I Thought That
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-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --
Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 Kings 5:1 NKJV
Those places beyond human control or remedy are some of the best places to encounter God.
And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:2-3 NKJV
The most convincing witness to the lost in our world, is a heart that trusts God even in trials and trouble.
And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.” Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 2 Kings 5:4-5 NKJV
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” 2 Kings 5:9-10 NIV
But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 2 Kings 5:11 NIV
The only thing we have to offer God is our love, expressed through a life lived gladly and gratefully for Him.
Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 2 Kings 5:11-12 NIV
The philosophy that says, "I can run my life better than God," always ends poorly for those who choose it.
But his servants approached and said to him, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more should you do it when he only tells you, ‘Wash and be clean’? ”So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the command of the man of God. Then his skin was restored and became like the skin of a small boy, and he was clean. 2 Kings 5:13-14 CSB
Complete obedience to the Lord’s commands releases the miracle of His grace and goodness in our lives.
Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. Therefore, please accept a gift from your servant.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.2 Kings 5:15-16 CSB
When grace and mercy meet humility, deep, lasting healing happens, and divine destiny is established.
Gehazi, the attendant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “My master has let this Aramean Naaman off lightly by not accepting from him what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 2 Kings 5:20 CSB
Gehazi came and stood by his master. “Where did you go, Gehazi? ” Elisha asked him. He replied, “Your servant didn’t go anywhere.” 2 Kings 5:25 CSB
Deception and rebellion will make you foolish, and will always make a fool of the one who embraces them.
Elisha said, “Didn’t you know I was with you in spirit when that man stepped down from his chariot to greet you? Tell me, is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts? Naaman’s skin disease will now infect you and your family, with no relief in sight.” Gehazi walked away, his skin flaky and white like snow. 2 Kings 5:26-27 MSG
If you trade your integrity for earthly pleasure of treasure it will cost you eternal wisdom and wealth.
The most convincing witness to the lost in our world, is a heart that trusts God even in trials and trouble.
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