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Naaman: 2 Kings 4-5
Naaman was captain of the army of Aram. He was considered to be a great man, highly respected, “because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram.” He was valiant. But he had the terrible disease of leprousy.
A girl from Israel had been taken captive, and she served served Naaman’s wife. She told his wife about Elishah in Samaria. Arrangements were made for Naaman to go to Elishah. When he arrived, Elishah sent a messenger instructing him to go wash (dip) in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed. This angered Naaman, for he thought more would be made of the situation. As he was leaving, one of his servants spoke to him about it, reminding him that it is not that difficult to do. So Naaman did was Elishah said, and he was healed.
Naaman’s response was that he recognized that “there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.” The miracle produced its desired effect. Naaman first had to overcome his own thoughts to submit to God’s. This is an important lesson for all of us today.
Naaman’s situation was much like ours spiritually. Our sin needs to be purged, but it will not happen by what we may think. We may think that there should be some great ceremony to mark our spiritual healing from sin (salvation), but this is not what God has prescribed. Elishah’s instructions were simple: go wash in the Jordan. Likewise, God’s instructions to us are simple: repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). The action is simple. It’s our will that sometimes stands in the way. Naaman had to overcome his own pride before he was healed. It is the same for us today.
Once again, God’s power was clearly demonstrated in the events surrounding Naaman.
Discussion
1. Why was Naaman important to his people?
2. Who told him about Elishah? Why was this person in Naaman’s house?
3. Why was Naaman angry over the instructions Elijah gave him? What did he expect? How did he respond?
4. How was Naaman finally healed? How does this compare to our situation today?