Naaman’s healing and Gehazi’s greed
Preaching Outline on II Kings 5:14-19 – Then he went down and dipped in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh became like the flesh of a child, and he was cleansed. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him, and said, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; now therefore, I pray you, take a blessing from your servant. But he said, As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it. And he urged him to accept it, but he refused. Then Naaman said, “If you are not willing, let this servant of yours be given a load of earth sufficient to carry two mules; for this servant of yours will never again offer a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other gods, but to the Lord.
Introduction to II Kings 5:14-19
Chapter 5 of II Kings presents us with the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian general, but afflicted with a terrible disease: leprosy. In search of a cure, he turns to the prophet Elisha in Israel. The biblical account shows us the power of God at work, healing Naaman through a simple act of obedience: washing seven times in the river Jordan. Verses 14 to 19 describe Naaman’s healing and his gratitude, offering gifts to Elisha, who refuses them. This context prepares us for the stark contrast with the attitude of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, who will be the focus of our reflection.
Development
Naaman’s Obedience:
Naaman, despite his social position and initial pride, humbles himself and follows Elisha’s advice. He dips seven times in the Jordan and is cured of leprosy. His obedience leads to physical healing and, possibly, recognition by the God of Israel. Nowadays, we see many people looking for quick and miraculous solutions to their problems, but obedience to God and his principles remains the path to true healing and transformation. Just as Naaman was willing to follow Elisha’s guidance, we need to be willing to listen to and obey God, even if his ways seem strange or challenging. Obedience to God often requires humility and renunciation, but it leads us to blessing and a full life.
The Integrity of Elisha:
Elisha, a man of God, refuses the gifts offered by Naaman. He recognizes that the healing came from God and does not seek material rewards for it. In an increasingly materialistic and consumerist society, Elisha’s example inspires us to seek higher values. Integrity and faithfulness to God should be our greatest treasures. Elisha teaches us that true wealth does not lie in material possessions, but in communion with God and obedience to His will. May we follow Elisha’s example, prioritizing the values of God’s Kingdom and seeking His glory in everything we do.
Gehazi’s greed:
Gehazi, driven by greed, runs after Naaman and lies to gain personal advantage. He wants the wealth and recognition that Elisha refused. Gehazi’s behavior is a warning to us about the dangers of greed and dishonesty. In a world that values success at any cost, we are tempted to look for shortcuts and compromise our values. Gehazi’s story shows us that greed can lead to lies, deceit and destruction. May we learn from Gehazi’s mistake and seek honesty and integrity in all our relationships.
The consequences of greed:
Gehazi’s greed leads him to contract Naaman’s leprosy. He reaps the consequences of his disobedience and dishonesty. The Bible teaches us that sin has consequences. The unbridled pursuit of material goods, power or status can lead us down dangerous paths and away from God. Gehazi’s story reminds us that true happiness lies not in the things we possess, but in life in communion with God. May we seek God first and live according to His principles, so that we may experience true peace and joy.
Conclusion of II Kings 5:14-19
The story of Naaman and Gehazi confronts us with the reality of our own human nature. We are capable of good and evil, obedience and disobedience. May we learn from Naaman’s example and seek God with humility and obedience. May we also reject greed and dishonesty, represented in the figure of Gehazi, and seek integrity and faithfulness to God. May the story of Naaman and Gehazi inspire us to live a life according to God’s will, seeking his glory in everything we do.
Preaching Outline on II Kings 5:14-19 – Then he went down and dipped in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh became like the flesh of a child, and he was cleansed. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him, and said, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; now therefore, I pray you, take a blessing from your servant.
More Preaching Outlines
- Envy, greed and rebellion – Jude 1:11
- Elisha’s call – II Kings 2:1-7
- The Shunammite woman – 2 Kings 4:25-26
