The high-ranking military officer had a problem. This man of power, influence, and respect had a humiliating condition that could not be solved. He had a dreaded skin disease called leprosy.
The details concerning this man Naaman and his problem are recorded in 2 Kings 5. A young Jewish slave girl, familiar with the mighty deeds of God through the prophet Elisha, speaks to Naaman's wife of the possibility of a cure (2 Kings 5.3). In short order, Naaman speaks with his superiors, and his king drafts a letter to be delivered to Israel's king. Apparently unfamiliar with Elisha, the Israeli king is deeply disturbed and fears that this letter is prelude to a military conflict. Word reaches Elisha; Naaman is invited to Elisha's house; the stage is set for supernatural help. Ah, but things don't go as anticipated. Elisha delivers a message by a servant as to the divinely-prescribed cure (verses 9-10), and the mighty military man, Naaman, is outraged. Eventually counseled to do as prescribed, a miraculous cure is appropriated, and this mighty military man is absolutely convinced of the reality of the One true God.
Lessons and applications abound from this ancient story. Naaman's leprous skin condition well represents the problem we all have with sin. Dipping in the river Jordan represents baptism. The miraculous restoration of his skin to "the flesh of a little child" (verse 14) is a type of new birth through baptism.
Perhaps the most basic lesson, however, is that of simple obedience to that which our Father commands. Naaman's servants understood what Naaman did not: Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, "My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (2 Kings 5.13) What God calls for us to do is generally basic and simple. He wants child-like obedience; something offensive to our sophisticated adult mentality.
The Bible contains plenty to challenge the deepest of scholars in their study. But, it contains the simplest of commands that are to be readily received and unquestionably obeyed. The task before us is to respond in love to the Father who loves us, and follow in simple faith.
What is He calling you to obey and do this day? In humility and faithfulness, respond to Him Whose plan and directive will ultimately work best.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
The details concerning this man Naaman and his problem are recorded in 2 Kings 5. A young Jewish slave girl, familiar with the mighty deeds of God through the prophet Elisha, speaks to Naaman's wife of the possibility of a cure (2 Kings 5.3). In short order, Naaman speaks with his superiors, and his king drafts a letter to be delivered to Israel's king. Apparently unfamiliar with Elisha, the Israeli king is deeply disturbed and fears that this letter is prelude to a military conflict. Word reaches Elisha; Naaman is invited to Elisha's house; the stage is set for supernatural help. Ah, but things don't go as anticipated. Elisha delivers a message by a servant as to the divinely-prescribed cure (verses 9-10), and the mighty military man, Naaman, is outraged. Eventually counseled to do as prescribed, a miraculous cure is appropriated, and this mighty military man is absolutely convinced of the reality of the One true God.
Lessons and applications abound from this ancient story. Naaman's leprous skin condition well represents the problem we all have with sin. Dipping in the river Jordan represents baptism. The miraculous restoration of his skin to "the flesh of a little child" (verse 14) is a type of new birth through baptism.
Perhaps the most basic lesson, however, is that of simple obedience to that which our Father commands. Naaman's servants understood what Naaman did not: Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, "My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (2 Kings 5.13) What God calls for us to do is generally basic and simple. He wants child-like obedience; something offensive to our sophisticated adult mentality.
The Bible contains plenty to challenge the deepest of scholars in their study. But, it contains the simplest of commands that are to be readily received and unquestionably obeyed. The task before us is to respond in love to the Father who loves us, and follow in simple faith.
What is He calling you to obey and do this day? In humility and faithfulness, respond to Him Whose plan and directive will ultimately work best.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:07 AM
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