2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God… We propose to take the narrative as illustrative of the great truth — the necessity of conforming with God's plan to secure salvation. I. THAT GOD'S PLAN IS CONTRARY TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF MAN. So it was here. Naaman had been thinking within himself how the prophet would act. "Behold, I thought," etc. Men would cross the ocean and wander in far-off lands in search of wisdom, they would survey the heavens, and descend to the lowermost parts of the earth, but God's word of life is nigh unto us, in our mouth and in our heart. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." II. THAT GOD'S PLAN TENDS TO HUMBLE THE PRIDE OF MAN. Naaman thought there was some royal cure for a royal patient, and an honourable way to deal with such an honourable man. How indignant he felt when the prophet only sent a messenger to him, and the remedy prescribed being so humiliating too. So God's plan of salvation is mortifying to the pride of the sinful heart. The Pharisees were offended at the Saviour for making no distinction between them and the sinners. We find Peter, having received the consent of the Master, walking on the sea; but the moment he began to trust himself, and feel safe in the power of his own strength, the boisterous winds and the treacherous waves frightened him, and, conscious of his weakness, he with gladness entered the ship, and was "safe in the arms of Jesus." The gate is strait, and the road is narrow, but he who is humble and obedient is led at last to safety and bliss. III. THAT HE WHO TRULY FEELS HIS NEED WILL ACCEPT GOD'S PLAN. Though Naaman was at first most seriously disappointed, and turned away in a rage, yet on the counsel of his servants, strengthened by his own need and his inward conviction, he complied with the directions given by the prophet. When the sinner really feels sin a burden, and believes that the meek and lowly Jesus is powerful to remove it, he will not quarrel with the method of salvation, but will Come at once and cast his burden down, and when he truly feels his guilt he will come to the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. IV. THAT CONFORMITY TO GOD'S PLAN WILL SECURE A MAN'S SALVATION. Naaman obeyed, and he was accordingly cured. "His flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." 1. Some means are generally used. The miracles of the Old and New Testaments are similar in this, that means were used in bringing about such wonderful deeds. 2. The means were not sufficient in themselves apart from the blessing of God to cure his leprosy, but as it was God's plan it effected its purpose. 3. Naaman's cure was instantaneous. What a happy moment for him when he discovered that the cause of his anxiety, trouble, and humiliation was removed. So the man who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, and flees to Him for refuge, is from that moment free from condemnation. The Son hath made him free, and he is free indeed. 4. His cure was complete. His flesh was made like "the flesh of a little child." So he who accepts God's plan is wholly renewed, created anew in Christ Jesus. (H. C. Williams.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. |
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