2 Kings 5 – STEADY REASONING
Life of Elisha, The Steady Prophet #6 of 9
We as Christians are expected to demonstrate steady reasoning. That is we should have the ability, with God’s help, to think things out clearly and logically.
2 Kings 5 presents us with a good example of the importance of steady reasoning. The way people reacted to the leprosy of Naaman and his appeal for healing give us some examples of good thinking and examples of bad thinking. Our outline shows us types of thinking that lead to steady or not so steady reasoning.
BACKGROUND – One of the enemies of Israel at this time was Syria. According to verse 1, the general of the Syrian army was a man named Naaman. The Lord, who controls governments, had given a great deliverance to Syria through Naaman. His name means “pleasant”. Naaman was stricken with the dreaded disease of leprosy. Leviticus 13:3, 45-46
AITHFUL THINKING – Naaman’s Maid – Vss. 2-3
The Syrians had sent raiding parties into Israel. The little maid was taken captive and made a slave to Naaman’s wife.
Instead of being bitter, she was faithful to God and to those in need in her thinking.
She spoke of Elisha, the prophet, who she felt could heal Naaman.
FEARFUL THINKING – The King of Israel – Vss. 4-7
Naaman himself reported the words of the maid to the King of Syria.
He sent expensive gifts and a letter to the King of Israel, requesting that Naaman be healed.
When the King of Israel received the letter, he panicked, and was sure that the King of Syria was trying to pick a fight. Instead of relying on God, the King was overtaken with fear! This is a king of thinking which we also need to avoid. Proverbs 29:25
FEARLESS THINKING – Elisha – Vss. 8
Elisha the Prophet was not afraid. His confidence was in God. He simply sent to the King of Israel asking him why he was so upset, and assured him that he, God’s prophet would handle the matter. I’m sure the king gladly sent Naaman to Elisha. Isaiah 41:10
FAULTY THINKING – Naaman – Vss. 9-12
Elisha didn’t even come out to meet Naaman when he arrived.
He simply sent a messenger to Naaman and told him to go wash in the river Jordan seven times.
Naaman got upset. He thought Elisha would heal in a more dramatic way. Vs. 11.
He was upset that he had to wash in the Jordan and not a river in his own country.
He was in a rage because things weren’t going the way he planned. Sound familiar?
FACTUAL THINKING – Naaman’s Servants – Vss. 13-14
Naaman’s servants reasoned with him, and convinced him that the prophet was not asking for much. It was simple request. Naaman should do it.
Naaman did as he was told and was healed.
FINANCIAL THINKING – Gehazi – Vss. 15-26
A grateful Naaman offered gifts to Elisha. Elisha refused.
Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, chose to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts.
Gehazi was judged for his sin of greed. 1 Timothy 6:10