7-24-2020

In the book of II Kings we find in chapter 5 the story of a man named Naaman. The Bible tells us that Naaman was a great man, especially in the eyes of his king, a man of honor and a man the Lord had used to give deliverance to Syria. It also tells us that Naaman was a man of great valor (bravery, heroism, boldness, lionhearted). This outstanding man, that any king would want in a position of leadership, had one really challenging problem “he was a leper”. This problem would eventually take Naaman out of the picture and bring him to a life of separation and he would be considered ‘unclean’.

With all Naaman had going for him this seemed totally unfair and absolutely an inconvenience ( troublesomeness, untimeliness, hassle, aggravation) for his role as a leader. A Jewish girl, who was a maid for Naaman’s wife, said that she wished that Naaman could visit with a prophet by the mane of Elisha. The story goes on that the King of Syria sent a letter, and a handsome financial gift, to the King of Israel for the healing of Naaman. The King of Israel was so overwhelmed by this request that he rent his clothing knowing he couldn’t heal Naaman of his leprosy. 

When Elisha heard of the dismay of the King he sent word to have Naaman come to see him. Naaman arrived at the house of Elisha, with much pomp, but Elisha sent a messenger out to tell this great man that he was to go to the river Jordan and immerse himself seven times and he would be healed. Naaman was very upset by the word of the preacher because he thought the preacher would come out personally and stand before him calling on his God to heal him and it would all be over.

To Naaman this was all so unnecessary and a source of great inconvenience for him personally. After all there are two beautiful rivers back home that I could have gone to without having to visit the muddy, unattractive, Jordan River. Naaman left in a rage but one of his servants called on his valour and told him if the preacher had asked you to do something great you would have immediately obeyed. So Naaman humbled himself, and obeyed the message from God, through the prophet Elisha, went down to the Jordan River dipped himself seven times and his skin became as clean as a child. Naaman’s testimony became there is no God like the God of Israel!

Obeying God is not always ‘convenient’ (handy, well-situated, expedient) but it is always the right choice. I understand those who have health issue practicing safety during this time and being careful about getting out around crowds. For those who find social distancing, no hand shaking, and the wearing of a mask, an inconvenience they will not tolerate may I ask you to read Hebrews 10:24-25.

SEE YOU SOON I HOPE – BRO. ED


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