Showing posts with label Elisha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elisha. Show all posts

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Reflection - Elisha and The Shunammite Woman (2)

Source Website: http://www.preachingplatform.org/sermons/unexpected-divine-appointments
Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform)


The Shunammite Woman's great faith in God through His instrument on earth, Elisha, was rewarded again years later, after a seven year famine.
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman's great faith in God through His instrument on earth, Elisha, was rewarded again years later, after a seven year famine.  Elisha had warned her to move her family wherever they could find food.  After a seven year absence, when she returned, her lands and former house were restored to her and her son by the king, along with all retroactive proceeds from the land for the seven years she had been gone. (2 Kings 8:1-6)
Picture posted by Elena, Italy, Writer and cosplayer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARGwFM18HyowIC5ab7ZhKkCounMfkSEewor-csAkXT983TdTZXLJRLcHs6dJ3F1H52AiWEpO8cNXlrVKjLLSxlugATLjqICvodiCY2442x2zamQENaFCx0Hne5nhJafOwTHsibtV7I8k/s1600/tumblr_nu7nwxYcvY1s8je7eo1_1280.jpg
http://66.media.tumblr.com/13b57273619da5ad3ed7e96a08a4ea9b/tumblr_nu7nwxYcvY1s8je7eo1_1280.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/ddltokie/a-womans-beauty/


The story in 2 Kings 8, centers around a Shunammite lady who had been blessed by Elisha’s ministry. Not only was she blessed with the miracle of a child at an earlier date (2 Kings 4:17), but later, the now grown up son was raised from the dead by the power of God! (2 Kings 4:35)


Elisha Raising The Son Of The Shunammite Woman
PHOTO: Elisha Raising The Son Of The Shunammite Woman
The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha and simple, sincere faith led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was certainly blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel. Still today, God often uses His people’s humble acts of service to bless both the giver and the receiver.
Painting by Benjamin West (1738 – 1820) - Elisha raises son of the woman of Shunem (1765)
Picture posted by Jacinto Somera, SlidePlayer.es Inc.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQHrE3xllqujRC1rK5uKOUj-TIURXLQdH9XPE4IrECNs2t93A7d4sRciY9_FksFOTeor3G5MFH77cHlqEG95SZmi4esxrotNr6pHLg8mKhwSe9lX-72otmIpIIyQeGcKJWWRLEYomxZk/s1600/slide_14-1.png
http://images.slideplayer.es/2/1034713/slides/slide_14.jpg
http://slideplayer.es/slide/1034713/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/06/reflection-elisha-raising-son-of.html


Thereafter, on Elisha’s instructions, she had left her home & gone to Philistine territory to avoid a 7 year famine (2 Kings 8:1-2). Now that the famine was over, she had come back, 7 years later, only to find to her dismay, that the house & land no longer belonged to her. Some Bible commentators believe that the land had either been seized by the Government, or that someone may have encroached on the land & forcibly taken it over.


The Shunammite Woman - This notable, unnamed woman lived in the town of Shunem.  Her story is told in 2 Kings, chapter 4:8-37 and continued in chapter 8:1-6.
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman - This notable, unnamed woman lived in the town of Shunem.  Her story is told in 2 Kings, chapter 4: 8-37 and continued in chapter 8: 1-6.
She had left her home & gone to Philistine territory to avoid a 7 year famine (2 Kings 8:1-2).
Picture posted by Jean Kimble - WOMEN’S STUDIES – DEFINING MOMENTS
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_s7_LLfuE4iT6qW1iO7lAUEpOs0M1jRHp2NzDBQYySzYUGP1LalE2AA_Pe3b10cfYHBW87fJBpCwBti-BptcJIjz433PRSizMz0OluQp2xRXZg8wd6yqzcNHmgt-lW9YknQnHxKx4HI/s1600/The-Shunammite-Woman.jpg
http://jeancarterkimbleart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Shunammite-Woman.jpg
http://jeancarterkimbleart.com/about-my-art/womens-studies-defining-moments/


In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies. Little did she know that God had prepared a ‘Divine Appointment’ for her, not only through meeting the King, but also by ‘unexpectedly’ meeting Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. (2 Kings 8:4)


In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies.
PHOTO: In her desperation, this lady (with her son), went to see the King (2 Kings 8:3), hoping for a suitable answer; for maybe small mercies.
Public Domain Clipart Collection #8
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzAH0G5XQTyqTPeE_rmA3nMtzC6ZFHebJj3ZiIOn4I2Bobwh8gLy_FmRZf_P8OxtDDIC1Z4Z19Fa9PTwX31AJbFv9bdducT2Ntx82oibGAjkD62laicqxfVSVxCQimGiDlRzUITxip1I/s1600/2+kings+6+-+26+the+king+of+israel+was+passing-1.png
http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart/2%20kings%206%20-%2026%20the%20king%20of%20israel%20was%20passing.jpg
http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart8.htm


It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:5)! Talk about ‘Divine Appointments’! The shocked King may have been speechless for a while!


It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:5)!
PHOTO: It so happened that when she entered & cried unto the King (2 Kings 8:5), he was at that very moment having a ‘spiritual’ chat with Gehazi, about all the things Elisha had done (2 Kings 8:4-5) & it so happened, that at that very moment, Gehazi was telling the King about how God, through Elisha, had raised this very same lady’s son from the dead (2 Kings 8:55)!
Painting by Pino (Italian artist) - "Esther", Canvas Giclee - 40x32
Posted by West End Gallery
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g5PSmgsJSF439Usm2uSz2ZKoqbA6h6YPfG1URI1eOTZR8_L16blqr2f0rjSDe618gDiKp675bcLoeU61bpaqftd7BhL0q_ZpOGCMwm80IxtJkPXpgMpnF6MbbPCmDat3AJUnBxDhyphenhyphenmc/s1600/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/pino_images/pino_esther_40x32.jpg
http://www.westendframing.com/collection_pino.html


The King in his surprise then asked the lady whether this was true & she affirmed it (2 Kings 8:6). After all, there’s nothing better than a first hand account! It was truly an ‘Unexpected Divine Appointment’ & the end result was that she not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years! I wonder whether any bank has that kind of payback scheme!


The Shunammite Woman not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years!
PHOTO: The Shunammite Woman not only got her house & land back, but also the income from the land for the past 7 years!
Painting by Pino (Italian artist) - "Esther", Canvas Giclee
Picture posted by John Manderscheid on 12 October 2015 at 7:00 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrp32SkzDG6V4nLdU8zj-w9EqKdQHmhGf8WmjkWikDWuM0u7f84fGOJ70Mg05VtRmXjJwoZJQ2LHydiyc4O_8vqgFp7mdTPBwbacj29_g7Aig5FKlBssXk864Qe0PgPvMI0pGdvpc8D-U/s1600/iranpic-1.png
http://www.joegrabowski.com/uploads/5/9/2/6/5926618/iranpic.jpg
http://www.iiculture.org/details.asp?idOfEvent=503


In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. Many times, we may consider such meetings as irrelevant or even as irritants to our busy schedule. But, could it be many times that God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8? Such meetings are also blessed opportunities to share the Gospel.


In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8.
PHOTO: In life, God sends many unexpected people across our path. We meet them in supermarkets, concerts, funerals social functions etc. God is sending them to us unexpectedly, as a ‘Divine Appointment’, either as a blessing for them, or, maybe even for us, as it happened for the lady in 2 Kings 8.
Picture posted by Stacy Liberatore on 24 February 2016 at 23:44 GMT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OQZRhBuan6tYeehVkmWoqPd835DmV2AyAr6jB0WU8q6GB3Agd_gbuiLoGXcqF-q0rQooLXOYzT2nkx8pv-ABgLEvqBEsv-rDRou3bjVctKfv4BcESFfYWVBQmJabu_ZMGDBGsO9x1zg/s1600/25_1456348734994-1.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/02/24/21/3186AC5C00000578-3462635-In_the_book_Seppala_describes_happiness_as_an_unexpected_path_to-m-25_1456348734994.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3462635/You-really-calm-carry-Researchers-reveal-six-things-say-happy-successful.html


Illustration: I once received an unexpected call from an unknown person, who was not a believer, who wanted to meet me immediately. It was a Saturday afternoon & since Sunday was a busy day, I was looking forward to a time of rest, before preparing for the Sunday. I was therefore not too keen to meet anyone at that time (shame on me!), & tried my best to encourage him to see me the following day at church, after service. However, since he kept insisting, I had to forget about my rest time & meet up with him. As he entered, his first words, said roughly were, ‘I want to know about the Lord Jesus’! Sensing then that this was a ‘Divine Appointment', I began to share the Gospel with him. After I finished, this tough looking guy was more than willing to open his heart to the Lord. He soon started attending all the services & bible studies & grew in his faith, being mentored by one of our Pastors. After attending Bible College he answered a call to the missions field. Today, having initially been involved in the underworld, he now serves in the missions world, thanks to an ‘Unexpected Divine Appointment!’


Whether we are faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing us for a ‘Divine Appointment’.
PHOTO: Whether we are faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing us for a ‘Divine Appointment’.
Picture posted by Penguin on 19 July 2011 at 11:39 am - Beautiful Bluebird Resting in Blooming Flowers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yILpkADzIoDnQnBmKRZ7bQhXszwVxgHDZ8QeiXSfwY7tGsKp3AgJeUtjmt0SmkUQyyif1ZkkgKOtT6-W6vo7ImS3Ih_NbHbI38R5Z6vsZSnvjHY-6VL-uHC1IQZBzvO3QjLnhAL9_W8/s1600/adorable-bluebird-in-blooming-pink-flowers.jpg
http://www.acuteaday.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/adorable-bluebird-in-blooming-pink-flowers.jpg
http://www.acuteaday.com/blog/tag/spring-scene/


So, whether you’re faced with an unexpected meeting or going through an unexpected crisis, an unexpected delay or an unexpected change of plan, God may just be preparing you for a ‘Divine Appointment’. Trust Him through every season of your walk of faith.

Let me close with a quote the Lord impressed into my heart.
“Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing”.


Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing
PHOTO: “Any unexpected situation can be a ‘Divine Appointment’. Any ‘Divine Appointment’ will bring divine blessing”.
Picture posted by William Vanderdasson - Bluebird 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31JtOq0UNPaqbg10gGdypo62dYSkRpzAPUzIMHWgwVvSk_3IFyfDXI1CxdSgSlI28r4KqrIwrJnumRq30c2umHAIYeioMYRAwzjOz3TaqgORhByjvFJbDw5vF2ugHzd2YJDb73UWDmus/s1600/1672030-1280x768-%255BDesktopNexus.com%255D.jpg 
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, We pray that we do not consider unexpected meetings as irrelevant or even as irritants to our busy schedule. Please have such meetings as blessed opportunities to live a life that is pleasing to You.
Please help us to trust You through every season in our walk of faith even when in time of intense difficulty or danger. Amen!"
Painting by Rembrandt van Rijn - The flight into Egypt (1627)
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch 1606-1669) Baroque painter, draftsman, teacher, etcher & printmaker.
Picture posted by ArtSunLight Corporation
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZf5FjBo3prDB01JmKXo0heOC93IZ7A9ZVE0TJpzoD0jxcEa1iQwWBzlx_YJUBt2QriNFEZkyrKEOXelgM6kgcQ76rC87HZG3iJiw7lQPAe2f9zOS2PAY0hq86ns7CHkualTV-W-YeFI/s1600/the-flight-into-egypt-by-Rembrandt-van-Rijn-367.jpg
http://www.artsunlight.com/artist-photo/Rembrandt-van-Rijn/the-flight-into-egypt-by-Rembrandt-van-Rijn-367.jpg
http://www.artsunlight.com/artist-NR/N-R0009-Rembrandt-van-Rijn/N-R0009-367-the-flight-into-egypt.html

Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform)



Reference
[1] An unexpected meeting can become a divine appointment, Posted by Palitha Jayasooriya (The Preaching Platform), http://www.preachingplatform.org/sermons/unexpected-divine-appointments

NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Kings 4:8-37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A+8-37&version=NIV

2 Kings 4:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A17&version=NIV

2 Kings 4:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+4%3A35&version=NIV

2 Kings 8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A1-2&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A1-6&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A3&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A4&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A4-5&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A5&version=NIV

2 Kings 8:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+8%3A6&version=NIV
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Monday, June 13, 2016

Reflection - Naaman's Valued Servant

Source Website: https://obscurecharacters.com/2013/09/23/naamans-valued-servants/
Posted on 23 September 2013 by Carolyn A. Roth (Copyright)


Heart of the Story.
PHOTO: Heart of the Story:  Although Naaman was one of the most powerful men in the Near East, he was cured of leprosy through the actions of two of his servants. An Israelite girl and her mistress, Naaman's wife (2 Kings 5:1-19).
Picture posted by goodsalt.com - 2 Kings 5: Naaman's Wife and the Hebrew Maiden
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqcVv-BHRJCKXYgGEY62caMupB59cDc3FRrrGpYv2VvmU515wefV86cMYdnRyoSZ9wVq5xkgJ6SPsbcVdjXLmEZ74ryVHcYlnMdbsiSP26cpLUMT2KsoRRraygDItZZiHttslRDhMKVQ/s1600/witnessing-stdas0026bjpg-gehazi-1-GoodSalt-stdas0026-1.png
https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/witnessing-stdas0026bjpg-gehazi-1-GoodSalt-stdas0026.jpg
http://es.goodsalt.com/popup/stdas0026.html


Background
Naaman was a valiant soldier and commander of the Aram army. The Aram king, Ben-Hadad, credited Aram's military victories to Naaman. Unfortunately Naaman had a skin disease that the Bible labeled leprosy, a disfiguring and disabling infection.


Naaman had a skin disease that the Bible labeled leprosy, a disfiguring and disabling infection.

PHOTO: Naaman had a skin disease that the Bible labeled leprosy, a disfiguring and disabling infection.
Picture posted by superbook
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcfCbby8BFc3RDP3NdHbwnYwikOxw5Jh0FaoKuvAc1fVYjNT3r45ymgBHYOjv4at-wylL1b_CR6jFm0JbibAyhg7qf4vU6cvrdlcH1lc8_SUbSi7SKFvjmA-Jzs4kVtA1uiBOqQS_48w/s1600/305_Episode_Preview.png
http://cdn.superbook.cbn.com/sites/default/files/episode_guide/preview/430x240_16x9/305_Episode_Preview.png
http://uk-en.superbook.cbn.com/content/naaman-and-servant-girl


An Israelite girl was captured during an Aram raid into Israel territory. The girl must have been exceptional because she became a servant to Naaman's wife. Either the girl knew Elisha directly or knew of his reputation as a prophet and healer. The servant girl told her mistress that Elisha could cure Naaman of his leprosy. Apparently, Naaman's wife valued the girl's opinion sufficiently that she recounted the words to Naaman. Desperate to be healed, Naaman shared the girl's words with Ben-Hadad.


An Israelite girl was captured during an Aram raid into Israel territory.

PHOTO: An Israelite girl was captured during an Aram raid into Israel territory. The girl must have been exceptional because she became a servant to Naaman's wife. The servant girl told her mistress that Elisha could cure Naaman of his leprosy.
Picture posted by DAWN, Daily Arts Web Nucleus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OIAckSlWmWeiDQ0Y3NMh3syBSqvR2f9Uo8SSYznm-BTH1Q-mg2Z3tdWAlaqqMZNj1zE6IGXWRnU1axXaXH7JVuceCxcYTpuId5IjoINFtSUlP8ieTd7Wy5CzWKhuMbbnkqOTX8EJTq0/s1600/P00968-1.jpg
http://www.adlibchristianarts.org/img/P00968-1.jpg
http://www.adlibchristianarts.org/2014-08-25.html


Immediately, Ben-Hadad encouraged Naaman to go to Israel and see the prophet; he wrote an introductory letter to Joram, the king of Israel, expressing confidence that Naaman would be healed. Joram was flabbergasted both by the letter and by the presence of Naaman. He had no idea what to do. When Elisha sent a message directing King Joram to send Naaman to him, Joram must have sighed with  relief. Perhaps he could blame Elisha for not curing Naaman and get out of this situation without going to war with Aram.


Ben-Hadad encouraged Naaman to go to Israel and see the prophet; he wrote an introductory letter to Joram, the king of Israel, expressing confidence that Naaman would be healed.

PHOTO: Ben-Hadad encouraged Naaman to go to Israel and see the prophet; he wrote an introductory letter to Joram, the king of Israel, expressing confidence that Naaman would be healed.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com - Naaman's Wife and the Little Helper
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5c5ImbuQPg4n0nRYi1LzANCm7feitAI7HQ0Zk2bjY-ectXwrhG_9NHkj5rmJrjbcM0PRx4cvHBCG_CO2dvSTMKSruZjAHkYF3VNDBeHj_6xkAQDboR7ANXmSFVEEWQ55pUV7qJNwGHU/s1600/witnessing-stdas0634jpg-leprosy-GoodSalt-stdas0634-1.png
https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/witnessing-stdas0634jpg-leprosy-GoodSalt-stdas0634.jpg
http://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0634.html


By this point Naaman may have concluded that he was getting the "run around;" however, he and his entourage left the Israelite royal court and traveled to  Elisha’s home on Mount Carmel. Rudely, the prophet did not invite the powerful commander inside his home for a meal or even go outside to meet him.  Instead Elisha sent a message to Naaman - probably through a servant - telling him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River.


Elisha did not invite the powerful commander inside his home for a meal or even go outside to meet him.

PHOTO: Elisha did not invite the powerful commander inside his home for a meal or even go outside to meet him. The prophet sent a message to Naaman - probably through a servant - telling him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com - Naaman Visits Elisha
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOzOtzkuY3jNcmN3QBuRA5G0FBhdopEjL5xquAWo3J_yjIP-sLMqzq5t4XjUNgACJupRUdw9UAPm8FLrabN9h7nwrVEXxw2C0dlDkq8uhSc0E3vSBWmVCEv7J2Yg7XS511HKcNe2zzQw/s1600/naaman-visits-elisha-1.png
http://www.goodsalt.com/view/naaman-visits-elisha-GoodSalt-prcas0458.jpg
http://de.goodsalt.com/details/prcas0458.html


Naaman was beyond angry by Elisha's actions. He fumed that Elisha did not come out to him. The supposed prophet did not stand and call on God or wave his hand over Naaman's infectious site. What did Elisha mean -  wash in the Jordan River? If all it took to cure Naaman was washing seven times in a river, he could wash in a Damascus river, which was better than any water in Israel.  Naaman left Elisha’s home in a rage.


Naaman may have concluded that he was getting the 'run around'.

PHOTO: Naaman may have concluded that he was getting the "run around;" The prophet did not invite the powerful commander inside his home for a meal or even go outside to meet him. Naaman was beyond angry by Elisha's actions.
Picture posted by Kelly Henderson on 29 November - Elisha and Naaman
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSLSDTHRBu9hcGfTRlUHeDiUyqxXwkO9wtKYo8jjOA10EiFV6AhatNPcGJdgbyKwJRAST-1eknTL3qdVLJaBk-FReEqg5G-rzDOgEEIhx3bZBoLVRXQUexX1jjCL_KwfHcESXfUPKLG0/s1600/2-kings-5-1024x608.jpg
http://cdn.www.ministry-to-children.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2-kings-5-1024x608.jpg
http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-lesson-elisha-and-naaman/


Soon after Naaman left Elisha's home, one of his servants approached him even knowing that the power war commander was furious. Apparently, the servant had a close relationship with Naaman because he addressed Naaman, as "My father." Then, the servant suggested that if Elisha required something great, Naaman would have done it. Would not Naaman do the simple, easy task of washing seven times in the Jordan River? In response, Naaman went to the Jordan and washed seven times. His flesh was restored (and became clean like that of a young boy.)


After listening to his servant, Naaman went to the Jordan and washed seven times.

PHOTO: After listening to his servant, Naaman went to the Jordan and washed seven times. His flesh was restored (and became clean like that of a young boy).
Painting by Cornelis Engebrechtsz (1468–1533) - The prophet Elisha purifies the Syrian captain Naaman in the Jordan of leprosy (1520)
Picture posted by akg-images / Erich Lessing
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBmjBkECkZI9mcPOzCkcX8gnRs17V3EJ5Fkkjq8D2slxWBR6zSmU5ZjQV8hmicT2LmKFOTz1XqM882oSwa36O2F0flo0DdGwCcl401y8hPSOeSs2RhstS-X8h5w9WhpL2n7KcrloPrj4/s1600/AKG117650-1.png
http://www.akg-images.de/Docs/AKG/Media/TR3_WATERMARKED/8/b/c/6/AKG117650.jpg
http://www.akg-images.de/archive/Der-Prophet-Elisa-reinigt-den-syrischen-Feldhauptmann-Naema-2UMDHUHTLPBC.html


Analysis of Relationships
Naaman and his wife must have been a benevolent master and mistress. Both servants in this Bible episode cared about their master's health and were proactive in trying to rid Naaman of leprosy. The servant girl was comfortable enough with her mistress to share her belief that an Israelite prophet could cure Naaman.


Though it may be difficult at times, as we listen to the voice of the Lord and His servants.

PHOTO: Though it may be difficult at times, as we listen to the voice of the Lord and His servants He will soften our hearts, enlighten our understanding, and convert our hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ, that through Him we may be healed.
Posted by Dallin, Principles of the Gospel on Sunday, 13 April 2014 at 2:55 PM,
http://principlesofthegospel.blogspot.sg/2014/04/by-voice-of-my-servants.html - Texts
Picture posted by goodsalt.com - Naaman Offers Elisha Presents
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Naaman's servant considered it safe to suggest an action that the furious Naaman had previously rejected. This servant must have been with Naaman a long time and had a close relationship with him. For a servant to address a powerful war commander as "Father" is exceptional. Many war commanders were mentioned in the Bible, e.g., Sisera, Joab, Abner, Nebuzaradan, two of which were Israelites. Nowhere in the Bible is there a tender conversation between them and a servant similar to that described between Naaman and his servant and nowhere else in the Bible do we read that servants called their master "Father".


Nowhere in the Bible is there a tender conversation between them and a servant similar to that described between Naaman and his servant and nowhere else in the Bible do we read that servants called their master 'Father'.

PHOTO: Nowhere in the Bible is there a tender conversation between them and a servant similar to that described between Naaman and his servant and nowhere else in the Bible do we read that servants called their master "Father".
Picture posted by goodsalt.com - Naaman Returns Home Healed
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Conclusion
Naaman was a pagan who worshipped Rimmon, who in Aram was a sun god.  Naaman followed no commandments from God telling him how to treat others to include his servants and his enemies. At times Naaman had a temper and could be offended and angry (2 Kings 5:11-12). Yet, he treated even his servants, some of who were from an enemy country, considerately.


Learn to be humble and help others.

PHOTO: Learn to be humble and help others.
"Dear Lord, We pray that we do not easily have a temper, get offended and become angry. But to listen to the voice of the Lord and others, soften our hearts, enlighten our understanding, and convert our hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We ask that through Him we may be healed physically and spiritually. Amen!"
Picture posted by Boris Todorov on Wednesday, 30 April 2014 at 20:30 - Harold Copping
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http://fonface.blogspot.sg/2014/04/ordinary-woman-so-east-color-of.html

Posted on 23 September 2013 by Carolyn A. Roth (Copyright)



Reference
[1] Naaman's Valued Servant, Posted on 23 September 2013 by Carolyn A. Roth (Copyright), https://obscurecharacters.com/2013/09/23/naamans-valued-servants/

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