Power and Fame, 2 Kings 5

This post covers the experiences of Naaman, a Syrian general with power and fame.

Power and Fame as a post discusses how Naaman felt and what he needed to do to obtain a cure of his leprosy. God blessed Naaman so that Syria ruled the world during the latter days of Elisha, the prophet of God, 2 Kings 5:1. “Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.”

This powerful man had an incurable disease.

A servant girl from Israel mentioned that Elisha in Samaria could cure Naaman’s leprosy.

So, the Syrian king sent Naaman to the king of Israel. However, he could not cure Naaman. But Elisha sent a message to the king to send Naaman to him and he would show him a prophet in Israel.

However, when Naaman came to his door, Elisha was unimpressed. He sent out a message that Naaman should wash in the Jordan seven times to get rid of the leprosy.

So, Naaman was incensed, 2 Kings 5:11. “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.”

Thus, Naaman’s thoughts centered upon himself. As a famous and powerful general, he felt he deserved some great attention and ceremony by Elisha. But the prophet did not even come out to see him. So, in anger Naaman left.

But his servants convinced him to do what the prophet advised and after dipping seven times in the Jordan, he came up cleansed.

This situation parallels the attitude of many today to the commands of God. For example, they cannot see how being immersed in water will help get sins forgiven. But Peter explained to repentant believers, Acts 2:38. “Repent and …baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,”

Let us not become like Naaman and think our importance precludes obedience.

So, what did we learn?

1.Naaman had to obey.

2.We must do the same.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#NaamanLeprosy #CuredByObedience #WeMustObeyFreeSin