Learning with Naaman´s story

segunda-feira, 23 de abril de 2012

April 21th

Learning with Naaman´s story

II Kings 5:1-14

Pastor Silvana

Naaman

• Naaman was a great man, a hero, a valiant soldier, highly regarded, commander of the army;
• He had leprosy (the worst disease at that time);
• He was proud;
• He was used to be honored;
• He wanted to be healed; he believed in what the slave girl had said;
• He got angry because he expected to be treated with honor;
• He had to humble himself to be healed: he went to the enemy´s territory, asking to be healed by an Israelite prophet; he had to submit to the prophet and follow his weird instructions.

"God has His ways to bless us. It doesn´t matter our age, nationality, social, economic or political position... All we need to do is to humble ourselves before Him 
and obey Him."

The Young Girl

• She played a vey important role in the story because everything starts with her and because of what she says;
• She was a servant, a slave, but even so she was not bitter, hurt or upset. Instead of becoming sad with her condition, she wanted her master´s  healing. She was more concerned about his master than about herself.
• She was a good girl, a real missionary; she was willing to share her faith even being so young;
• She was a believer and took the opportunity, took the initiative to share what she knew and what she believed.

"She is an example for us to follow.  We should be concerned about people around us and let God use us to bless them. We can´t miss any opportunity to let people know our God, so that they can be saved,

healed and set free."

Elisha, the Prophet

• He was a man of God, a prophet powerfully used by God;
• A mature man;
• He also took the opportunity, took the initiative (v.8);
• He did not keep silent. He didn´t omit or neglect his participation in the story;
• He was not "seduced" by the "VIP" visitor: he treated Naaman as a common man even knowing who Naaman was;
• He was not afraid to do what God has directed him to do.

"Again, we can´t miss the opportunity to be used by God. Before God we are all equal, sinners and dependent on Him; We shouldn´t treat people according to their finances, social position, appearance,etc; When God gives us a direction, we have to obey it fully even if it seems to be strange."

Naaman´s servants (attendants)

• They also played a very important role in the story; their attitude towards their master made all the difference;
• They were really concerned about their master;
• They calmed Naaman and persuaded him to dip himself in the Jordan river seven times as the prophet had told him;
• They acted with love, respect and as friends, although they were just servants.

"Would we act like them?"