The Healing Of Naaman: His Healing
2 Kings 5:13-19
Introduction:
For a few weeks now we have been studying the amazing story of the healing of the Syrian general, Naaman. We have seen how his disease of leprosy is a picture of sin in the life of each human being outside of Christ. Last week we saw Naaman’s pride getting in the way of him being healed. Again, we saw how pride still gets in the way of people getting saved and cleansed of their sins.This evening we will see how others encouraged Naaman to make the right decision, and then the changes that took place in his life when he, in faith, followed what Elisha told him to do.
I. The Persuasion By Naaman’s Servants (5:13)
1. This verse gives us an illustration of the value of loving care and of the importance of the right words at the right time to the unsaved (cf.
Prov. 15:23, 28 “...and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things”). Perhaps these servants were themselves believers in the Lord of Israel and knew the power of the Lord, but probably not. Other than the fact that they were attendants to Naaman, we know nothing about them. Still, they had wise counsel for the general.2. Notice the following points about the wisdom of their answer, an answer of the tongue as a timely word with sweetness of speech, yet an honest and courageous evaluation.
(a) They were courteous. They called Naaman “my father,” showing respect and submission. They chose their words carefully that they might persuade Naaman and help him.
(b) They spoke from what they knew about Naaman. He was proud and courageous; they knew he was willing to do a great deed.
3. But, it was precisely this, Naaman’s pride and his personal opinion which was keeping Naaman from being healed, as we studied last week. So, the concerned servants tactfully sought a way to show Naaman that it was not his greatness, by which he would be healed, but by the greatness of the God of Israel. They were able to see from their more humble state and perspective that this was designed to demonstrate the power of the God of Israel. Should he not, then, heed the simple instruction of the prophet he would not be healed.
4. Finally, this simple command beautifully illustrates the simplicity of the gospel message of salvation in Jesus--that salvation is by faith alone in Christ (Eph 2:8-10). The invitation of the gospel is “come, purchase without money and without price . . .” (Isa. 55:1). And how do you do that? By faith. The way of faith is the way of humiliation and repudiation of self worth, human ability, or religious works, which then casts us on the grace of God (Rev. 21:6; 22:1; Rom. 4:1-5; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:4-5). Faith is the one thing we can do without doing anything. Faith is the recognition of God’s ability and the repudiation of ours.
5. Of course, there are those who read this passage here in 2 Kings 5 and use it to promote baptismal regeneration, but the analogy of Scripture and the abundance of clear passages teach us that water baptism, as important as it is, does not save us. If that was true, then water baptism would be a part of the gospel message but the apostle Paul repudiates that idea in 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 - I thank God that baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
II. The Cleansing of Naaman (5:14)
1. Notice that Naaman followed the saying of the prophet Elisha and as a result he was healed. The “saying of the man of God” is equivalent to hearing the Word of God in regard to one’s need of salvation and believing it. Romans 10:13 makes this abundantly clear - “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Notice also that it is still called the “saying of the man of God” even though Naaman never heard Elisha say the words - just his servant. That should remind us that when we share the Word of God with others, it is still the Word of God even though we are the spokesperson.
2. Naaman’s immediate cleansing illustrates the complete and instantaneous nature of salvation. He was cleansed instantly and completely so that his flesh became like that of a little child, but not only his flesh, but his heart also. He became a new creature by faith in the Lord of Elisha the prophet. Even as his flesh was like unto that of a little child, his relationship with God was like that of a child as well. Everything changed and Naaman had a fresh outlook on life.
3. Naaman was told to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Seven is the number of perfection in the Bible. Naaman was perfectly and wholly cleansed of the leprosy, just as a sinner is completely and wholly cleansed of the curse of sin upon them when they believe.
III. The Gratitude and Response of Naaman (5:15-16)
1. These verses provide us with an illustration of the first fruits of salvation. Naaman confessed and acknowledged his faith in the Lord (vs. 15). Isn’t it wonderful to see a former worshipper of idols stating clearly now that there is only one God and that is the Lord? One of the first things a new believer will want to do is tell others what the Lord has done for them.
2. Naaman then, from a grateful heart, wanted to give a present to Elisha to express his appreciation for what God had done.
Elisha, carefully and wisely refuses. Why? Elisha had accepted help from the Shunammite woman and her husband, and Scripture teaches it is right for those who are taught the Word to share all good things with him who teaches (Gal. 6:6). So why did he refuse to accept a gift from Naaman? Because there were other implicating issues that would be compromised by receiving a gift at this time. He wanted Naaman and all those watching to know he was a servant of Yahweh and not like the greedy heathen priests in the service of Baal and Rammon. He also wanted them to understand that salvation and all of God’s blessings are free, they cannot be bought nor can they be earned (Rev. 21:6; 22:1; Rom. 4:1-5; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:4-5). Elisha refused to take anything lest he compromise the name of God and His grace (cf. 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:5; 2 Thess. 3:7-8 with Phil. 4:15-17).
IV. Naaman’s Concern Regarding His Master’s Worship (5:17-19)
1. This certainly illustrates the kind of concern God’s people should have regarding their worship, their testimony and the appearance of evil. Naaman knew that he would have to return to his old environment and live in the midst of idolatry and evil. That is still true for any new believer. The pressures of life, and of sin, are still there, but now they have the Lord to help them make decisions that will be pleasing to Him.
2. Why the two mule loads of Israel’s soil? “Naaman asked Elisha whether two mule loads of Israelite soil might be taken with him back to Syria so that whenever circumstances forced him to bow ceremonially to the Aramean gods with his king, he might in reality be placing his knees in the soil of the true God of Israel.” It is clear in all this that Naaman was concerned about what God would think about his presence in the house of Rimmon where he would have to bow down with his master. This just appears to be a social thing to do, and was required of such as Naaman.
3. Elisha’s only response was, “Go in peace.” This implies Elisha’s assurance that God understands. The issue was his attitude and his heart. As the Lord put it, we are to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:15-17). I believe the time would come when Naaman would still have to make a choice of whether to worship God alone and make a break, no matter the cost, from going into the temple of Rammon. We find God’s blessing and protection upon Daniel’s three friends who refused to bow the knee.
4. So Naaman knew he would have to go back into the world and face the evil of that day. It was his responsibility, but he knew he needed fortification through the true worship of the true God if he was to be an effective witness.
