Focal Passage: II Kings 5:1-3; 10-19a
Today’s lesson, God’s Hand in Restoring Lives, could also be called The Gospel According to Elisha. Remember that the prophet Elisha is often referred to as a “type” of Christ: many events in Elisha’s life are similar to events in our Lord’s life. But none paint any clearer picture of the Gospel than our focal passage,
II Kings 5:1-3; 10-19a. It’s from the story of Naaman the leper and his restorative encounter with Elisha. Three characters that are in nearly every Gospel encounter emerge in our text: the sinner, the soul-winner, and the Savior.
Verse 1, A Courageous yet “Contagious” Commander: The ‘Sinner.’ Naaman was a respected officer in the army of Syria (or Aram, as it was also called). He had often won on the battlefield. Through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. That might seem strange; Naaman was a pagan, an idol-worshipper. Yet God also used men like Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Herod and Pilate to accomplish His purpose.
Mike Dawson
BUT brave and highly regarded Naaman was being eaten up by a problem: he had a skin disease. In Bible times this was often called leprosy, and it was considered extremely contagious… and incurable. Think of the many instances in the Bible where individuals and groups were labeled hopelessly “unclean” and isolated due to this skin disease.
There is also an incurable (by human effort) and infectious condition involving every person on earth, high and low alike; it’s not skin disease; it’s “sin disease.” Naaman was a clear example of a person without Christ — appearing invincible, but actually isolated and incapable of healing or hope.
Verses 2-3, A Great and ‘Gritty’ little Girl: The ‘Soul-winner.’
On the scene comes a little girl captured from her homeland Israel, and now serving Naaman’s wife. She testified that there was a prophet in Samaria and she knew that if Naaman went there, he would cure him of his leprosy!
Regardless of our age or our situation, we can tell those who are sin-sick that our Lord Jesus Christ can cure them. I like the down-home definition of a soul-winner — “A NObody telling EVERYbody about SOMEbody who will save ANYbody.” If a little slave-girl can boldly witness to her owner about how to find a cure for his seemingly hopeless condition, surely WE can witness without fear about our Lord’s ability to cure the hopeless, isolated souls around US!
Verses 10-19, A Wise and ‘Willing’ Wonder-worker: The ‘Savior.’
Naaman first went to the king of Israel, thinking he must surely be the one that the slave-girl spoke about; that was frustrating to the clueless king! Our world is full of leprous Naamans, seeking a cure — in ALL the wrong places.
Finally, Naaman located Elisha’s house. But Elisha sent him a messenger who told him exactly what to do. Namaan got angry and left. So many today are not willing just to hear God’s Word … and believe.
But, at the urging of his officers, Naaman at last obeyed. They had simply ‘preached’ to him, saying, “Wash and be clean!” Let’s say that to others about the blood of Christ. Naaman then dipped himself seven times in the Jordan — and came up clean, cured, and converted! Elisha refused any payment from Naaman. Salvation is by grace alone; we can’t buy or earn it.
“The Gospel, According to Elisha.” B&R — Dawson is pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church, Columbia, and has served as transitional interim pastor at numerous churches across the state since retiring from full-time ministry.
