I HAVE TO WHAT?

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NAAMAN

Read 2 Kings 5:1–14

            “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?"   2 Kings 5:12 NIV

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            Naaman was the commander of the army of Syria, (Aram) enemy of Israel. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. His wife's young Israeli servant, who had been captured in a raid, told him that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal him.

            Naaman expected some sort of dramatic production by Elisha the prophet, but instead he was told to humble himself and wash seven times in the Jordan River–the territory of his enemy. At first he reacted in rage saying, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:11)

            Like many people today, Naaman balked at the simplicity and humility required for his healing. Some find it hard to admit that they are sinners in need of Jesus who said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Through him we have forgiveness and eternal life.

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            Lord, thank You for giving Your Son on the cross so that I could be cleansed of my sin.  Give me the opportunity to share my faith, just as Naaman's servant girl shared hers, even in enemy territory.

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  So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.   2 Kings 5:14 NIV