Theological Commentary: Click Here
2 Kings 5 is
my absolute favorite story of Elisa, and one of my favorite stories of the Old
Testament in general. There are so many
points we can learn from this story.
First, look
at what Naaman brings with him when he comes to see Elisha. How many pounds of silver and gold does he
come with? Yet, how few garments of clothing. What does this tell us? In those days, clothing was an incredible
commodity. A good set of clothing was
easily worth its weight in gold. Money
was valuable, but it could be mined from the earth. Clothing had to be grown (or killed) and then
worked and sewn and sized and dyed. In
Naaman’s gift we get a subtle lesson in perspective.
Second, we
get a great lesson in the work of the Lord.
The people of God like to focus on how God works in and through
them. The reality, though, is that God
is everywhere! His hand is
everywhere. God was working through
Naaman even though Naaman didn’t know Him!
God is not limited to His people.
God is not limited to working only where His faithful people are
found. God created this world and He works
all throughout it.
Third, we
learn about God’s patience. Gad gives
Naaman a simple task and Naaman scoffs.
In fact, Naaman becomes angry.
God had ever reason to revoke the promise and even punish Naaman had He
wanted to do so. Instead, though, God
stays true to His promise. God heals
Naaman and still opts to demonstrate His grace and power instead of His
absolute justice. God is patient with
sinners, much to all of our relief!
Fourth, we
learn about greed. God’s power should
not be an opportunity for us to become wealthy.
God’s hand at work is not an opportunity for us to gain an easier
life. God’s power is not for sale! When our heart years for things instead of
yearning for God, we usually end u getting what we deserve, as happens here
with Gehazi.
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