God Honors Obedience

by Marcia Vogl - March 5, 2021

 

 

Mary/Martha Meeting Notes

2Kings 5:1-19  Story of Naaman

  1. Naaman, stricken with leprosy, was the commander of the King of Aram’s army.
  2. Aram was Israel’s enemy.
  3. Jewish slave girl told him to go Samaria to see Elisha for healing.
  4. King of Aram wrote a letter to King of Israel with gifts of gold, silver and clothing for permission for Naaman to be healed.
  5. King of Israel thought it to be an insult to start a war.
  6. Elisha called Naaman to himself. Elisha didn’t try to convert him. Gave God’s directions: “Go dip 7 times in the Jordan and your flesth will be healed.”
    1. Naaman was incensed because Elisha did not come out to him do a ritual.
    2. Dipping in the Jordan was too simple. He was insulted.
    3. There were better rivers in Syria.
  7. His servant encourage Naaman to obey.
  8. After dipping 7 times in the Jordan, he was healed.
  9. Elisha would not accept the gifts.
  10. Naaman turned to worship Jehovah. Took dirt home for an altar.
  11. Asked for forgiveness if he must serve King of Aram in the idol temple.

POINTS TO REMEMBER about Naaman.

  1. Was not a God worshipper.
  2. Listened to God worshipper. (slave girl)
  3. Was not required to become a Jew first.
  4. Sought the help of the prophet Elisha
  5. Naaman almost lost his miracle healing because: (Pride)
    1. things didn’t go as he expected
    2. he wanted to change the prescription
    3. he was trusting his own understanding
  6. Received his healing miracle because: (humbled himself)
    1. Listened to the Jewish slave girl
    2. Listened to his own servant
    3. OBEYED the Prophet
  7. Naaman will retain his miracle because he turned away from Baal and will worship God even if his job required assisting the pagan king.

You may have to serve a pagan, atheist, or non-Christian boss, but you can still obey God and worship Him. God honors your obedience, not your affiliation.

Are you willing to listen to the advice of an underling?

Are there places in your life where you must serve a non-Believer?

Share any “Naaman type experiences” you may have had.