God of Grace, God of all

BIG IDEA: Naaman’s cleansing and new life experience from God forms the pattern by which we too receive cleansing and new life through Christ.

BIG IDEA:

Is God really in control of our world?

Elisha is set in a time of turmoil for the people of God. Given the blessing of the promises of God, that he would be their God and they would be his people, they were called to be a blessing to the rest of the nations around them. To show these nations the blessed life that living with God brings. But instead of doing this, they were living under the blight and curse that rejecting God brings. God was using the nations around them to bring discipline and correction to them. You know things are going bad when the people you’re meant to be teaching, are instead the ones teaching you a lesson.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

5 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Elisha is set in a time of turmoil for the people of God. Given the blessing of the promises of God, that he would be their God and they would be his people, they were called to be a blessing to the rest of the world around them. To show the world the blessed life that living with God brings. To show the world the love that God had showed them. But instead of doing this, they were living under the blight and curse that rejecting God brings. God was using the nations around them to bring discipline and correction to them. You know things are going bad when the people you’re meant to be teaching, are instead the ones teaching you a lesson.

We read this in verse 1.

God’s power and interests are not just local, but global.

1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him THE LORD had given victory to Syria.

The big thing to notice from this opening line is that The LORD was the one who had given the victory to Syria, who are enemies of the people of God at this time. God can and does use painful experiences in our lives when we’re in need of his discipline. However, it’s a sure sign of his love, not of his indifference.

We read on, Naaman was a mighty man of valor, BUT he was a leper.

Think for a moment as one of the people of God at that time. Is Naaman the kind of guy that you like? Is he someone that you’re cheering for? Absolutely not! He’s the leader of the enemy state who has led campaigns that have ended in your family members being stripped of their wealth, taken away from you as captives of war, or killed. So the fact that he’s a leper, that’s awesome! Karma right. Serves him right. God must be punishing him for all that he’s done to us. Well, we’ll come back to the problem with this thinking later.

We read on, verse 2 that the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she was working in the service of Naaman’s wife.

How is this unnamed little girl feeling do you think? How would you be feeling? Taken captive as a prisoner away from your family and your friends, to a foreign place, to be a slave. Listen to what she says to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

Hold up. What did she just say!? She’s wanting to help this guy? This is the one thing we don’t wanna do. He’s the enemy! But no, she’s showing concern for him. She’s concerned for his wellbeing, even if he isn’t concerned for hers. She’s being a blessing to the nations, and inviting the nations to share in the blessed life that living with God brings. All in the most unlikely situation. And it’s not complicated. She’s not a master at apologetics or a trained evangelist, she just says, “I know someone who can heal you, and this is where you can find him.”

What a testimony this young lady is for all of God’s people who find themselves in situations that seem outside his plan. God’s plan for this girl was being fulfilled through her being a light to the nations. She carried within her the treasure of the gospel. That God is a God for all nations, and has not only the power but the desire to cleanse those not only from leprosy, but from spiritual leprosy, which is sin, even from the non-Jewish nations.

3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

Because of the witness of her life lived in front of Naaman and his wife, they took her words seriously, and acted in faith upon them. Don’t ever underestimate what God might do with our seemingly weak and insignificant tesitimonies about God’s goodness in our life, and our pointing people to him.

God used Naaman to bring victory for Syria (v2). God was the one in control of the rise and fall of nations other than Israel.

4 So Naaman goes in and tells his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria says, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

So he goes, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. That’s 3 tonnes of silver, and 3/4 tonne of gold! 6 And he brings the letter to the king of Israel, which says, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

The faith of the Israelite girl is contrasted with the King of Israel (Jehoram), who doesn’t even think to send Naaman to Elisha, the man of God, but instead panics, and takes it the totally wrong way.

So he goes, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brings the letter to the king of Israel, which reads, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

As I said before, God’s people, led by their king, were meant to bring blessing to the nations, and despite their lack of obedience to this, God brings the nations right to their doorstep to receive that blessing. So what does the king do? Praise be to God, he is using us to be a blessing to the nations. NO! The faith of the Israelite slave girl is sharply contrasted with the King of Israel, who doesn’t even think to send Naaman to the prophet Elisha, but instead panics, and in self-absorption takes it totally the wrong way.

7 And when the king of Israel reads the letter, he tears his clothes and says, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

Well wisdom is often not found among those in positions of great power, but rather with the humble who fear God and not man, as is the case here.

The faith of the Israelite girl is contrasted with the King of Israel (Jehoram), who doesn’t even think to send Naaman to Elisha, the man of God, but instead panics, and takes it the totally wrong way.

When Elisha the man of God hears that the king of Israel has torn his clothes, he sends to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

Elisha gets it. This is an opportunity for us to be a blessing to the nations. This is an opportunity for Naaman and for our enemies to see our loving gracious God in action.

9 So Naaman comes with his horses and chariots and stands at the door of Elisha’s house.

You can sense the anticipation. The excitement that Naaman must be feeling at this point. Will this be the day I’m finally healed? He’s got everything with him. Tonnes of silver, gold and clothing, whatever this prophet’s god might require. He rocks up with his onterage...and there’s no one to meet him. Elisha doesn’t even come to the door to say hello.

Instead he sends his servant out to meet him.

Elisha doesn’t receive Naaman, but sends his servant to meet Naaman. He must understand that Elisha served a greater king than did the syrian general. Naaman was expecting God to act like the gods he’d known. He’d brought plenty of money, so he expected that this would bring on the magic show, waving of hands, calling on God, and healing the leprosy. This may be one reason why Elisha acts this way. He definitely doesn’t treat him as you would a friend. Rather, he’s acting in a way that shows that Naaman that he is not as important as he thinks he is. God will heal him not because of his goodness, his gifts, or his position, but purely because of his grace.

Why?

There’s a couple of things going on here. Firstly, remember as I’ve already said what Naaman had done to the people of Israel and their families. Raids, wars, death and destruction. He was their enemy. Would you be welcoming such a person to your house?

Because of the witness of her life lived in front of Naaman and his wife, they took her words seriously, and acted in faith upon them. Don’t ever underestimate what God might do with our seemingly weak and insignificant tesitimonies about God’s goodness in our life, and our pointing people to him.

But secondly, and more importantly I believe, is what God was wanting to teach Naaman through this action.

See, in order for Naaman to be blessed along with the people of God he must understand what God is like. Naaman was expecting God to act like the gods he’d known. He’d brought plenty of money, so he expected that this would bring on the magic show, waving of hands, calling on God, and healing the leprosy.

But Elisha acts in a way that shows Naaman he’s not as important as he thinks he is. God will heal him, but it’s not going to be because of his gifts, or his position, or because of anything good in him, but purely because of God’s grace.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

So verse 10, Elisha sends a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”

English Standard Version Chapter 5

So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”

Elisha doesn’t receive Naaman, but sends his servant to meet Naaman. He must understand that Elisha served a greater king than did the syrian general. Naaman was expecting God to act like the gods he’d known. He’d brought plenty of money, so he expected that this would bring on the magic show, waving of hands, calling on God, and healing the leprosy. This may be one reason why Elisha acts this way. He definitely doesn’t treat him as you would a friend. Rather, he’s acting in a way that shows that Naaman that he is not as important as he thinks he is. God will heal him not because of his goodness, his gifts, or his position, but purely because of his grace.

Illustration of a big let down???

Well for Naaman this was obviously a huge let down, too much for his pride to swallow, and he loses it; saying, “Behold, I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the disease. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turns and goes away in a rage.

Namaan’s servants are left in that embarrassingly awkward situation, where you’re father is having a hissy fit. But after the dust settles, in a similar way that Elisha rescues the king of Israel from his foolishness, Naaman’s servants rescue him by talking some sense into him.

In a similar way that Elisha rescues the king of Israel from his foolishness, Naaman’s servants rescue him by talking some sense into him.

Naaman loses it, saying, “Behold, I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the disease. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turns and goes away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

13 They catch up to him and say, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Get over your pride Naaman, and realise what’s just happened. He’s actually said that you’ll be clean. This is why we came all this way! This is a great word for you! All you need to do is go and wash in the river. Naaman is humbled and asked to swallow his pride, but he responds wisely.

He goes down, dips himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God.

Again, we need to imagine this for ourselves. In quite a bizarre turn of events, just as I was beginning to preprare for this message a few weeks ago, I was struck with hives from neck to toe. We’ve tried to work out what may have caused it, as it’s never happened to me before. But what I’ve put it down to is God giving me a taste of what Naaman’s life was like before being healed. Continual irritation and restlessness. It’s very hard to think of anything else. Apart from this constant agitation, I looked like a mummy with bandages wrapped all the way up my arms and legs, soaked in calanjula just to get some relief from the itch. Then it seemed almost in an instant at 10am two days later, it left me. I was working at my desk, and realised I wasn’t itching, and when I looked at my skin, it was clean. Ariel will tell you I ran outside crying, I’m healed, I’m healed.

But, as God’s gospel always does, it defies wordly standards, and here is an instance of loving our enemies, as Jesus commands in . When we live this way we imitate him, who while we were his enemies, in love, died for us.

But, as God’s gospel always does, it defies worldly standards, and here is an instance of loving our enemies, as Jesus commands in . When we live this way we imitate him, who while we were his enemies, in love, died for us.

However, what a message of great hope he gave him!

Naaman came up out of that water and and his flesh is restored like the flesh of a little child, and he is clean. HE’S HEALED!

Naaman’s response shows great joy, humility and gratitude.

He returns to the man of God, he and all his company, and they stand before him. And he says, “Behold, I now know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.”

English Standard Version Chapter 5

8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and 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, and you shall be clean.”

Now’s Elisha’s chance to cash in his work, but he refuses to receive anything from Naaman, instead saying; “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And despite Naaman urging him to take it, Elisha refuses.

He now declares God to be the only God. He wants to repay God for what he has done for him, but Elisha refuses to receive anything, showing him a picture of free grace.

16 But Elisha says, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urges him to take it, but Elisha refuses.

Naaman needed to know what a relationship with God is built on. Grace.

And despite Naaman urging him to take it, Elisha refuses.

17 So Naaman says, “If you won’t take anything, please let me ask you for something. Give your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.

This is probably reflecting a belief that the Lord’s land was holy and that he needed some of its soil to build an altar so that he could worship God back in Syria.

But this is quite incredible, remember the context of this chapter in the book of 2 Kings. Israel were God’s people and were meant to be the ones living in gratitude and humility before their God, sharing him with the nations around them, and yet it’s a foreigner, Naaman, who is the one declaring God to be the only God and vowing to worship him alone. Naaman ends up worshipping God, showing himself to be a true servant of God, while the people of God are worshipping false gods, showing themselves to be false servants of God.

Either way, this is quite incredible, remember the context of this chapter in the book of 2 Kings. Israel were God’s people and were meant to be the ones living in gratitude and humility before their God, sharing him with the world around them, and yet it’s a foreigner, Naaman, who is the one declaring God to be the only God and vowing to worship him alone. Naaman ends up worshipping God, showing himself to be a true servant of God, while the people of God are worshipping false gods, showing themselves to be false servants of God.

And we get an insight into the practicalities of conversion back then, and in our own modern day times.

18 In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.”

There’s obviously lots of debate over what God requires of those who convert in places where to do so would mean ostracism from society or potential death. However, this whole passage should make us sensitive to the difficulties of those who try to serve God among people of another faith.

There’s obviously lots of debate over what God requires of those who convert in places where to do so would mean ostracism from society or potential death. The whole passage should make us sensitive to the difficulties of those who try to serve God among people of another faith

Elisha assures him of the forgiveness he seeks, saying to him, “Go in peace.”

19 He saying to him, “Go in peace.”

So what can we learn from God’s dealings with Naaman and with Israel?

3 things:

God is not ethnocentric, he is God over all nations, and God for all nations. God has compassion on all people, no matter who you are. His plan is, and has always been, for people from all nations to know him, to share in a relationship of love and dependence with him, and to enjoy the blessed life with him. The stubborness and disobedience of his people doesn’t stop God getting what he wants to get done, done.

For the original Jewish recipients of this book, this section To show them that God is in control not just of them, but of all nations. This account should move them to repent of their fear of man, and to fear God again. To trust him. To joyfully embrace him again and turn from their stubborn rebelliousness. This needs to move us to the same response. Look around us. The nations that are rising and falling are all in the hands of God. He is in control. So rest. Don’t buy into all the fear that pervades our culture. Trust your loving God and rest in him.

2. God is a God of grace. God’s mercy towards Naaman is undeserved and he makes it clear to Naaman that it can’t be bought. Karma says that he’s leprosy is due to something bad he’s done. And then says he’s healing is because of something good that he’s done. God doesn’t operate according to Karma. We’re not told why Naaman has leprosy. Just like we’re not told on most occasions why we go through suffering. It’s wrong to assume your suffering is always pay back for something bad you’ve done. It can be this, in the case of Israel, where God was using Naaman and the Syrians to discipline them so that they’d repent and find life, but it’s not always the case. God is so much bigger than this simplistic, one size fits all view of suffering. God used Naaman’s physical disease to put him on a journey that led to him coming to know the true God. God used his disease to show him, his family and his nation, and us today, God’s power over sickness, that he is the true God who delights in showing kindness, mercy and grace. Would he have known that if he hadn’t gone through that?

3. God calls you believe his word and act on it, by faith.

What an incredible picture this is of our helplessness in our sin. Sin is incurable to man. No therapy, no intervention within humanity can cleans us. But there is a man of God who can. God himself in human flesh, Jesus Christ.

Naaman’s physical leprosy is an incredible picture of your helplessness in your sin. Sin is incurable to us. No therapy, no intervention within humanity can cleans you. But there is a man of God who can. God himself in human flesh, Jesus Christ.

There was nothing he could do to get rid of it. There’s nothing you can do to get rid of the disease of sin that infects your heart and soul. All of us are born with a spiritual disease that steadily consumes us throughout our life until we’re dead. It’s the reason for the pain and brokenness in our lives and in our world. The question is; is there a cure? The answer to that is an emphatic YES. The follow up question is, do you want the cure? Naaman didn’t know there was a cure, yet he knew he needed a cure. My fear for us in Australia is that we know there’s a cure, but we don’t want it. Or we don’t want it the way it’s being offered.

For Naaman, the idea that washing in the Jordan could cure him from leprosy seemed outrageous. He couldn’t think of anything more ridiculous. For you, the idea that putting your trust and faith in a man executed on a cross almost two thousand years ago can give you a renewed life now, forgiveness from sin, resurrection from the dead and eternal life may seem absurd.

Why didn’t Elisha take anything? So that Naaman could not say, “I have made Israel rich.” Or “My money healed me.” To show him pure, unearned, undeserved grace.

God’s promises always require faith. They always look foolish, improbable, unbelievable, unlikely, impossible. But God’s seemingly foolish commands, when they are believed and obeyed, become the power of God - for Naaman, and for us.

To experience God’s grace, you must humble yourself, realise your own inability, and look to him in your weakness, that you might see his strength. You must abandon pride and pretension. It is God who saves, and he does it his way.

Responding to Jesus and experiencing his healing is both the easiest and hardest thing you’ll ever have to do. God doesn’t ask you to do some great act of heroics to atone for your sin. No, he asks you to go to Jesus and be cleansed.

Like Naaman, for many of us, this is too much for our pride to swallow. We turn around in a rage because we don’t like it. We want it down our way. We want there to be more glory in it for us. We want to be able to give something.

But this is not the way. Why are we baptising Levi and Eli this morning. You may think it an absurd and superstitious religious practice. This is a practice that has been misunderstood and misused for centuries. The simple reason is that washing with water is a symbol of what Jesus did in washing us clean from our disease of sin. As these boys grow up they will remember the sign that was applied to them of God’s grace. That he died, was buried, and was raised to life for their cleansing. And that this was in fulfillment of the promises he made from the very beginning, all along that he would do it this way. It is a very simple, humble thing.

But this is his word for you. Why are we baptising Levi and Eli this morning. You may think it an absurd and superstitious religious practice. The reason is that washing with water is a symbol of what Jesus did in washing us clean from our disease of sin. As these boys grow up they will remember the sign that was applied to them of God’s grace. That he died, was buried, and was raised to life for their cleansing.

Jesus to repent and be baptised, for the cleansing of your sins. God doesn’t promise physical healing in this life, but he does promise spiritual healing from sin, and complete physical healing in the new creation to come. Naaman’s healing is an example to us of what will be true of all of us who suffer from physical illness and are waiting for Jesus return and the new creation to come.

How good it would be if the story ended there, but as reality so often teaches us, human pride balks at God’s free grace.

Wouldn’t it be great if the story ended here. If it was a fairy tale it probably would. But the Bible records events of real people in real places going through real life. And

We read in verse 20 that Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, says, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

We too can not repay God for what he has done for us in cleansing us from our sin. We can not pay God for forgiveness. We cannot offer him anything that would suffice for our cleansing. The cost is our lives. The very cost that Jesus willingly paid for us.

Just as the Israelite girl showed more faith than the King, so too Naaman’s servants show more faith than Naaman.

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha B. A Bath for Naaman (2 Kings 5)

“Wash in the Jordan and be cured of leprosy.” What a preposterous idea! I can’t think of anything more ridiculous!

Well, maybe one thing is more ridiculous—the idea that putting your trust and faith in a man executed on a cross almost two thousand years ago can give you a renewed life now, forgiveness from sin, resurrection from the dead, and eternal life. Now that beats all!

God’s promises always require faith. They always look foolish, improbable, unbelievable, unlikely, impossible. But God’s seemingly foolish commands, when they are believed and obeyed, become the power of God—for Naaman and for us

English Standard Version Chapter 5

11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and 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. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

Just as the Israelite girl showed more faith than the King, so too Naaman’s servants show more faith than Naaman.

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha B. A Bath for Naaman (2 Kings 5)

The problem here is that the God who offers his grace freely also hates pride. To experience his grace, we must humble ourselves, realize our own inabilities, and look to him in our weakness, that we might see his strength. God is no respecter of persons: whether you are a Syrian general, a wealthy American, or the poorest peasant or leper, to know the grace of God, we must abandon our pride and pretension. It is God who saves—not we ourselves

English Standard Version Chapter 5

14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman’s response showed great humility and gratitude. He now declares him to be the only God. He wants to repay God for what he has done for him, but Elisha refuses to receive anything, showing him a picture of free grace. We too can not repay God for what he has done for us in cleansing us from our sin. We can not pay God for forgiveness. We cannot offer him anything that would suffice for our cleansing. The cost is our lives. The very cost that Jesus willingly paid for us.

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha For Further Reflection

In almost all religions, people must work their way to divine favor or earn their place in some heaven. Why is this so appealing to so many people? Why is the cross such an offense to such beliefs?

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha For Further Reflection

How do you suppose Naaman felt about God’s wisdom while he had his leprosy? After he was healed and his pride had been humbled? It is often hard to see God’s wisdom—what he is doing, how he is shaping us—in the middle of adversity. It’s easier to see that in retrospect. Can you think of how this is true in your own life or the lives of others?

English Standard Version Chapter 5

15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD. 18 In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.”

Naaman’s request in verse 18 does not mean that he wished to continue worhsipping Rimmon as well as Yahweh. This would contradict his statements he made in v 15 and 17. His problem was that he was a member of the royal court and as part of their everyday practice, he must go through the motions of worshipping Rimmon.

Another commentator says it would be taken back so that whenever he had to bow ceremoniously to aramean gods with his king, he might in reality be placing his knees in the soil of the true God of Israel.

How good is that? Yahweh being worshipped amongst the nations, considered by Israel to be enemies, but by God to be those in need of grace, just like Israel were.

Naaman’s request in verse 18 does not mean that he wished to continue worhsipping Rimmon as well as Yahweh. This would contradict his statements he made in v 15 and 17. His problem was that he was a member of the royal court and as part of their everyday practice, he must go through the motions of worshipping Rimmon.

So he goes and through a nicely made up story, extracts a nice amount of money from Naaman. And in verse 25 we read he comes in and stands before his master, thinking that Elisha is none the wiser, only to hear what would have felt like Elisha’s chilling words, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he says, “I haven’t been anywhere.”

Tip: Never try and trick a prophet. Not a good idea!

26 But Elisha says to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he goes out from his presence a leper, like snow.

25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

This chapter begins with a leper and ends with a leper. In the end God’s enemy experiences his grace, and one of his own people experiences his judgement.

How do you suppose Naaman felt about God’s wisdom while he had his leprosy? After he was healed and his pride had been humbled? It is often hard to see God’s wisdom—what he is doing, how he is shaping us—in the middle of adversity. It’s easier to see that in retrospect. Can you think of how this is true in your own life or the lives of others?

How good it would be if the story ended there, but as reality so often teaches us, human pride baulks at God’s free grace.

Gehazi tragically gives into temptation to seek material gain for what God had done. This is a warning for any of us who have slipped into the thinking that we’re in God’s family by anything except grace. Elisha makes it clear, and by inference Gahazi should have also been clear, that this occasion was not a time to be accepting such gifts. It was a time to show the mercy and kindness of Yahweh to the nations, which Naaman represented.

Gehazi tragically gives into temptation to seek material gain for what God had done. This is a warning for any of you who have fallen into greed, and who would serve God in order to prey on the good will of others for your own personal gain.

Gehazi tragically gives into temptation to seek material gain for what God had done. After all, Naaman brought over 3 tonns of silver, 64 kilograms of gold, and lots of nice clothes. Couldn’t they at least get something for their service to the Lord.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’ ” 23 And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 24 And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed.

Gehazi tragically gives into temptation to seek material gain for what God had done. This is a warning for any of us who have slipped into the thinking that we’re in God’s family by anything except grace. Elisha makes it clear, and by inference Gahazi should have also been clear, that this occasion was not a time to be accepting such gifts. It was a time to show the mercy and kindness of Yahweh to the nations, which Naaman represented.

The temptations of riches and status and glory obviously don’t go away when in God’s service. Rather, people in these positions are often tempted more to abuse their status and take advantage of others.

But the point Elisha makes is clear, and by inference Gahazi should have alse been clear, that this occasion was not a time to be accepting such gifts. It was a time to show the mercy and kindness of Yahweh to the nations, which Naaman represented.

But the point Elisha makes is clear, and by inference Gahazi should have also been clear, that this occasion was not a time to be accepting such gifts. It was a time to show the mercy and kindness of Yahweh to the nations, which Naaman represented.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. .

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016), .

The temptations of riches and status and glory obviously don’t go away when in God’s service. Rather, people in these positions are often tempted more to abuse their status and take advantage of others.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

Gotta hate that question, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” Like a parent obviously knowing full well what their child has been up to, but asking in this way to see if the child will tell the truth or seek to deceive with a lie. Gehazi chooses the second option, with a classic answer, “Your servant went nowhere.” “I haven’t been anywhere mum.” “I haven’t done anything dad.”

Jesus compared his ministry to that of Elisha. He came to bring salvation and cleansing to the Gentiles, just like Elisha did with Naaman.

Never try and trick a prophet. Not a good idea!

Gehazi was trying to put a price on the goodness of God.

Jesus compared his ministry to that of Elisha. He came to bring salvation and cleansing to the Gentiles, just like Elisha did with Naaman.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha B. A Bath for Naaman (2 Kings 5)

“There were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian” (Luke 4:27)

This is the irony. God’s grace and his salvation are so often experienced by those least likely, and it is resisted by those who would seem most likely to receive it.

God is the God of all nations, not just Israel, and he offer’s his saving grace to all those who recognise their sin problem, who seek out God’s healing, and who respond to Jesus in trust, coming to him for the washing they need.

They responded to this statement by trying to kill Jesus. Don’t tell us God loves the nations more than us. They’re the enemies. We want God to destroy them, not save and heal them.

How are we doing with this today? Do we truly pray for our enemies. Desire their wellbeing and for God to bring good into their lives? If we are we’re following in the spirit of Gehazi and those from Jesus hometown of Nazareth, not following in the spirit of Christ.

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha B. A Bath for Naaman (2 Kings 5)

“Wash in the Jordan and be cured of leprosy.” What a preposterous idea! I can’t think of anything more ridiculous!

Well, maybe one thing is more ridiculous—the idea that putting your trust and faith in a man executed on a cross almost two thousand years ago can give you a renewed life now, forgiveness from sin, resurrection from the dead, and eternal life. Now that beats all!

God’s promises always require faith. They always look foolish, improbable, unbelievable, unlikely, impossible. But God’s seemingly foolish commands, when they are believed and obeyed, become the power of God—for Naaman and for us

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha For Further Reflection

In almost all religions, people must work their way to divine favor or earn their place in some heaven. Why is this so appealing to so many people? Why is the cross such an offense to such beliefs?

Faith in the Face of Apostasy: The Gospel according to Elijah & Elisha For Further Reflection

How do you suppose Naaman felt about God’s wisdom while he had his leprosy? After he was healed and his pride had been humbled? It is often hard to see God’s wisdom—what he is doing, how he is shaping us—in the middle of adversity. It’s easier to see that in retrospect. Can you think of how this is true in your own life or the lives of others?