Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Quote from Roman Phaedrus - 'things are not always what they seem'
  
• Personal example - the outside was shabby, the inside was amazing
• A story to help us with Light for our present and future
• Kings - a marvellous historical book
• Chapter 2 - the call of Elisha (with a double portion)
• Chapter 3/4 - the miracles of Elisha
• Chapter 5 - moving to Syria (Iran)
• Overview - 3 scenes:
• Scene 1: Inside Naaman's house: Availability of God's Servant
• Scene 2: The palace of the King of Judah - The volatility of the king's heart
• Scene 3: In front of Elisha - The Simplicity of God's Message

Scene 1: Inside Naaman's house: Availability of God's Servant

• A 5-start general
• A man of many talents
• A valiant warrior
• Perhaps an ideal husband
• Yet he was a leper
• Naaman had the appearance of success but inside there was leprosy
• Leprosy was a dangerous contagious disease
• It affects the nerves causing pain
• It disfigures the body
• It was an Old Testament symbol of sin
• Is there someone here trying to cover sin - but eventually people will see?
• Naaman could not save himself
• Where do we look for help?
• We cannot look inside ourselves - we need help from outside
• Example
• When infected with a spiritual disease - we need a spiritual Saviour
• It seems that his leprosy was in its infancy since it did not stop his abilities
• They attacked and enslaved some of the Jews
• The slave girl
• We know little about her (including her name)
• She had great faith 
• She could have been rebellious, angry, seeking revenge and happy her master had leprosy
• She did not curse but bless
• She knew that behind all was a good God
• She did not doubt His Sovereignty
• Jesus said that no-one was healed in Elisha's time except Naaman
• How did this little girl know this?
• Perhaps she didn't but she knew God could perform miracles
• She was available to be used by God
• She was a source of salvation to Naaman's household
• Has God put you in a difficult place?
• Will you use this opportunity to witness?
• Will you show the love of God in the way you serve others?
• Personal example
• 1 Peter 3:15
• Example of Miriam
• A great evangelist
• Her approach
• She did not go directly to Naaman (the culture did not allow this)
• She did announce she has a solution for the problem
• Do we use the wrong approach?
• She used the opportunity available to her
• She spoke to the lady of the house
• She was believed because of her sincerity and love
• Consider the Example of Philip with Nathaniel
• We need to be like John the Baptist pointing people to the Lamb of God
• The young girl was a great evangelist
• The message went up via Naaman to the King of Syria who wrote to the King of Israel

Scene 2: The palace of the King Joram - The volatility of the king's heart

• King Joram
• Naaman arrived loaded with presents
• 340kg of silver and 69kg of gold ≈ £15 million (in modern equivalent)
• 10 boxes of precious clothes
• The King of Israel was a volatile and impetuous man
• He always jumped to conclusion without thinking
• 3:10-13
• He blamed God
• This contrasts the faith of the little girl
• Elisha comes with an answer
• Naaman and entourage go to meet Elisha
• He was expecting a VIP reception / red carpet
• Instead Elisha sent him a message
• He became angry, his blood boiling, becoming enraged
• He had great expectations!
• What are our expectations when we come to God?
• Do we expect things to be done in our way?
• Do we put conditions on His answers?
• Example of friend
• Do you pray your children will live out your dreams?
• A simple command
• He disdained Naaman's advice
• Personal example of River Nile vs River Taff
• Naaman did not appreciate it was not by might or power but by the Spirit of God
• Quote from Oswald Chambers
• God alone is able to save

Scene 3: In front of Elisha - The Simplicity of God's Message

• Naaman obeys and is healed
• Naaman was changed on the outside and inside
• He knew there was no other God than the God of Israel
• He calls himself servant to Elisha - a mark of humility
• He wanted to pay for the miracle
• Healing salvation is a free gift from God
• Jesus freely gives us salvation
• Titus 3:4-6
• Naaman means pleasant/beautiful one
• How could this be with leprosy?
• When God created mankind - He said it was very good
• Sin has distorted this image
• The only answer is in what God has given
• The antidote for sin - is the Lord Jesus Christ
• Free salvation - but very costly to Jesus
• Explanation
• His skin was restored
• The same is for all who believe in Jesus Christ
• They will become a new creation
• He was healed inwardly
• He became a worshiper of the true God
• The work of the Holy Spirit

Closing Remarks

• Which one of these characters do you resemble?
• The little girl -in her strong faith in God
• The great king - with his counterfeit faith
• Naaman -the sick man who was healed and changed