1167. Deliverance and Its Aftermath

Deliverance and Its Aftermath

"Then went he 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).

It is just here that we love to dwell. As long as Naaman's leprosy was upon him, he was a castaway; he could no longer have his old-time fellowship with the king; his home life was marred; his place in service was gone. But as Naaman comes up from the Jordan and is proclaimed clean–what then? Then we have something that rejoices the heart.

As long as David was living under the shadow of his sin; as long as his sin was unconfessed and his iniquity uncleansed, he had no fellowship with God, he had no power with men–his testimony was gone. But when David confessed his sin, and was washed thoroughly from his iniquity–what then? Then there was victory.

1. There was a new strength. Naaman's blood coursed with delicious coolness through his veins. He felt the body so depleted by the ravages of leprosy, re-invigorated. He was fit for the fray. He was ready for the conflict. He walked on the winds. Now he could run and not faint.

When in sin, the children of Israel hung their harps on the willow trees. They lost their vigor for their glory songs. Sin saps the strength of saints. We cannot pray, we cannot testify, we cannot serve.

When the sin was gone, the harps came back; the fingers renewed their cunning on the strings; while voices filled the air with praise.

When David's sin was gone, his lips were loosed. He could pray and he could praise and he could tell sinners of the Saviour and of saving grace.

2. There was a new worship. Naaman now could get to God. The veil that held him back was rent. The way was opened to the throne.

The sinning saint sometimes thinks that God has cast him off. He thinks that he is lost. His heart is so sad, so dreary, so forlorn. Poor Peter! He cursed and swore and then he went out and wept bitterly. He thought he had forever broken connections with the Lord.

But this was not true. Sin hides the Saviour's face, but sin does not sever from the Saviour's grace. Sin affects fellowship, but sin does not sever son-ship.

How Peter's heart was stirred by the words of Christ to the women: "Go, tell My disciples and Peter." Peter, too? "Yes." The man who cursed and swore and said "I know Him not"? "Yes, Peter, too."

Then, What?–WORSHIP! PRAISE! Naaman, David, Peter, all of us when healed from leprosy fall down and worship at His feet.

3. There was a new fellowship. (1) Naaman healed, Naaman restored to a place at the king's side. The king could now embrace the man who possibly had often led his armies in victory. He could rejoice in having him standing at his side.

Here is the chief joy of restoration. Back to God! Back to the place of fellowship!

(2) Naaman healed, was Naaman restored to the embraces of his wife and family. The cloud that hovered over the home was gone. The shadow that spoiled the joy had passed away. It was Naaman cleansed who could enter his home with abounding joy. It was Naaman cleansed who could be received with a happiness akin to glory.

(3) Naaman healed, was Naaman restored to service. Now again the general-in-chief could lead his armies on their march. They would gladly follow one so true, so clean, so free from shame.

Bless God for the healing of Naaman! Bless God for the healing of any and of every sinning saint!

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR