Learning From Naaman''s Mistakes

I. Introduced to Naaman (v. 1-7)

A. Powerful, honorable… a pretty impressive guy

1. Commander of the army of the king of Syria; great and honorable in the eyes of his master; victorious in battle, a mighty man of valor… but he was a leper.

2. Naaman heard about God and healing by the ‘prophet in Samaria’ from a young servant girl who had been kidnapped from Israel and was serving Naaman’s wife.

3. Naaman asked and got the OK from the king of Syria to go to Israel. He took a letter from the king to Jehoram, king of Israel including lots of ‘stuff’ (gold, silver, clothing).

4. The king of Israel did not respond well, being directed to heal his servant Naaman by the king.

II. Elisha Willingly Responded (v. 8–10)

A. Elisha heard about the king being upset and told him, ‘Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." (v.8)

1. Naaman went to Elisha’s house, with his horses and chariot.

2. Elisha sent a messenger to tell Naaman, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”

3. Naaman became furious… started talking to himself… and went away in a rage. (v.11-12)

B. So what’s the problem? He was seeking healing and was given a pathway to receive it. (v.11-12)

1. There was evidently more on Naaman’s agenda than being healed; by his discussion with himself we see that he had predetermined how he thought Elisha should pray for and heal him, and, if he had to get wet, he wasn’t too fond of the Jordan River, much preferring rivers in Damascus.

2. 'He will surely come out to me, …and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, …and wave his hand over the place, …and heal the leprosy.

3. Naaman didn’t like: (we want god on our terms)

a. God’s messenger – he expected Elisha to come personally, not send a messenger

b. God’s method – he expected some kind of ‘ceremony’

c. God’s message – he didn’t expect to have to ‘wash in the Jordan, seven times.

C. The servant’s advice (v. 13) (speaking the truth in love; a blessing)

1. You would have done something great, why not something simple?

2. Naaman seemed to have lost sight of why he went to Elisha in the first place.

D. Turning Point (v.14)

1. He did what Elisha had directed… he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (v.14)

2. The turning point came as he humbled himself and became obedient to God’s way, and was healed.

3. He then returned to Elisha and, in front of all his aides, gave glory to God. (v.15)

E. Eisha would not receive any gift or payment from Naaman. (v.17)

III. ‘God Lessons’ from this story

A. There is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11)

1. Naaman wished to be treated like a great man that happened to be a leper; Elisha treated him like a leper that happened to be a great man.

B. God’s interest is the healing not the promotion of the one who prays.

1. Elisha sent a messenger: Elisha desired to conceal himself and make God’s power prominent.

C. God’s healing requires nothing from you, but to receive it.

1. You don’t need to do anything – Just wash.

2. Naaman’s cleansing was only a test of his obedience, and proof that it was God who cleansed him.