Text: 2 Kings 5
What can we learn from the people involved in this account?
The Servant Girl (v. 2-3)
- She was concerned for the well-being of others
- She wanted to be a good servant
- She had faith in God
- She spoke up
The King of Israel (v. 6-7)
- He at least knew the limits of his power — “Am I God?“
- But he did not seek help from God or His prophet
Elisha (v. 8-10)
- Sent word to the king without waiting to be called upon
- Wanted to show there was a prophet in Israel — not for his glory, but for God’s
- Did not come out to meet Naaman — message is same, regardless of messenger
Naaman (v. 11-14)
- Initially rejected the message
- His servant talked some sense into him — instructions are simple, just do it
- When he obeyed, he was healed
Gehazi (v. 20-27)
- Elisha refused to receive Naaman’s gifts (v. 15-16), but Gehazi decided to take something from Naaman
- He thought this was only fair — we should be concerned with what is right, more than with what is fair
- He lied to carry out his plan
- He knew what he was doing was wrong — tried to hide it
- He was punished for his sin
