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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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2 Kings 5:11
“But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.’”
How often have we seen already, that “He who humbles himself will be exalted and he who exalts himself will be humbled?” (Matthew 23:12) This ‘Ring of Truth’ is very obvious and very repetitive.
I’ve heard the story of Naaman referred to as ‘7 ducks in a muddy river.’ Naaman was a mighty warrior. He had accomplished much for the King of Aram, by the Lord’s grace - but with all that success, there was still real tragedy. He was a leper.
The disease meant that over time not only would his body be totally destroyed, but all his relationships would, too. Lepers were outcasts - they had to leave the city and live on the refuse dumps. It was a very humbling experience. It would appear that Naaman was still in the early stages of that fatal disease, because he was still ‘at home’. For how much longer, however, we will never know.
Again, by the Lord’s grace, he had in his home an Israeli slave girl. She not only knew God but also knew of His prophet and the power of God to heal. Although a foreign slave, she took no delight in her master’s distress, rather seeking his good and encouraging him through his wife to receive a miracle.
Naaman, being a general, decided to use the normal diplomatic channels but ended up with the King of Israel admitting total impotence and thinking it was all some kind of trap. Elisha heard about it and called Naaman over to his place. However, he did not go out to see him in person, he sent his servant (Gehazi) with a message instead.
“Who does this prophet think he is? I am the great and noble Naaman. Come on out and see me yourself.” His servants eventually got him to ‘see sense’ and he humbled himself - ducked himself 7 times in the muddy Jordan River and came out clean and healed. In gratitude, he went back to thank and pay Elisha who vehemently refused to receive any gifts, much to Gehazi’s chagrin.
Naaman went on his way but Gehazi exposed his greed, covetousness and true character. He exalted himself from being an obedient servant to pseudo-prophet and he chased after Naaman and asked for gifts, which Naaman happily gave him. However, in exalting himself, he had laid himself open for humbling and it came. Gehazi and his family contracted the leprosy that had left Naaman.
Naaman had acted foolishly in a fit of pique but he was restored because of his character. Gehazi’s action came from a greedy, resentful and scheming heart, which reaped its full harvest.
Never ever be jealous of someone else’s healing or ministry.
God has made you unique. Rejoice and relax in it and in who you are.
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