2 Kings 5:1-19

Introduction: This story seems simple, but there are many complex factors woven into the story which make it intriguing. There is suspense, action, doubt, belief, anger, an unwavering prophet, a haughty commander, and a faithful servant girl. This makes for good spiritual reading.

1. Naaman Healed of Leprosy
   1. Let's Examine the Human Side Of This Miracle.
      1. Naaman was commander of the Army of Aram. 2 Kings 5:1
         1. He was a great commander and highly regarded, something like a General Douglas MacArthur of Pacific fame in World War 2.
         2. But there was one problem: He had leprosy.
      2. Many times God uses humans to bring about miracles.
         1. Verse 2, 3, "Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."
         2. When desperate, it is easy to receive advice to make a spiritual pilgrimage. So Naaman received permission and blessing from the King of Aram to go to the prophet.
         3. The King of Israel had great consternation when Naaman arrived. He fully understood his own frailty and inability to do the miraculous.

            How do you feel when someone comes to you and ask you to pray for them as they fully expect you to heal them?

         4. Verse 8, When Elisha the man of God heard that the King of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel."
         5. Might does not accomplish the spiritual.
         6. Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Naaman was prepared to buy the gift of God. He had about $20,000 US in silver, and $60,000 US in gold, plus ten sets of beautiful clothing. Naaman wanted to do God's work his way by pay-offs.
   2. Examine God's Side of this Miracle.
      1. When Naaman arrived Elisha did not open his door, but sent him a message.

         2 Kings 5:10, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be cleansed."

      2. Many times God want to show us that he is all powerful and we are helpess outside of his advice. Naaman had a temper, and was frustrated at the stupid advice of this so-called prophet. So Naaman went away angry. He thought there would be a great show of pomp and ceremony, and an earth shaking prayer. Why, even he, Naaman could choose better rivers than this river Jordon.
      3. Sometimes God speaks trough people of very low status. Here it was the servants of Naaman's. Verse 13, "Naaman’s servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed!'
      4. Fortunately Naaman humbled himself. The results were a miraculous healing. Verse 14, "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy."
      5. God's servants are not paid to do the miraculous. Verse 15b and 16, "Now I know that there is no God in the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant."
         1. Notice the turn around. Naaman changed from the haughty Army commander to Elisha's servant. What a great change of heart a miracle can bring.
         2. Verse 16, "The prophet answered, 'As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.' And even though Naaman urged him, he refused."
      6. Deception and sin do not go unnoticed by God.
         1. Gehazi the servant traded deception for a life time curse of leprosy. Verses 21-27. Notice the sins here: secretiveness, lying, deception, (he hid the items in his house.) more lying.
         2. Today the spirit of the Pastors are with you more than you realize.
   3. Lessons To Be Learned!
      1. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
      2. Humility has to conquer pride.
      3. Sin looks so inviting, but includes a possible lifetime curse.
      4. Sin is easily forgiven, but the results sometimes last a lifetime.
      5. No matter how high up you are in the "World's System", the fall to the bottom can come quickly.
      6. Be willing to accept advice from the lowest person when they reveal the Will of God to you.
      7. This story is a great lesson in cross-cultural relationships. Not only was God's mouthpiece a woman, but she was an Israelite servant speaking to a person of another nation, Aram.