Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 2 Kings 5:12
I continued my thought of Naaman and I discovered something of myself and all the human race. I want it my way. Remember the song by Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way”? Believe it or not this is a part of the fall of man. The reason the Lord God put such restraints on us is not to punish us, but to teach us that outside of God’s holiness there is nothing but sin. Naaman’s attitude is perplexing to us until we look at ourselves. Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.” The natural tendency of man is to say that they chose Jesus, but human nature runs away from God, not toward Him.
Naaman had certain expectations. He thought that the man of God would praise him for coming. He thought the man of God would make a scene. He thought the man of God would expect money, wealth or even possession for his work. When Naaman was met with a self abase attitude of Elisha, he did not like it. “What? You are not going to recognize me? What you want me to do what? What kind of man of God are you?” You see the sinner has been led to believe by false teachings that it is all up to you. Some teach that you have to keep your salvation by performing sacraments. Some teach you have to do this or that to be saved or to keep you salvation. The only requirement for true salvation is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31) Will you take the way God has made, or will you expect more?
In the sight of God rituals mean nothing. Oh you can do these things, but to what advantage? What is the purpose of doing these rituals? Does the Lord’s Supper save you? Does baptism keep you? No, these things are done in accordance with God’s commands and are the first acts of obedience. I am baptized to tell the world I am a follower of Christ. I take the Lord’s Supper to remember all the Lord has done for me. (Colossians 2:11-15; Matthew 26:26-30) My hope is built on Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection, alone.
Naaman could have left and returned to Damascus with his leprosy because of his personal expectations. What are your expectations?
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