0823. Naaman

Naaman

"Then he went down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean" (2Ki_5:14).

We wish to discover from the Word of God three things concerning Naaman, the captain of the host of Syria. These three things will come under the general theme and key verse of the whole lesson. As we study, let us remember that he that exalteth himself, shall be abased, but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

1. Naaman's pride. Naaman was a great man with his master, and he was honorable. He was also a mighty man of valor. As captain of the host of Syria, he had proven himself a victorious leader. We grant that all of this might be true, without Naaman's being overwhelmed with pride.

However, the very method of approach as Naaman came to Elisha manifested his proud spirit. He came with his horses and with his chariots and stood at the door of Elisha. He came saying within himself, "The Prophet will surely come out unto me and wave his hands over the place and recover the leper."

The Prophet, however, refused even to see Naaman. He sent Gehazi out saying, "Go and wash in Jordan seven times."

The pride of Naaman is seen again in his sarcastic reference to the muddy waters of the Jordan.

Naaman's servants knew of his pride for they said unto him, "My father, if the Prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?"

2. Naaman's humiliation. "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan." This was indeed a perfection of humility because it was "seven times." Naaman had to learn that the only way to get up is to get down; that the way to live is to die; that the way to be exalted is to be abased.

If the sinner wants to get to God, he must humble himself. God's choicest fruit never hangs on the high limbs. It hangs low; it can be plucked easier from one's knees than from his feet.

3. Naaman exalted. After the captain of Syria's hosts had dipped himself–had gone down seven times into the Jordan, the Lord healed him, and his flesh became again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

No wonder that Naaman magnified the God of Israel, no wonder he said, "There is no god in all the earth like unto Him."

He who wants God's blessing must be willing to lie low in humility before the Lord.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR