Naaman was a leper, meaning that his skin was filled with lesions.
Even though he was a respected captain of the army of the king of Syria, I believe his ravaged skin must have made him feel ashamed, inferior and self-conscious.
Perhaps through God’s Grace you’ve accumulated a lot of blessings in this life. Everything is going well except for your skin that makes you feel self-conscious and unhappy.
Read on.
“So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’ Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them, and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’” Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:9-14 WEB)
Elisha’s message to Naaman was simple: wash in the river Jordan seven times and his flesh would be cleansed and restored.
However Naaman’s initial reaction was to show contempt for the simple command. The way he imagined he would get healed was totally different.
He thought it would be a dramatic display of power by the prophet.
Naaman reasoned that the rivers of Damascus were far better than the waters of Israel.
God’s word is likened to water (Ephesians 5:26). Perhaps you too unconsciously underestimate the power that’s available in the simple act of hearing.
Just keep hearing God’s word and you’ll be transformed.
“Yeah right, as if it’s so easy. What can hearing accomplish for me? I rather spend the time doing something actually productive about it.”
“My friend said this skin product is good. It’s very expensive so it must be good. Oh yeah that skin expert also said that this skincare routine will improve my skin. I better do that too...”
Do you disdain the water of God’s word and find that the skincare solutions of the world are better?
Do you think it’s more effective to do something by your own limited understanding and ability than to exercise faith in God’s promises?
Some believers would rather God tell them to climb the tallest mountain and use the water up there to wash their face and that would restore their damaged skin.
The sinful flesh just wants to do something that it can boast about and deserve its achievements.
Others expect God to shine a bright light down from Heaven and wash over them seven times dramatically to cause a full skin restoration.
After all, if it’s too simple and unspectacular, it can’t be true right? That’s what the flesh says.
When Naaman finally did as Elisha commanded and washed in the river Jordan seven times, seven being the number of perfection, his skin was restored like the flesh of a little child—he was given a fresh start, a new beginning!
The power to heal Naaman was not in the river Jordan.
No, the power to heal was in the anointed command that the Lord gave to Elisha—in other words, acting upon God’s word cleansed and restored Naaman’s flesh.
Dear brethren, God’s word is the water that can work this perfect cleansing in you and it has the power to transform your skin as well and restore its beauty.
When you receive and believe God’s word, the rivers of living water (Holy Spirit) inside you will be activated with power, transforming you into Jesus’ own image.
The glorified Jesus in Heaven has no blemish or spot—He is altogether lovely. A sinless being with no pockmarks, acne, or skin defects.
There is hope for your skin. No matter how damaged it is, the perfect water of God’s word and the Living Water indwelling you can turn everything around.
With God nothing is impossible, especially if there’s a precedent in His word.
Just like Naaman’s skin was restored like a little child’s, I’m believing that yours will also become smooth, clear, fresh, soft and beautiful!
Pray with me:
Dear Abba Father, thank you for giving us the Scriptures which contain power to transform us into Jesus’ own image, even to restore our youth and skin until it’s fresher than a little child’s. There’s hope for us in Christ. Help us to continue faithfully receiving your Word and being transformed by the Holy Spirit from glory to glory. In Jesus’ most precious name we pray, Amen!
I declare Shalom health and wholeness to you and if you want to learn more about becoming “Beautiful, Healthy and Strong Like Jesus”, you can order my ebook here and start experience a transformation that everyone can see ===>
https://www.miltongoh.net/store/p17/beautiful-healthy-and-strong-like-jesus.html
#Grace #Jesus
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Dec 25, 2012 - Elisha the prophet continued the efforts of Elijah in restoring ... Malachi the prophet delivered a message to the ancient people of God. ... <看更多>