2 Kings – Bible Lesson 8
Just for your thoughts:
2 Kings – Bible Lesson 8
What lessons does Naaman teach us?
Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). Through him, the Lord had given victory to Aram, so he was highly esteemed and greatly valued by his master, the king.
Although he was a mighty warrior, Naaman was afflicted with leprosy.
In his household was a young Israelite girl who had been taken captive and served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress:
“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
The great commander of Syria humbled himself to listen to the advice of this slave girl working in his house, and decided to go to Israel. The king of Syria also agreed and sent him with a large gift: in today’s value, about one billion dollars worth of silver, gold, and fine clothes (source: The IVP Bible Background Commentary).
When Naaman came to see the prophet Elisha, Elisha did not come out to meet him in person. Instead, he sent his servants to say:
“Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
Hearing this, Naaman became very angry.
In those times, it was common for priests and religious leaders to heal diseases by praising their gods, chanting incantations, and placing their hands on the affected areas. Naaman had expected Elisha to do the same. But unexpectedly, Elisha did not even come out; instead, he sent word through a servant, telling Naaman simply to bathe in the river.
Naaman could not accept this and got ready to return to his country.
At that moment, his servant approached him and said
:
“My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5:13
Listening to this advice, Naaman humbled himself and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River. As a result, he was completely healed of his leprosy. This is the great turning point of this incident.
A powerful military commander accepted the counsel of those far lower than him in worldly status, acted upon it, and received deliverance.
His humility brought him healing.
The key lessons we learn from this passage:
1.Humility is a virtue the Bible teaches us with great emphasis.
2.As Jesus said, whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
3.A true leader accepts good advice, no matter from whom it comes.
4.Pride leads us to reject good counsel, which ultimately harms us.
Born-again believers must strive to reject and overcome two great sins: pride and jealousy.
In my view:
May God grant us the mindset to always receive advice humbly – whoever it may come from!
Ezekiel Shanmugavel
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