The back drop for Naaman’s story is in the days when the kings first began to rule over Israel. However, it was the prophets who had the biggest impact on Israel as they interceded on behalf of the people to God in times of war and in times of peace. In many cases the kings did not consult the prophets first, reaping the errors of their ways. Elisha was the prophet of that day, a protege of Elijah who had been taken up in a whirlwind to heaven (2 Kings 2:11).

Chapter 5 offers a pair of stories about Naaman which are tied together but have somewhat separate messages. In verses 1-19, we have the story of Naaman’s healing and salvation; in verses 20-27 we have the story of Gehazi, Elisha’s greedy servant. For the sake of brevity, my discussion is about the first story.

11 Steps Toward Spiritual Awakening

The following outline demonstrates the steps Naaman took which brought him to God. For those of us who believe, I think we can also say that our understanding of the things of God has come over time:

Naaman is defined – The most powerful man in the Syrian army of that day was Naaman to whom victory was given to him by the Lord. Syria was at that time an enemy of Israel, but the country had its own enemies too. We don’t know who Syria had battled, but God intervened through Naaman to give Syria that victory. Naaman was mighty in valor, but he also had the most debilitating of all diseases of his day — leprosy (v.1).

A messenger is sent — In one of Syria’s skirmishes with Israel, a young girl from that country was captured and became the servant of Naaman’s wife. She knew about Elisha and how he could heal Naaman and told Naaman’s wife that Elisha would heal him of his leprosy (v.3). Sometimes the message of hope is brought to us by the lowliest people (v.3)!

Naaman heads out to see Elisha — Naaman heeded his wife’s servant and told the king of Syria what he knew. The king of Syria gave Naaman his blessing and sent out a letter to the king of Israel along with many pieces of gold, silver, and fine clothing. Israel’s king, thinking that the king of Syria was looking for an opportunity to go to war with him, tore his clothes in exasperation, which got Elisha’s attention. Learing the real reason for Naaman’s visit, Elisha asked the king to send Naaman to him, which he did (v.9).

A second messenger is sent — Expecting to see Elisha, Naaman was surprised that a messenger was sent instead of the prophet, a man who instructed Naaman to wash himself seven times in the River Jordan in order to be healed (v.10).

Naaman tells God how to heal him — Naaman’s expectations on how he was to be healed almost caused him to miss the blessing. Furious that a messenger was sent instead of the prophet himself, Naaman’s reaction was all too typical of the way we sometimes react: we expect God to move in ways familiar to us. I wouldn’t be too hard on Naaman and God certainly wasn’t. Apparently, Naaman was familiar enough with the way God moved as he expected something else: “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’ “Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” Enraged that events didn’t unfold as expected, Naaman left (v. 11-12).

Additional messengers intervene — God could have let Naaman go and that would have been the end of that story. But, God wasn’t done with Naaman, sending Naaman’s own servants to him who reasoned with him. This verse is the turning point of the story as Naaman immediately heeded their advice (v.13).

Naaman is healed of his leprosy — Because Naaman listened to his servants, he went down to the River Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times as instructed by Elisha through his messenger, and received healing of his disease (v.14).

Naaman believes — Along with his healing, Naaman believed. He declared, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” First came the physical healing, second the spiritual healing. Jesus, when he preached before the crowds, always met their physical needs first (v.15).

Naaman’s gift is refused — Elisha’s messenger refused the gift which seems at first to be an odd response. However, given that Naaman was from Syria and that it was customary to offer payment for services rendered, more than likely Elisha’s servant was teaching Naaman an important spiritual truth — you cannot repay God (v.16).

Naaman follows God — Though his gift was refused, Naaman asked that earth from the land of Israel be given to him, probably as a reminder of what God did for him. At this point he pledged to offer sacrifices to no other gods, directing his offerings and sacrifices to the Lord God Almighty alone (v.17).

Naaman asks for understanding — Even after we’re saved, how many of us immediately quit our jobs to seek other employment or to go into full time ministry? Not many. In Naaman’s case, he knew that he would be returning to Syria and be accountable to his master, the king of Syria. However, as part of his job duties, Naaman would be bringing the king to a false god’s temple, where he would find himself in a potentially compromising position — kneeling down before that idol to uphold his master. Clearly, Naaman knew just how wrong this looked and asked to be pardoned in advance of this action, something the servant of God immediately offered (v.18-19). God knows just how difficult our jobs can be!

What The Story Of Naaman Tells Us

Naaman’s story should be one of hope for everyone.  Not only did God heal someone outside of the camp of Israel, He saved him too. We already know that not many wise or noble people are saved, but through this account God has demonstrated that He does, in fact, save some very powerful people. What powerful people do you move among?

We’re not too different from Naaman, are we? Naaman expected to be healed in a certain way, but God had another plan for him. Don’t we sometimes expect that our pastor will have words of comfort for us when often it is the person who cleans the sanctuary who brings God’s message to us? Does it really matter how our prayers are answered? As in Naaman’s case, God brought several messengers (servants) to him at various times, an ongoing pursuit that culminated in his salvation. God will pursue us to the ends of the earth if that is what it’ll take to save us!

Our God is a practical God too, who knows that we must live in this world working jobs and supporting our families. Naaman returned to an idolatrous environment, but God did not call him to leave Syria. Instead, Naaman was a man of new found faith, a public testimony to people in his sphere of influence that God does indeed heal and save. With thousands of troops at his disposal and a face well known throughout Syria, imagine what sort of testimony about the God of Israel was made through his life.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, NIV)

These are perilous times for the church of Jesus Christ, then again there have always been perilous times since the church was founded.

Throughout church history various false creeds, cultists, and legalists have crept in, seeking to overthrow the faith of those who are weak, ignorant, or otherwise vulnerable. In various places in the New Testament followers of Jesus Christ are warned about false workers, people who can lead the unwary astray.

People who know me very well are familiar with my spiritual journey, with some learning that I was in a Bible cult many years ago. I say “Bible cult” because though many of the tenets of the Christian faith were espoused and we used the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, the condemnation and hostility shown to people outside of our group as well as to errant followers contradicted scripture.

Thankfully, my stay in this group was short-lived — just eight months — but the damage was already done. When I left, I left the Lord as well and lived a rebellious life for the next 7 1/2 years. When I returned, I eventually got sucked into a legalistic fellowship where I remained for just over five years. After church hopping for two or three years, I finally found a fellowship that taught the word and encouraged people to read the word on their own.

In retrospect, I realize that God protected me even during the most difficult times of long ago. Through personal Bible reading I saw that I was choosing the wrong path and prayerfully asked God to redirect my ways. Many years later I am able to look at God’s intervention with thankfulness and am now better equipped to clearly separate truth from error almost immediately.

False teachers are many and I see them on the scene today. Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin are some of the “easier” to see leaders who are leading people astray today, but there are other visible (mostly televangelist) preachers who I avoid as well.

Beyond naming names there are two hallmarks of a false teacher which can be identified by those seeking the truth.

1. Listen to what they say and what they teach.
2. Watch what they eat. They eat sheep!

False teachers aren’t content with spreading their lies, they want to consume you in the process.

I have great sympathy for people ensnared by those who would lead them astray, able to understand why some people remain — misplaced devotion. Cultists, legalists, and other disciples are usually the most devoted to their beliefs, but devotion is no substitute for the truth: lots of people around the world are devoted to their religion or god, but our devotion should only be to Jesus Christ, not to a religion, church, or personality.

If you know of someone who is ensnared, your words may not do much good. However, your intercessory prayers can help move mountains and I cannot think of any bigger mountain than one put up by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

God is in the habit of calling people out, and those that are His will be able to separate His voice from the false teacher. For the rest of us, remaining diligent is important as the next wave of false workers is certain to appear as sure as the tide rolls in.

A natural disaster can be difficult to grasp, especially if you have never been through one. Earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, lava flows, fires, and even famines are some of the disasters we see played out on the news, but unless we personally go through a difficult time associated with devastation, we cannot imagine what people are experiencing.

Oftentimes what we see played on the tube seems so very surreal.

Admittedly, Hurricane Hugo was mostly a major inconvenience personally, having to do without electricity for four days. Some neighbors lost their homes, but none lost their lives. Most of the injuries sustained came through the clean up effort, but no one I knew was seriously hurt.

The country of Myanmar (Burma) recently suffered a devastating hit from a cyclone (hurricane) which, as of this writing, has likely killed more than 80,000 people. The world hasn’t seen such a disaster since the Christmas 2005 Tsunami killed at least 250,000 people in the Pacific Rim.

Quickly, relief organizations are marshaling their forces to respond, attempting to get the Myanmar regime to let their people in. After several critical delays, it appears that some progress has been made. However, government reluctance to immediately accept aid has likely contributed to the death of thousands.

As Christians how should we respond to a catastrophic disaster? Please allow me to offer some suggestions:

Pray — That’s right, before you do anything pray. Ask God to guide you in what steps you should take, but also ask that He would change the hearts of Myanmar’s leaders to allow relief to come in. I’ve prayed that the waters would recede, that no more rain would come for now, and that people would be rescued. Pray that the gospel message would be shared as well.

Respond — I’ve been getting several requests to help out financially, but I will not be sending money or other support without God’s direction. Thankfully, many will be contributing their funds, their supplies, even their time to help out. I will do what God wants me to do — nothing more, nothing less.

Consider — The pressure to respond can be a strong one, but consideration for what you should do is important. We must remember that our God is in control and it is His work that will get done in Myanmar. One person may be told to go to offer on-site assistance, while others will learn that staying behind and praying is what they should do. Push out the other voices and find out what God wants you to do.

Remember – What we see unfolding before us is merely the birth pangs leading to the Lord’s return:

“For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Mark 13:8 (NASB)

The world sees natural disasters differently from the Christian, often turning to despair over these types of events. Some will question why God allows such suffering to take place, even denouncing Him in the process.

As believers, we are to continually look at every world event through the lense of the Lord and respond as He leads. Even in the midst of calamity, people need to know that God wants to save them from their sins.

I cannot always fully comprehend events that happen outside of my life, but I do know this: destruction and death may come, but a life lost in sin is the worst calamity of all.

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (KJV)

I’ve witnessed many supposed movements of God over the years, having committed my life to the Lord toward the end of the “Jesus Movement” in 1977. Back then, young Christians used to carry their Bibles everywhere and weren’t afraid to share their faith; few were hung up on doctrinal differences.

As with any true movement of the Lord, the people renewed by it will grow and move on and God will do something else to reach His lost sheep of that day. I believe that the Jesus Movement was for the lost and discarded youth of the 1960s and 1970s, a time when young people were questioning and rejecting much of what they had been taught.

20 years ago, the church was abuzz as some believers insisted that the Lord’s return was to take place with one book, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Be in 1988, offering evidence of the Lord’s soon return. When nothing happened, the author wrote a new book – The Final Shout–Rapture Report 1989 — which was subsequently updated in 1990, 1991, and beyond.

Jesus’ disciples were elated that their risen King was with them for 40 days after His resurrection, but that time with Him soon passed on. Jesus reassured His followers that He would return for them, with many thinking that His return would occur while they were still alive.

For nearly two thousand years, the Church of Jesus Christ has been waiting for His return with most believers realizing that He could come at any moment. I have my thoughts when His return could happen, but I have changed my mind several times over the years. Instead of being date obsessed, I find that it is much more profitable to do His work and leave the time of His return in His hands.

I would rather be caught up working for the Lord then sitting around speculating when He will return. There is no profit in endless date setting especially when Our Lord has commanded us to do otherwise.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers — NKJV

The church today, particularly here in America, is going through some very interesting times. Church attendance continues to grow, particularly for many evangelical bodies, while some of the more liberal, liturgical churches appear to be drying up on the vine.

What is fueling the growth of certain churches? Is it in response to the deep spiritual needs of millions of people or is it something else?

One thing that you can be sure of is this: people want to connect. Many churches are terrific social breeding grounds, a perfect way to attract new attendees. Unfortunately, some churches are great at attracting members, but discipling them just isn’t happening.

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles offers tremendous guidance on how a church should build up its members. When I read Acts 2:42 I come away with an entirely different view about church growth, one that has sustained the body of Christ for the past twenty centuries:

1. Believers are to Continue Steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine — the apostles understood that the risen Jesus was the foundation of the church, the essence of what they believed, and the hope on which their lives rested.
2. In Fellowship – unlike the habit of some today to withdraw from fellowship, the apostles knew that united they stood and divided they fell.
3. With the Breaking of Bread — not just to share the Lord’s Supper, the apostles ate together on a regular basis. Certainly, “do this in remembrance of Me” is important and believers should share the elements representing His body often.
4. In Prayers — we’re to come “…boldly to the throne of grace..” in order to obtain mercy and receive grace. We are to offer thanks to God, with prayers and petitions. The greatest weapon of any Christian is his communion with God. A real pity we don’t use this tremendous tool as much as we should.

I’m not knocking churches that are experiencing tremendous growth and whose members are spiritually nourished and growing in their faith. What disturbs me is when leadership seeks a substitution for Acts 2:42, supposing that Holy Spirit inspired church growth methodology is not sufficient.