Why the Story of Naaman is so Disruptive and Challenging
—2 Kings 5 (Part 46 of Seeing Jesus in the O.T.)
Andrew Fountain – Feb 27, 2022
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Goal
That we would challenge us not to take on our culture’s values,
and fundamentally change the way we view ourselves.
Naaman (2 Kings 5) a Story in Four Parts
1–8 Power and Wealth
9–15 Self-importance and being valued for what we can do
15–19 What does God want from us?
19–27 The temptation that is so strong
In each story:
The Story
The Artistry
The Message for Then
The Message for Us
Pattern in each story
Initial state
Actions based on false ideas
Reversal
Final state
2 Kings 5 – The Healing of Naaman
Pattern in first story 1–8 Power and Wealth
The Prophet in Israel can heal
Use Power and Wealth
Failure of Power and Wealth
The Prophet in Israel can heal
2 Kings 5 – The Healing of Naaman
Pattern in second story 9–15 Self-importance and being valued for what we can do
Naaman at Elisha’s home
Proud & Angry (he never even greeted me) Diminished & Angry (I have so much to offer)
Humbly accepts the critique of his own servants and accepts free gift of healing
Naaman at Elisha’s home
Naaman (2 Kings 5) a Story in Four Parts
1–8 Power and Wealth
9–15 Self-importance and being valued for what we can do
15–19 What does God want from us?
19–27 The temptation that is so strong
2 Kings 5 – The Healing of Naaman
Pattern in third story 15–19 What does God want from us?
Naaman accepts God
Offers God part of what he has
Gives God exclusive lordship
God accepts Naaman
Naaman (2 Kings 5) a Story in Four Parts
1–8 Power and Wealth
9–15 Self-importance and being valued for what we can do
15–19 What does God want from us?
19–27 The temptation that is so strong
2 Kings 5 – The Healing of Naaman
Pattern in fourth story 19–27 The temptation that is so strong
Gehazi’s gain —he sees a secret opportunity
Clever deception rewarded
Clever deception exposed
Gehazi’s loss —publicly marked
Naaman (2 Kings 5) a Story in Four Parts
1–8 Power and Wealth
9–15 Self-importance and being valued for what we can do
15–19 What does God want from us?
19–27 The temptation that is so strong
Luke 4
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, yet none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
When they heard this, all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage.
They got up, forced him out of the town, and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff.
But he passed through the crowd and went on his way.
Main Takeaway:
God wants you to change your view of yourself
Not “I have no power, I am insignificant”
But “God can use me to do extraordinary things. People like me can have more influence on history than kings!”