Muddy Water Revival

SCRIPTURE

2 Kings 5:1-19

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever been in a situation where you realized that, despite all your resources, influence, and achievements, there was a need in your life that only God could fill? That’s where we find Naaman, a powerful and successful man, in our text today. He was a decorated commander, a hero in his country, and highly regarded by his king. Yet, he carried a burden he could not overcome on his own—leprosy.

Naaman’s story is not just about physical healing; it’s about a journey to spiritual awakening and revival. What makes this story so profound is how God uses unexpected people, unanticipated instructions, and even unconventional methods to bring Naaman to the place of healing and transformation. Revival didn’t come through Naaman’s strength, status, or strategy. It came when he humbled himself, obeyed God’s word, and fully surrendered.

In many ways, revival begins in the muddy waters of our lives—those moments when we confront our pride, lay down our preconceived notions, and step into obedience to God’s voice. Whether it's a captive servant girl speaking a bold word, a prophet offering simple but humbling instructions, or Naaman himself plunging into the Jordan River, this story teaches us that revival happens when we acknowledge our need for God and respond to Him with faith and humility.

Today, as we journey through this passage, we’ll discover that true revival comes when we seek after God wholeheartedly, remove the barriers of pride and idolatry, and walk in obedience to His word. Just as Naaman found his healing in what seemed like muddy water, we too can experience the cleansing and revival that only comes from God.

MESSAGE

2 Kings 5:1 NKJV

1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.

Naaman was a man of great power and influence, but he still needed God.

[TITANIC’S UNSINKABLE CLAIM]

Revival happens when we acknowledge our need for God.

2 Kings 5:2–3 NKJV

2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”

This young girl was a lowly servant, but she was willing to be a voice for God.

Revival happens when we seek wholeheartedly after God.

2 Kings 5:4–7 NKJV

4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.” 5 Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy. 7 And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.”

Naaman thought he could buy his healing with money. The King of Israel was spiritually clueless. But Elisha, the man of God, knew the only source of healing was in the name of the Lord.

Revival happens when there is a true anointing of the Holy Spirit.

2 Kings 5:9–12 NKJV

9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

Naaman thought his miracle should match his majesty.

Revival happens when we get pride and prejudice out of the way.

2 Kings 5:13–14 NKJV

13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman listened to the wise counsel from his servants and obeyed the word of the Lord.

Revival happens when we obey the voice of God.

2 Kings 5:15–19 NKJV

15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 So Naaman said, “Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. 18 Yet in this thing may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord please pardon your servant in this thing.” 19 Then he said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a short distance.

Naaman wanted to take two mule loads of dirt back to Syria in order to build an altar to Yahweh.

Revival happens when we are willing to destroy the idols in our lives.

CLOSING

Naaman came to the prophet Elisha seeking healing, but God offered him so much more. He didn’t just receive restored skin; he experienced a revival of his soul. He left not only cleansed of leprosy but also transformed into a worshiper of the one true God. That’s the kind of revival God wants to bring to each of us today.

But revival requires action:

Revival happens when we acknowledge our need for God.

Revival happens when we seek wholeheartedly after God.

Revival happens when there is a true anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Revival happens when we get pride and prejudice out of the way.

Revival happens when we obey the voice of God.

Revival happens when we are willing to destroy the idols in our lives.

The same God who healed Naaman is here today. He’s calling you to step into your Jordan River—into the place where your faith meets His power. Are you willing to trust Him, surrender fully, and let Him transform your life?

If you’re in need of healing—whether in your body, your heart, or your relationship with God—this is your moment to respond. Maybe your pride or preconceived notions have held you back, but today, God is asking you to take a step of faith.

The altar is open. Come forward, just as Naaman went to the Jordan, and meet with God. Lay down your pride, your burdens, and your sins. Ask Him for the revival you need in your life.

As you come, remember: God isn’t looking for perfection or performance. He’s looking for humility, obedience, and faith. Just like Naaman, you can leave here today restored, renewed, and transformed.

Will you come? Will you step into the river and trust God to do what only He can do?