Homiletic Review 2 Kings 5:1-19 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable… This whole story of Naaman, ancient as it is, is not one out of relation with our present lives. It is a story which can easily teach us some most valuable modern lessons. I. THE UNIVERSAL SUBTRACTION FROM OUR ADDITION. Consider them in Naaman's case. 1. Consider the addition. (1) Captain of the host of the King of Syria. (2) A great man with his master. (3) And honourable. (4) Because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria. (5) He was also a mighty man in valour.How many items in this addition, and how large the sum of their values — high military command, great favour at court, splendid reputation, success, great personal bravery. 2. Consider the subtraction — one vast damaging item, but he was a leper. Take a New-Testament instance, that of Paul (2 Corinthians 12). (1) Addition. Rapture (ver. 2). Presence in Paradise (ver. 4). Vision of the unspeakable glories (ver. 4). Abundant revelations (ver. 7). (2) Subtraction — thorn in the flesh (ver. 7). Are not those instances more or less exactly parallel in our own lives? You can add together many a favouring circumstance and possession: then here is sure to come the subtracting — but. Why is this? Why, in our common lot, must there be this universal subtraction from our addition? If this life were all, and were intended to be all, it would be cruel. But there is another life. These subtractions from our additions are allowed, lest we should somnolently settle into the feeling that this life is all. II. THAT OF FAITHFULNESS TO ONE'S RELIGION IN STRANGE PLACE AND CIRCUMSTANCE. The little Hebrew maid (vers. 2-4) how unlike her are those professing Christians who, moving to a new place or city, will not use their church letters but drop into the sad throng of non-churchgoers! III. THE UNWISDOM OF MAKING BEFOREHAND PLANS FOR GOD. 1. Behold the ancient picture — the letter; the presents worth USD50,000; the ostentatious arrival before the prophet's door; the message; the reply and rage (vers. 11-12). 2. Behold the modern counterpart. Simple was the remedy the prophet ordered — the washing in the Jordan. So simple is the Gospel — personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. But men, thinking their thoughts, making beforehand plans for God, say, "Are not the Abana and Pharpar of my moralities better?" or, "Are not the Abana and Pharpar of my penances better?" or "Are not the Abana and Pharpar of some shining experience I have imagined better?" IV. THE WISDOM OF DOING FIRST WHAT GOD SAYS (ver. 14). Have you not been delaying, and thinking, and imagining, and holding to your way long enough? Now, in the beginning of this New Year, will you not wisely submit to God, as Naaman did? Will you not accept Jesus Christ and so, in the only possible way, find forgiveness for your sin? (Homiletic Review.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. |
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