177. 2KI 5:1, &C. THE HISTORY OF NAAMAN

2Ki_5:1, &c. The History of Naaman

"Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria; he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper," &c.’972Ki_5:1, &c.

Let us endeavor to make this very interesting narrative instructive and useful, by founding a series of observations upon it. We notice, that,

I. Riches and Dignities do not exempt Men from the Calamities of Life.

Naaman was great, honorable, and a man of valor. Yet he was a leper. All men, whether rich or poor, are liable to the afflictions and troubles of the present life. None too high or great. None too low or insignificant.

II. The most important Events oftentimes arise from apparently insignificant Causes.

Here we see Naaman afflicted with a loathsome and distressing disease. Yet a simple event occurs which forms the first link of the providential chain which terminates in his recovery. How often have we heard of a tract being made the instrument of leading the thoughtless to repentance! A word in some sermon is often as a nail in a sure place, fastened by the Master of assemblies. The counsel of a friend may have been instrumental in leading to seriousness and prayer. The Assyrians had taken captive a little Israelitish maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. The taking of this little maid captive, laid the foundation of those events which led to Naaman’s cure.

III. How necessary that Young Persons should be acquainted with the Truths of Religion.

This little maid was evidently well acquainted with the religion of her country. She knew enough of Elisha the prophet, to convince her that he could recover her master of his leprosy, ver. 3. Had she been an ignorant, uninstructed girl, she might have lived and died in Naaman’s house without being of any particular service to her master.

(1) Young persons should be religiously instructed, that they may be preserved from error and seduction, in case of being placed among ungodly strangers. And,

(2) That they may also be useful in diffusing religious information in every sphere where Divine Providence may place them.

IV. Religion makes its Possessors Blessings wherever they dwell.

What a blessing to Naaman was this little maid! So was Jacob to Laban. So Joseph to Potiphar in the prison; and in the palace and kingdom of Egypt. The house of Obed-Edom was blessed for the ark’s sake. "Ye are the lights," &c. "Salt," &c.

V. Instruction should not be despised, though communicated by our Inferiors.

Had Naaman done so, he would have lived and died a leper. God caused an ass to teach the mad prophet. He sent his people to be taught by the ox and the ass. "The ox knoweth its owner," &c. The sluggard is referred to the ant, &c. The anxious to the fowls and to the lilies. Every thing which surrounds us is replete with useful and important information.

VI. Knowledge is only useful when reduced to practice.

Had Naaman heard, and not obeyed, the suggestion of the maid in reference to the prophet, he would still have remained a leper. But he acted upon the information, and thus the knowledge became to him sound and invaluable wisdom. So it is not by the possession of knowledge on any subject that we are benefited, but by laying it out, and giving it a practical bearing upon our own experience. It is to know God and Jesus Christ experimentally, that is life eternal.

VII. We often apply to wrong Sources for Relief in Trouble.

Naaman applied to the king of Israel instead of the prophet, to whom he had been directed. How many, in like manner go to the world instead of the church! To the creature, instead of the Creator. To the ordinance, instead of through it to the Saviour. Every word of God is pure, and we should be careful to know and obey its most minute directions, as well as to regard its general instructions.

VIII. The Ministers of God are appointed to show unto Men the Way of Salvation.

When Naaman was about to return home disappointed, and a leper still, Elisha sent for him, and communicated the tidings whereby he might be healed. This is the express business of the servants of Christ. To direct sinners to the fountain opened. To point them to the Lamb of God, &c.

"’Tis all their business here below,

To cry, ‘Behold the Lamb!’"

How solemn, sacred, and responsible the office!

Autor: JABEZ BURNS