What does Naaman's response teach about humility in receiving God's instructions? Background of Naaman • Commander of Aram’s army—powerful, respected (2 Kings 5:1) • Afflicted with leprosy, desperate for healing • Receives a simple directive: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10) Naaman’s Initial Reaction (2 Kings 5:11) “But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy.” • Anger—offended pride • Pre-set expectations of how God should work • Focus on outward spectacle rather than inward submission Pride Exposed • “I thought…”—centers on self, not God • Wanted honor befitting a dignitary, not a sinner in need • Viewed Israel’s muddy Jordan as inferior (5:12) • Pride blinded him to the simplicity of God’s remedy Path to Humility • Servants reasoned with him (5:13)—humble voices often come from unexpected places • Chose to yield, descended into Jordan—literal lowering of stature • “His flesh was restored” (5:14)—blessing followed obedience Key Lessons • God’s instructions may offend human dignity—humility receives them anyway • Miracles often hinge on simple, unquestioning compliance (cf. John 2:5) • External status is irrelevant; the heart’s posture is decisive (1 Samuel 16:7) Related Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…do not lean on your own understanding.” • Isaiah 55:8-9—God’s ways higher than ours • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5—“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” • Luke 4:27—Jesus cites Naaman to show God’s grace reaches the humble outsider Application Today • Examine expectations: do they limit how we think God can work? • Accept Scripture’s plain commands without demanding embellishment • Listen to humble counsel; God often speaks through ordinary voices • Remember: blessing flows when pride bows and faith obeys |
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