Title: Naaman's Leprosy / 2 Kings 5:1-27
Contents
The main content of this chapter is the healing of General Naaman from leprosy. The case in this chapter, where Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Syria, came to Elisha and was healed, was particularly distinguished from Elisha's other miracles. It is especially meaningful that the target of healing was a Gentile, not an Israeli. In other words, it shows that God is gracious to the humble, whether in Israel or the Gentiles.
1. Elisha heals Naaman's leprosy (1-19)
Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Syria who enjoyed wealth and glory, but he fell into despair due to a serious problem that he could not overcome. He had leprosy all over his body. Despite the advancement of modern civilization, we are still living in close contact with the word despair, and no one can deny this, but we believers should not despair in the face of any serious problem. The reason is that we have faith in a great One who transcends human abilities and limitations.
It was a little girl from Israel who gave hope to Naaman, who was in despair. He assured his master that his illness could be cured by telling him about the prophet. Only the saints can give hope to those in despair. The only hope in this world is Jesus.
2. Gehazi judged for bathing in water (20-27)
Gehazi, who had been blinded by riches and deceived Elisha, withdrew from his presence, and leprosy became like snow. A terrible judgment was made. The leprosy that Naaman had had was transferred to him. The sin of Gehazi's bathing in water was serious. His sin was to steal from God, and to deceive God's eyes. The gift Naaman wanted to offer in return for healing his illness was as good as a gift to God, even if he refused. Therefore, when Gehazi coveted the gift, it was taking the thing of God. Also, deceiving Elisha, a man of God, was no different from deceiving God.
Sin is an enemy that Christians should always be on the lookout for and fear. It can open and enter even a locked door, and it is possible to break into the holy chambers, so if you neglect your vigilance, you will inevitably become a slave to sin.
Christians must guard against covetousness. It is like idolatry.
Covetousness must also be cast away from the cause of Achan's failure to obtain an inheritance even after treading on the promise, or the cause of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Otherwise, you will have no choice but to do evil things that God detests.