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The
Second book of Kings presents four kinds of people
through the story of Naaman, the commander of the army
of the king of Aram. These four kinds are seen in
today’s Church too.
First, there is a witnessing Christian in the house of
Namaan, a young girl - a prisoner of war - brought by
the army of Aram from Israel and working as a maid for
Naaman’s wife. She knew the living God of her nation and
His prophet living in Samaria through whom her God
perform miracles. Her aspiration to see goodness in the
lives of rich and poor gave her the boldness to witness
to her master. She utilised the opportunity to become
the light of this world. God looks for this kind of
attitude from every single Christian. For many the light
that God lit in them doesn’t seem to be significant;
they spread it where there is already enormous amount of
light. Even the light of a single candle will be
significant when it is lighted in a place full of
darkness.
Secondly, we see a believing and obedient Christian in
Naaman. He believed the words of the maid. He believed
the words of his servant who went with him to meet the
prophet. Eventually he believed the words of the prophet
Elisha. Every moment of his belief produced prompt
obedience that produced a unique miracle that none other
experienced in the Old Testament period. Positions,
possessions and its arrogance hinder many from an
absolute faith in God. Naaman had such a great attitude
of listening to the lesser one around him. Moreover, his
faith in God was unshakable for he professed that there
is no other God. The irony is Elisha even allowed him to
enter the temple of Rimmon to let his king bow down
there. How can we expect a servant of God like Elisha
grant Naaman’s request to believe in the living God and
bow down in the temple of another god? We expect Elisha
to command him to resign from the top job of Aramean
army. Can the jealous God who gave the ten commandments,
the God of Daniel, Shadrech, Messech and Abed-Nego
tolerate this demand from Naaman and a recommendation
from Elisha? I believe God recognised the steadfast
faith of Naaman . He was not the kind of believer who
sway by the wind. His faith was not flimsy to be swept
away by entering into a temple. God approved his faith
and spoke through his servant by granting him permission
to do his duty. I don’t disregard the fact a weak
believer can easily get tempted to retreat by this
action. But every step of faith by Naaman made him a
strong believer in God and that let him experience
supernatural miracle in his life.
Thirdly, we see Elisha the servant of God who used his
anointing on him to lift up the name of God. He was not
a respector of people; rather, he was a bold prophet who
exercised the power from God for the betterment of
mankind. He was courageous enough to proclaim a miracle
- the cleansing of a leper - something that had never
occured before that time or later in the Old Testament
period. He knew it not his “please everybody” attitude
but the power of God that manifests through His word
that brought healing in the lives of people. He was not
concerned about personal benefits. Jesus said: Freely
you received, freely you give. None of the gifts from
God is for commercial purpose.
Finally, we see the fourth kind of Christian in Gehazi
who was determined to cash in on God’s miracle in
Naaman’s life. He was concerned that his master did not
accept any gift from Naaman. When questioned, he lied to
Elisha about his journey to meet Naaman. He felt for a
moment that his master Elisha was a fool to have sent
the Aramean away without accepting a fee. There are
Christians who want to mint money out of every miracle,
opposition and persecution. They forget the truth that
they bring the curses too along with those earnings.
Gehazi got many gifts from Naaman; he also inherited his
leprosy.
Today, it is wise to search our souls and see to which
category we belong. God is our shelter, He is our
provider and protector. Every single incident, miracle,
opposition, or persecution may turn to be opportunity to
lift Him up in and through our lives.
God bless you!
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