Light for our present and future
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