKTHROUGH/BLESSING (Jam.1:19-20)
Anger almost cost Naaman his breakthrough for healing but was restrained by his servant. What was so special about the Jordan river? I could have gone to wash seven times at many other rivers I had passed through on my way here!”, “he lamented to his servant who escorted him to Samaria” II Kings 5:11-12. He was so furious at the prophet’s instruction.
- DON’T LET PRIDE GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR BLESSING/BREAKTHROUGH (pro. 16:18)
Out of pride, Naaman initially rejects Elisha’s offer to cure him because he felt disrespected by his instruction. Thinking that everyone should treat us the way we deserve to be treated is pride. It can rub us of our breakthrough and blessings.
- GOD REQUIRES OBEDIENCE FROM US
So many times, we want His blessings without obedience. God is not going to bless our plans and effort if we are not willing to humble ourselves and do what He says.
- NO MATTER HOW POWERFUL WE THINK WE ARE, WE SHOULD BE HUMBLE TO LISTEN TO THOSE WE LEAD.
As leaders we must make ourselves approachable and relatable. Although Naaman thought highly of himself, he was also a reasonable and logical man. He was humble enough to listen to those he led. Humility can save your life.
CONCLUSION
We often expect things to be done according to the way we think they should be done. God does not do things the way we think they should be done. He is always working for our good and His glory.
God’s instructions are always simple, let us key to His instruction with humility and trust to obtain His blessing.
May God bless us richly with these words In Jesus Name
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