Namaan the Syrian

2 Kings 5:1-17

We learn from this story that there was:

1. A man who was mighty – we are told that Namaan was a great man. He was commander of the King’s army. He was a great warrior. But Naaman’s miserable condition was that he was a leper. Leprosy was a fearful disease. It was incurable and was dreaded by all. He would become an outcast. Leprosy was fatal. Leprosy was also a figurative disease symbolising the state of our souls. Namaan had a skin disease, we have a sin disease. We are all spiritual lepers.
2. A maid who was merciful –
   a. She knew the sovereignty of God – She served God in the place she found herself in. We could be the catalyst for change in the situation we find ourselves in. This girl had a relationship with the living God and knew He could heal Namaan.
   b. She had compassion – She had compassion on Namaan despite what he had done to her in taking her into slavery. She chose to represent God in Namaan’s household.
   c. She was a courageous maid – She spoke up and did not remain silent. She took the opportunity to take a risk for God.
3. A miracle that was marvellous – Namaan expected personal service from Elisha, but Elisha sent a message via his servant. Namaan went off in a rage. He had come with the wrong attitude. He had come demanding. He had come with the wrong assumptions. He offered the wrong price and tried to buy his healing. He had the wrong perception and expect to be a passive observer of his healing. He did not expect to have to do anything and was offended when told that he had to do something. Namaan had to turn and trust in the word of the Lord. When he did he was healed and he became alive to God.