Naaman the general

• The successful achiever – can we identify with him ?
  • “a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier” (2 Kings 5v1)
• But he had leprosy – do we have problems, burdens we’re carrying ?
  • The captive slave suggests an answer
  • The achiever leaps into action – do we think we can solve our own problems ?
• He has expectations – that he’ll be shown respect, honour, be appreciated. Do we feel “we’re worth it”, as the advert claims?
  • “I thought he’d surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy” (v.11)
• He is proud – when he feels slighted he sulks. Do we react similarly?
  • “Are not… the rivers of Damascus better than any of the waters of Israel?” (v.12)

Elisha the prophet

• The forgotten representative of God – the king doesn’t think to call for his help. Do we feel neglected & unappreciated?
  • “Why have you torn your robes? Make the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2 Kings 5v8)
• He has expectations – that God will answer his prayer ; that Naaman will swallow his pride and obey God ; that he can remain himself in the background. What are we expecting of God and others? What are we hoping for ourselves?
  • “Go, and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” (v.10)
• He is proud of and for God – he won’t let Naaman give him gifts and so discharge his debt to God. Are w aware of how much God has done for us?
  • “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” (v.16)

God

• God alone is God – do we really believe this ?
  • “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” (2 Kings 5v15)
• God has expectations – what does he expect from us today?
  • “your servant will never again make burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god but the Lord” (v.17)
• God is merciful – have we realised this, and received his mercy ?
  • Naaman is healed despite being Israel’s enemy.
• God is gracious & understanding – do we see God in this way ?
  • “when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” (v.18)
  • “Go in peace,” said Elijah.” (v.19)

Ourselves

• Are we… Achievers? God’s representatives? Proud of God?
  • Who or what is god in our lives?
• What are our expectations of God in our daily life?
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3v5-6)
• Are we merciful in our dealings with others ?
  • “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5v7)
• Are we gracious & understanding to those we encounter day by day ?
  • “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3v17-18)