Learning Lessons From Naaman The Leper (#5)

Jarrod Jacobs

            As we study about Naaman in II Kings 5:1-14, we have learned that the key to Naaman’s cleansing was the young Israelite slave girl who told Naaman’s wife about Elisha. We also learned that it was not money that would cleanse Naaman, nor was he cleansed of his leprosy when he went to the king rather than Elisha. We learned that Naaman would “know there is a prophet in Israel” after Elisha told him what to do to be cleansed. What was Naaman told to do? He was told, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times ... and you shall be clean” (II Kings 5:10).

            Unfortunately, Naaman responded in anger (v. 11, 12). He was angry because this was not what he wanted to do. Naaman said, “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.” Further, Naaman tried to offer a substitution to God’s commands saying, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” (v. 12). Regardless of Naaman’s responses, God’s command still stood: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times ... and you shall be clean”.

            Man’s response to God’s word has not changed. When men don’t like what God has said, they will get mad (many times at the preacher!); they will try to follow their assumption, or offer a substitution. This happens often -- just look at the religious division today! This is the result of men not wanting to accept God’s word. Rather than becoming mad, following assumptions, or substituting our will for God’s, let us simply do as God says. In so doing, we will be accepted with Him (Acts 10:34-35).

What Is Your View Of Sin?

            In a world of “relativism” and in a society where folks are discouraged from having standards of morality, it is hard to find people with a clear view of the dangers of sin and wickedness. Some seem to consider sin foolishness, or even some type of myth. This is not the case. Actually, “fools mock at sin” (Prov.14:9). It is sin which separates us from a relationship with God (Isa. 59:1-2). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). What is sin? It is the breaking of God’s law, whether by going beyond, or falling short of what He has said (I Jn. 3:4, 5:17; Jas. 4:17). It results in our death (Jas. 1:14-15). Yes friends, sin is a serious thing

            Yet, thousands died because they considered sin as nothing! Despite the pleading of Jeremiah, the Jews refused to walk in “the old paths” (Jer. 6:16). In the face of Ezekiel, they were hard-hearted and impudent as he pled with them to return (Ezek. 3:7). Others such as Elijah and Elisha, Hosea and Micah, Samuel and Malachi, as well as scores of others, both named and unnamed, (but all known to God) continued preaching God’s word for the purpose of getting people to repent of their sins. Some saw success (Jonah, Oded, etc.); while others died for preaching God’s will, and standing opposed to what the sinful people were doing (Heb. 11:37).

            Therefore, we today have a choice. Will we consider sin as nothing, or will we stand with the Lord? The world will hate us for being God’s friend (Jn. 15:19-20), but God will reward us for standing up to sin and error and being His friend. Which will it be? Will we choose to follow God or Satan? Choose wisely. Your soul depends on it!