MIND –BLOWING!!
2 Kings 5:1-15
Introduction
John
1:16-17
It’s mind-blowing that God loves
us-(human-beings)- so much that He made His dwelling among us-
under the Dispensation of the Law through
the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple and under the
New Covenant through His Spirit in our
hearts.
It’s mind-blowing that we ALL receive
blessings through the fullness of His grace-irrespective of age;
nationality; race; past, background or
status in life.
God’s grace was always existent, but it
became more visible to humanity through Jesus Christ.
God’s grace in the Old Testament is evident
in the life of Naaman when he received healing from leprosy.
2 Kings 5:1-15
1. INFIRMITIES
God’s grace is sufficient to
heal ALL infirmities.
·
God allowed a young girl to be
taken captive and then to serve as a servant/employee/labourer to the wife of a
valiant soldier who won many victories for his country.
·
She was the link for him to
encounter the Living God.
·
How else would Naaman have
known about Elisha the prophet who is able to cure him?
·
People of stature/importance
have infirmities as seen in the life of Naaman.
·
God wants to heal them, but He
needs us (His servants) to heal them.
·
It’s mind-blowing that God
wants to use ordinary people like us to fulfil His plan of salvation and
restoration.
2. REPUTATION (4-5)
It’s mind-blowing that God’s grace is sufficient for any bad
reputation.
·
Naaman told the king that the
young girl had recommended a prophet in Israel who can heal him.
·
She did not realize that Naaman
would follow her suggestion or even discuss her with the king.
·
She must have been a credible
person for Naaman to follow up on her recommendation.
·
Elisha had a reputation as a
man of God this is why the young girl knew about him.
·
What kind of reputation do you
have?
·
No matter how bad our past or
reputation may be, God is able to restore it.
3.IDENTITY
(6-9)
God’s
grace is sufficient for mistaken identities
·
The king of Aram mistakenly
thought that the king of Israel possessed supernatural powers.
·
Maybe it was a reflection of
his perception of himself?
·
Many believers do not fully
understand who they are in Christ.
·
Some think more highly of
themselves whist others think nothing of themselves.
·
People of stature are limited
in power just like any ordinary person.
·
The difference with believers
is that we have the power of God in us.
·
The king of Israel knew his
limitation and possibly tore his robe as a sign of shame and disappointment in
this fact.
·
Significance of a robe: Symbol
of royalty and authority.
·
Elisha knew his identity as a
result of his relationship with his Heavenly Father and was therefore able to
help Naaman.
PERCEPTIONS
(9-12)
God’s grace is sufficient for
all wrong perceptions
·
Naaman’s wrong perception
almost cost him his healing.
·
Firstly, he attempted to
impress Elijah with his entourage of chariots and horses.
·
His perception was that the
prophet would be impressed by his stature and therefore treat him with special
favour.
·
Elisha was clearly NOT
intimidated or impressed that easily that is why he did not even greet him as
he stood outside his door.
·
Thirdly, he thought that a
simple act of faith cannot heal him. He anticipated some spiritual/religious
·
act. A dip in the Jordan River
just seemed too natural and simple.
·
It’s mind-blowing that a simple
act of faith can bring about a miracle.
·
In spite of his perceptions and
possible doubts, he did as he was instructed because his desire to be healed
was much greater.
·
God often test our obedience
and trust in Him through (what might seem like) foolishness to us.
CONCLUSION
Naaman is remembered as a great
warrior/soldier, who was also very teachable and humble enough to accept the
instruction of his servants after he stormed off in anger.
Naaman received one blessing after
another-ie favour with the servant of God and kings because he obeyed a foolish
instruction.
Plus his skin was restored like that of a
young boy.
Mind-blowing!!
The act of Baptism too is a simple one, but
the outcome is a miraculous one-a new person
Mind-blowing!!
Mind-blowing!!
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