Today's lesson comes from 2 Kings 5: 1-14. Naaman was a commander of the Syrian army. Apparently, he was a very good commander and was held in favor because of the victory God had brought him. However, he was a leper. This was a very serious disease in Bible days that had social and cultural ramifications, usually requiring some degree of isolation. Although that isolation was greater in Israel than Syria, some did still exist. Naaman's wife had a servant girl from Israel who said there was a prophet (Elisha) in Israel that could heal him. The4 king of Syria provides Naaman a letter and tells him to go to Israel. The king of Israel didn't know what to do and tore his clothes. Elisha isn't afraid and says let Naaman come to him. There are some testimonies from different individuals in this section:
1. The servant girl: she was bold in her faith and testimony. She believed in God's power through the prophet.
2. King Jehoram, the king of Israel, he panicked and lacked contact with the God of Israel.
3. Elisha: he wisely dealt with Naaman's pride.
4. Naaman: was ultimately obedient and was cleansed and a new man.
The first section is "Naaman, a Leper." vv. 1-7 Syria, once a powerful nation, had been weakened by defeats at the hands of Ahab and the Assyrians. Naaman was a commander in the Syrian army, and a truly great man in Damascus. Although Naaman was respected, his leprosy made his life dreadful. In Israel, the leper was forced to live outside the city and not allowed to mingle with the general public. These laws were not in force in Syria. Naaman, nevertheless, felt his leprosy to be a terrible misfortune, which is apparent from the pains and expense he went to in order to have it cured.
The Syrians had gone out in marauding parties and brought back some captives. A young maiden became Naaman wife's slave. This slave girl showed great faith that the prophet of God could heal the leprosy of her master. She was not ashamed to give her testimony of her faith in the God of Israel. Without her words, Naaman would have remained a leper. Someone told the king about what the maid had said. The king responded quickly and told Naaman to go quickly. The king sent a letter to the king of Israel King Jehoram. The king of Israel tore his clothes no doubt to misunderstanding the king of Syria's intent in writing him. King Jehoram so far misunderstood the letter that he thought he was being asked to cure Naaman, and that the King of Syria was seeking a quarrel--an excuse to invade his country.
Summary of this section: One should never be afraid to testify for our Lord Jesus Christ as it may draw others to Him.
The second section is "Naaman Instructed." vv. 8-12 Naaman appears at the home of Elisha. Naaman was expecting Elisha to come meet him personally and no doubt recognize his greatness. Instead, Elisha sends out his servant who instructs Naaman to "Go and wash in the Jordan."There was no natural cure for leprosy in the Jordan River. This was a test of faith and obedience for Naaman. Naaman was not happy. He no doubt felt disrespected and he saw no benefit in washing in the Jordan River as the streams of Damascus were cleaner than the Jordan. So many when they hear the gospel message refuse its simplicity and look for another way to obtain God's favor. God will have it His way or no way. God's way is not to be despised because it is simple. This section ends with Naaman leaving in a rage.
Summary of the section: God's way is not complicated, it is simple.
The third section is "Naaman Healed." vv. 13-16 Fortunately for Naaman, he had servants who had more sense than he. They said, if the prophet had asked you to do some great thing, something difficult, would you not have done it? Naaman thinks it over and goes to the Jordan River and dips himself seven times. After the seventh dip, he was healed. Not only was he healed, he was changed. Naaman returns to Elisha and "stood before" him, instead of expecting the prophet to come and stand before him. Naaman now is grateful and offers Elisha a gift. Elisha refuses the gift. Noteworthy, this is the only miracle Elisha performs on a heathen. Naaman's cure was the result of his meeting the conditions of the word of the Lord, and is a standing type of salvation from sin in the gospel way. God's plan for salvation and sanctification is open to all who will meet His conditions and terms. God desires all to repent and be saved. That is a message for the church today. You can be a heathen like Naaman or someone raised in the church, the gospel message is the same.
Summary of the section: God's salvation is open to all that meet His conditions.
The Golden Text is "Wash me, and I shall be whiter then snow." (Psalm 51:7) The psalmist is ready to submit to any discipline to become clean. The word "wash" means to knead or beat the filth out, not a simple rinsing. Are you ready to submit to God's cleansing? Are you ready to repent and surrender all? Will you consecrate all and allow Him to cleanse your carnal heart? If so, His way is simple and not complicated.
Next week's lesson is "The Famine in Samaria." 2 Kings 7: 1-17.
Remember to read the Sunday School Beacon for encouragement and inspiration.
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