10/25/11 PRIDE, THE DESTROYER

10/25/11 PRIDE, THE DESTROYER

Pride is a destroyer on so many levels. Naaman, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian army (2 Kg. 5) was afflicted with leprosy. He was informed that the Israelite prophet Elisha could deliver him. At various points Naaman's pride almost robbed him of his cleansing, but he humbled himself and was cleansed. He was told, "Wash and be clean." Some people consider humility to be more repugnant than uncleanness and separation.

BARRIERS and DELIVERANCE (as seen in 2 Kings 5).

BARRIERS TO OVERCOME.
(1) Naaman was a great Syrian dignitary, but suffered with leprosy.

(2-4) Naaman was instructed by an Israelite slave girl to seek help from an Israelite prophet.

(5-8) Naaman's price of silver, gold and clothing did not buy the long distance deliverance.

(8-9) Naaman was required to personally answer the summons of Elisha, the prophet.

(10) When Naaman arrived at Elisha's home, the prophet did not meet with Naaman face to face, but sent his servant to instruct Naaman to dip 7 times in the Jordan River.

(11-12) Naaman was insulted that; he was refused audience with the prophet, he was instructed by a servant, he was told to go away and to wash in the Jordan. Naaman preferred the clean waters of his homeland to the murky waters of this foreign land. Naaman left the home of the prophet in a rage.

DELIVERANCE THROUGH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.
(13-14) Naaman yielded to the pleas of those who cared for him, and he humbly obeyed the prophet. God cleansed him of his malady.

SIMPLY WASH AND BE CLEAN.