A No-Name Servant
Notes
Transcript
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
How many of you tonight think that you have little or no influence over anyone else? How many would say I can influence the decisions those younger than me? How many I think I can influence those older than I am?
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Not many people are faced with the adversity of the little maid. Captured in a wartime raid, separated from her family, and made a slave in the house of a leper was not the dream life of a junior high girl. The grace of God, however, can overcome any adverse circumstance in life and bring us out on the other side as a wonderful testimony for the Lord. Although there were many lepers during the prophet Elisha’s lifetime, only one of them was ever delivered from leprosy.
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
And the miracle would not have taken place without this unnamed servant girl.
Introduction
Introduction
The conjunctive word but can totally change a sentence. Verse one describes this man Naaman as:
leader: "captain of the host of Syria"
loyal: "a great man with his master"
legendary: "and honourable"
laborer: "by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria"
And then there is the word but: "but he was a leper."
Leprosy is a dreadful disease that begins unnoticed under the surface of the skin and literally eats away the flesh from the inside out.
It usually takes about three to five years for symptoms to appear after coming into contact with the bacteria that causes leprosy, Some people do not develop symptoms until twenty years later. The time between contact with the bacteria and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period Leprosy's long incubation period makes it very difficult for doctors to determine when and where a person with leprosy got infected.
The inside out nature of leprosy is why in the Old Testament God uses it as a picture of sin. Often sin is unnoticed by those around us, as the outside mannerism may appear fine and proper. But inside—in our hearts—the dreaded leprosy of sin can be at work.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
The lepers in Israel were condemned, commanded to live outside the city walls; and if anyone came close, the lepers were to cry, "Unclean! Unclean." Syria, however, tolerated the lepers and allowed them to live with their families and work normal jobs. This is why Naaman as a leper was allowed to be the captain of the army.
Too often our culture does not condemn sinful activity, but tolerates and even promotes it. There is no stigma on a person living in outward rebellion against God's laws.
There was no cure for leprosy. It would take a miracle for this man to be cleansed. Likewise, there is no cure for sin. Education, psychology, sociology, and even religion all take turns trying to reform sinful man, but the only hope we have is the miracle of salvation.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
The miracle of salvation takes place when the message of truth is proclaimed to a receptive heart.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
A Captured Slave
A Captured Slave
This young, unnamed servant girl was not in Naaman's home by choice. She was taken into slavery as a spoil of war.
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
A Different Culture
A Different Culture
The word little would indicate this girl was young. Imagine the trauma of war for a child, followed by the trauma of being captured as a slave. Her life is turned upside down as she is instantly removed from her family, her friends, and her culture.
Are we willing to be faithful in a difficult situation? Does God have to provide us comfort and ease in order for us to serve Him? Jesus described the surrendered life, which runs in opposition to our flesh.
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Our attachment and love for our self, our surroundings, and even our own family ought to look like hate compared to our love for our Savior.
A. A Different Culture
A Difficult Circumstance
A Difficult Circumstance
This little girl, through no fault or choice of her own, is forced to be part of the care of the leprous Naaman, perhaps washing his clothes and daily changing his bed linens.
But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
The filthy rags in Isaiah 64:6 is a reference to the rags lepers would use to scrape the rotting and dead flesh from their bodies, and filthy was a perfect word for them.
Once again, then, we see the comparison between leprosy and sin.
The Bible gives no indication of bitterness or discontent in this young lady. She goes about her tasks cheerfully and diligently— so much so, that when she voices her concern for Naaman later, people listen. What a testimony!
Circumstances do not dictate contentment. It can only be found in our resources through Christ Jesus.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God can give you the grace and strength to serve cheerfully under difficult circumstances.
A. A Different Culture
B. A Difficult Circumstance
A Designed Cause
A Designed Cause
It is evident through this incident that God had a plan for this little unnamed servant girl being brought to Naaman's home.
This little girl may have even thought that that she was just a poor little servant girl and there was no way God could use her. But she would have been wrong. God used this little girl to potentially change the course of the whole nation of Syria.
And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.
Nothing in our life is an accident, but rather part of God's lovingly-orchestrated plan to bring about His glory and our best.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.
We may not always understand the intricate leading of the Lord, but we can trust Him because He sees the big picture.
The author of How Life Imitates the World Series shared a story about former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, Earl Weaver, This gives us a small glimpse of the difference between our short-sighted perspective and God's perfect view of all things from every vantage point.
Weaver had a rule that no one could steal a base unless given the steal sign. This upset Jackson because he felt he knew the pitchers and catchers well enough to judge who he could and could not steal off of. So one game he decided •in steal without a sign. He got a good jump off the pitcher and easily beat the throw to second base. As he shook the dirt off his uniform, Jackson smiled with delight, feeling he had vindicated his judgment to his manager. Later Weaver took Jackson aside and explained why he hadn't given the steal sign. First, the next batter was Lee May, his best power hitter other than Jackson. When Jackson stole second, first: base was left open, so the other team walked May intentionally, taking the bat out of his hands. Second, the following batter hadn't been strong against that pitcher, so Weaver felt he had to send up a pinch hitter to try to drive in the men on base. That left Weaver without bench strength later in the game when he needed it.
Jackson could see only his up-close relationship to the pitcher and catcher, but Weaver had his eye on the entire game, and he knew his plans for it. We would be wise to keep our eyes on God Who sees the big picture of our lives, while we see only the here and now.
God in His mercy and lovingkindness will never lead us in a way that will be evil for us or have a tragic end.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
I. A Captured Slave
A Careful Servant
A Careful Servant
While this young girl must have had her moments of fear, loneliness, anger, frustration, and self-pity, the Bible doesn't record them. God shows this girl rising above any human emotions, selfish thoughts, and sinful reactions.
An Excellent Attitude
An Excellent Attitude
Everything starts with attitude. Perhaps you've heard it said that "attitude determines altitude." God need not look any further than our attitude to determine our spiritual condition.
T. A. A. L
The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, Searching all the inward parts of the belly.
God's measuring stick is never our outward appearance.
I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
We must be careful that our Christian life is not merely an outward show, but rather a result of an inner relationship with God that pours itself out through our actions. The most scathing message that Jesus preached was not to the publicans and sinners, but rather to the religious Pharisees who had an outward show of religion but hearts that were wicked and vile.
A. An Excellent Attitude
An Exemplary Action
An Exemplary Action
Remember: attitude leads to actions.
Just as a wrong attitude will manifest itself in bad actions, the opposite is also true. This girl's attitude could have been sour and bitter toward Naaman and his wife. After all, she is now forced to serve the one who had ruined her life! But instead, her right spirit produced a life of exemplary service toward her enemy.
Isn't that a picture of Jesus Christ? As sinners we are enemies of God. Yet, He died for us!
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
What an amazing example we have in our Lord Jesus Christ!
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Our service to God and others even in adverse and unappreciated circumstances perfectly mimics our Savior. This kind of life is commanded and greatly rewarded!
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
These verses in Ephesians 6 were written to slaves. They did not receive wages, vacation time, a benefit package, or a retirement account. Yet they are commanded to serve faithfully, as Christ did, from their heart!
1. A Captured Slave
2. A Careful Servant
A Courageous Speech
A Courageous Speech
Slaves, especially junior high girls in the home of the captain of the army, are not usually asked their opinion about situations. Yet this young girl spoke up.
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
What made it so her mistress listened to her speech?
This Speech was Earnest
This Speech was Earnest
One can surely sense the passion in this girl's voice. This had likely been on her mind and heart for some time. But why would she even care? Why would she care about this ruthless leader who had ravaged her village, probably killed her parents, and ruined her life?
When God's love changes us, our response to others also changes. Paul spoke of the experience of this change.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Does the love of Christ that was manifested in your life constrain you to have compassion on others?
And of some have compassion, making a difference:
A. This Speech Was Earnest
This Speech Was Extreme
This Speech Was Extreme
The Bible tells us that there were many lepers during the prophet Elisha's lifetime, but only one of them was ever delivered from leprosy.
So when this little girl said that Naaman could be healed, she was proposing something that no one in her lifetime had ever seen or experienced. Her suggestion was an impossibility! It was beyond comprehension.
This unnamed servant girl had big faith in a great God.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
We are to live in the light of God doing the impossible.
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
We are going to have revival meetings in just a few weeks not. But we often speak of it as as something that won’t actually happen. Revival isn’t a number of church meetings. Revival is a renewed spirit in the Lord, a renewed love, and joy to service Jesus. We think that, that kind of revival can’t happen in our day. But it can! and we ought to live in the faith that this little girl had. She spoke up to suggest something that was completely impossible but she believed it could happen!
Have you given up on the extreme? Have you taken some things off of your prayer list because you don't see evidence of an answer on the way? Have you decided certain loved ones, co-workers, or neighbors are too difficult to be saved? Have you abandoned a vision for your family, church, or ministry?
What might happen if you renewed your faith in an all-mighty God who can do the impossible?
A. This Speech Was Earnest
b. This Speech Was Extreme
This Speech Was Effective
This Speech Was Effective
This little unnamed servant girl believed in her miracle-working God, so much so that her words were observed by others. They went into action because of her words.
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
These words about a miracle-working God started a wave of motion toward a one-of-a-kind miracle! The king of Syria writes a letter to the king of Israel informing him that Naaman is on his way to Samaria to be healed of his leprosy. The king of Israel thinks this must be a joke, for he has no healing power over leprosy. When Elisha the prophet hears of it, he tells the king to send Naaman to him. Naaman is offended that Elisha does not meet him personally and perform some magic power over his disease, but instead sends a messenger with orders to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Naaman thought his healing would come on his terms in his way.
Some people wait for God to speak to them in some miraculous form, anticipating hearing some heavenly voice or seeing some sign in the sky. God has already sent His message to us—it's called the Word of God.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We do well to hear and heed this message.
When Naaman was finally convinced to obey the message of the prophet, the miracle happened.
Conclusion
Conclusion
What a beautiful Old Testament picture of salvation. Sin, like leprosy, is ravaging and rotting away our life and our soul from the inside out. But when we respond to God in faith, His blood removes the leprosy of sin and makes us new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
In 2 Kings 5:11, Naaman said, "Behold, I thought. . . but after the miracle, in verse 15, Naaman made a declaration— "I know"!
Do you "know" that you are a child of God and on your way to Heaven, or do you just "hope" or "think" that you may be? You can know!
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
What a picture this little maid is of the truth that contentment is not based on our circumstances! She didn't need her situation changed for her to live her life trusting and serving God. She lived her life as one who:
Believed that nothing happens by accident in her life and that her circumstances were planned by God for His glory and her good.
Believed God would bless and use her in the lives of others.
Was willing to speak out for the Lord regardless of the perceived risk.
With these motivating beliefs in her life, God used her as she was and where she was. She lived with a positive attitude, trusting in God. Her authorities observed her exemplary life, and when she had a message for them, they listened.
What miraculous power could God show in your life if you trusted Him with your circumstances - the ones you have right now - and asked Him to change you through them; and then opened your mouth to share Jesus with those who have already seen Him working in you?
What if everyone in here tonight stopped blaming their circumstances in life to why you can’t have a positive godly influence on others and instead let God work through those circumstances?