Text study - 2 Kings 5:1-3 & 7-15c

Wow...two weeks in a row that I am starting with the Old Testament text.  Hopefully this is something I will do more often.  After all, in the three year Revised Common Lectionary, the Old Testament text and the Gospel text often have a common thread running through them.  I am not sure what text the sermon will come from this week, but I will start here and continue with the Gospel text later this week.  With that...let's spend some time with good ole Naaman in 2 Kings chapter 5.

Naaman is a powerful and successful military commander for the king of Aram.  But Naaman had a little problem...he had leprosy...normally a death sentence (depending on the kind).  Obviously Naaman is not an outcast as we often see in the New Testament.  Naaman is still commanding his troops and is allowed to go and speak with his master.  Whatever the strain of leprosy that Naaman had, it was serious enough to go into enemy territory to seek healing.

After making the appropriate preparations, Naaman heads out to find this prophet, Elisha, who resides in Samaria.  Upon arriving at Elisha's house, Naaman is greeted by one of Elisha's servants who is carrying an important message, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed."  Wow...this sounds like good news.  Jump in the river and all will be well.  But Naaman doesn't see it that way.

Naaman is offended and angry and leaves in a huff.  "How dare he, Elisha, to not even come out and heal me himself."  But one of Naaman's servants sets him straight and Naaman eventually does as he is commanded.  Naaman returns to Elisha to offer his appreciation and thanks for being healed.

What is at the root of Naaman's problem early on?
(1)  He feels deserving.  After all, he ventured into enemy territory to seek this healing.  Granted, he came under the banner of peace, but nothing is guaranteed.  Naaman went hoping and expecting this man of God to do something incredible.  If he didn't feel deserving, he wouldn't have gone through the trouble.

(2) He expects a "light show".  When Elisha does not come out, Naaman is angry.  He wanted (and expected) Elisha to come out and wave his hand, and do something impressive to conjure up a healing spirit (Naaman had no idea about this God of Elisha's).  Once again, Naaman felt deserving and wanted to see Elisha "do his thing".

(3) He doesn't trust the power of the promise.  When he is commanded to wash in the Jordan he is offended because the rivers back home are much cleaner and more appealing.  "Certainly those rivers would be better."  But it has nothing to do with the water.  Maybe there is a baptismal connection here.  I know of people how bring water back from the Jordan River to use in a family member's baptism; thinking that the water is somehow more special or holy.  But it is not the water that does the work, but the promise with the water.  If the pastor decided to baptize a baby with Coke (though not advised) I believe God would still "do HIS thing".  It's the promise.  Naaman missed this.

(4) (On the lighter side -- Naaman is not Lutheran) -- He does not believe in the Priesthood of all Believers.  Once again he is angry that a SERVANT came out to deliver this message of healing.  He felt Elisha should do it, after all ELISHA is the prophet.  The power of the promise and the Good News does not come from us...it comes from God.  Elisha did not heal Naaman, God did.  Something Naaman figures out after he is healed.

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So...what are some possible preaching/teaching points:
(1) Connection with baptism.  The power of the promise is in the Word that comes from God.  It is not who does it or what is used or how it is done -- it is the promise - the Good News.  God can not be limited.

(2) If a servant can carry a "healing message" then you can too.  God has a healing message for all His children and we are the servants who are to deliver it.  We have the power and authority to do so through Jesus Christ -- the priesthood of all believers.

(3) The gift of healing is free.  Following this text, Naaman tries to offer Elisha some gifts, but Elisha does not accept.  The message of Good News, through Jesus Christ is offered to ALL people.  This is AMAZING GRACE "...how sweet the sound...".

(4) A healing service would be very fitting this Sunday (as it would anytime).  Anointing with oil and praying with people for healing in anyway God sees that the person needs.  For healing comes in a variety of ways.

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Stay tuned for thoughts on the Gospel text coming up later this week.  In the mean time (and in all times), seek the Lord and know the healing power of the Good News -- Jesus Christ has risen that we may have New Life.  Amen!

-edh-

Comments

[Pastor David]

We certainly have been blessed with some wonderful OT texts these last two weeks!