Ye Idolatrous Generation: Part III

Ye Idolatrous Generation

Understanding Luke 4:16-30 In The Context of Elijah and Elisha

Part III: Elisha Heals the Gentile Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-27)

The Hardness of Jews Opens the Door to the Gentiles

--Many Jews had a great hatred for the pagan Gentiles in general, even their kin, the Samaritans.

--They were hypocritical in their worship of God, for their hearts were far from Him.

--They were not judged because of the detestation of godless pagan practices, but were judged because of their arrogant hypocritical hearts.

--They become enraged when their hardness was compared to the generation of Elijah and Elisha, for it meant that God would turn from them and bring salvation to the Gentiles, who were unworthy.

--In the account with Elisha and Naaman, we see the mercy and grace of God to a pagan, while judgment rested upon the Israelites. Such would soon happen to them in a short time.

The Love of God to Naaman, The Leprous Gentile

--The idolatry of Israel is great, and the people are hardened, yet God turns to the Gentiles to display His love and glory, which shames the nation given the Law of God.

--The Lord had given Naaman great victory for the Syrians, yet he was a leper.

--In one raid, they took an Israelite girl who, in God’s Providence, was used to direct Naaman to Elisha.

--This Israelite girl was concerned for the welfare of this Gentile man, yet she was a slave and did not withhold such knowledge to her mistress.

--Naaman requests leave from the King, and the King of Syria obliges and sends a letter with him.

--Naaman brought much wealth with him, yet the King of Israel saw this as provocation and tore his clothes, a sign of immense distress, for only God could do such a miraculous healing.

--When Elisha hears of the King’s distress, he sends word to the King to send Naaman to him.

--Notice that Elisha wants Naaman to know that there is a prophet in Israel, of which will ultimately show the glory of God against the pagan idols.

--Naaman came in his earthly glory to meet Elisha, yet he is angered in that Elisha does not come to the door. He has come all this way, and Elisha tells him what to do via another.

--Naaman storms out, yet his servants urge him to do as Elisha has commanded him.

--Naaman humbles himself and goes into the Jordan River as prescribed.

--Not only was he cleansed, but his flesh was restored as to that of a child!

--One can only imagine the joy, relief, and thankfulness that came from Naaman, the pagan Gentile!

--He offered gifts, but Elisha was pointed in that this was to be shown as the free gift of God.

--Interestingly, he was distraught about his paganism, and even asked for forgiveness in advance for assistance of the King in the pagan temple. Even so, Elisha told him to go in peace.

--Ironically, Elisha’s servant went before Naaman to claim some prize, yet his greed resulted in leprosy.

Application

--God is not a respecter of wealth, language, ethnicity, etc in the giving of His grace, which leaves no room for bitterness or envy.

--God is Sovereign, and He is active and not merely reactive in bringing His purposes about, so this should drive us to humility and comfort as we rest in the arms of a Mighty and Gracious God.

--God is Love, and He magnifies His love to those who deserve it the least, namely sinful man from all tribes, nations and tongues, so let us love, rejoice, and worship Him with great reverence and humility.

--God’s grace is freely given, ultimately in Christ, so it is not to be bought with silver and gold, and to think we can profit from God’s grace is greedy and deserves condemnation.