Full Scripture Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-15
The following is a lesson I created and shared with an addictions group. It really hit home for me and for many members of the group. I went into the lesson seeing God’s healing, but through the group so many more important factors were brought to light. I decided to redo the lesson as a verse by verse breakdown and include “lessons learned” from the scripture.
Part II – 2 Kings 5:11-15
Verse 11, 12: – Naaman did not approve of the Elisha’s instructions for his healing. He was told to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. Naaman had what I call a ‘verbal temper tantrum.’ He voiced his expectation of how he thought the prophet would heal him, he complained about the prophet not meeting him face to face, he also complained about being told to wash in an unfavorable river. He had a really bad attitude. He was angry! How do we react when someone doesn’t meet our expectations? Do we not see the end result – healing, deliverance, freedom from our problems? Are we so willing to give up God’s blessing simply because we do not like how God chooses to bless us? Unfortunately, sometimes, yes. How do you think God feels when we shun His blessing? How do you think God feels when we choose to remain in our sin, our suffering, our diseased state, when He has clearly told us what to do to overcome it and be made whole?
Verse 13: Naaman’s officers questioned his reasoning, rebellion, and expectations. Even in our rebellious state, God will send people to challenge us and our thinking. This shows that God is still with us and desires us to be made whole. God does not turn his back on us, even after we have had our ‘temper tantrum,’ and gone away in a fit of rage as Naaman did.
Verse 14: Naaman repented. He listened to his officers, re-thought his own thinking and expectations, and followed the instructions of Elisha. And, guess what? He was made whole. Even after his bad attitude, when he followed God’s instructions through the prophet, God answered his prayer to be healed. Even when we turn our backs on God, God never turns His back on us. His promises are forever His promises, we simply have to believe and be obedient to what He says. How do you react when someone challenges you? Naaman let go of his expectations, he let go of his pride and he claimed his healing through obedience.
Verse 15: after his healing, Naaman professed that God is God. How do you respond when God has healed you? Delivered you? Restored you? Blessed you? As Naaman, we are to declare God is God and give Him all the glory for our blessing.
Lessons learned from 2 Kings 5:11-15:
1. Sometimes, our expectations, rebelliousness, pride, and anger will lead us away from God and our blessing.
2. God will send people to challenge our sinful thoughts (rebellion, pride, anger, etc.).
3. When we repent of our attitude and follow God’s instructions for our blessing – we will receive the blessing.
4. God’s promises never expire despite our attitudes and delay!
5. God is God!!!!!!!!!!
May “the LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
(All scriptures are taken from the King James Version)
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[this article was cross-posted from deborahldixon.com)
