Friday: Further Study – The Unlikely Missionary
Centuries after Naaman returned to his Syrian home, healed in body and converted in spirit, his wonderful faith was referred to and commended by the Saviour as an object lesson for all who claim to serve God.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet, the Saviour declared; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. Luke 4:27. God passed over the many lepers in Israel because their unbelief closed the door of good to them. A heathen nobleman who had been true to his convictions of right, and who felt his need of help, was in the sight of God more worthy of His blessing than were the afflicted in Israel, who had slighted and despised their God-given privileges. God works for those who appreciate His favors and respond to the light given them from heaven.
-Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 252, 253.
Discussion Questions:
- Over the years a great deal of discussion has ensued over what happened after the healing of Naaman. In 2 Kings 5:17-19 , Naaman makes a powerful confession of faith, saying,
(2 Kings 5:17, NKJV). However, right after, he says,for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD,
(2 Kings 5:18, NKJV). What are the implications of Elisha’s reply? To what extent do Christian missionaries have to exercise patience and understanding to new converts, especially when they come to us from a different religious and cultural background?when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon-when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this thing,
- How rapidly should enculturation of new converts take place?
The widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian had lived up to all the light they had; hence they were accounted more righteous than God’s chosen people who had backslidden from Him and had sacrificed principle to convenience and worldly honor.
-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 416. - Healing and salvation came to Naaman by a faith revealed in his actions. Discuss more the whole question of the relationship between faith and works. Why is it so important to understand the crucial yet distinct roles both have in the Christian life and witness?
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Having Jesus in one's life is the greatest. The Christian has hope not just in this life but the life to come. The Christian has peace, joy,contentment even in the times of trouble, sickness, disaster .... The story of Namaan shows that a life without Jesus is hopeless despite the the vast amount of material things one may accumulate. Some of the world's most powerful and influential people have died miserable deaths because they did not have the 'Hope Giver'. Many of them spent their last days on earth in mental anguish, realizing that after all is said and done, death is a reality we all must face and they were not prepared for that reality. Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus
We mostly concentrate on Naaman in this story, however we should not forget if not for the faith of a certain Christian servant, kept captive, by Namaan who saw something kind about her master to share with him about the prophet who could heal him. It would never have sparked curiosity to exercise his faith as well as Namaan's fellow military soldiers encouraging him on to go down into the water. These others involved in this story should also teach "us" how important a role we all have in reaching souls by the aide of the Holy Spirit directing us.
Indeed it can be difficult for a new convert change from his/her ways , casue as we all know what it feels like when we use to do the wrong things which we use to do , all i could advise is that for im a slow learner but what is important is that we remain with trying our best to improve , " better than yesterday "with Gods help we are in a spiritual warfare and the new converts will be under much attack , we should help them as Jesus help us overcome
As it relates to question 2 under discussion questions our church has On going bible study for those who are newly baptized. These sessions are open to everyone (baptized or not). We start out by acquainting these persons with the organizational principles/structure of the church, our way of life, for example what sabbath is all about and how to observe it, healthful living, salvation and so on. We have very good sessions. The members of the group are encouraged to ask questions and the facilitators use the word of God to answer the questions. Our members are made aware that "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." The are encouraged to search the scriptures daily and the Holy Ghost will teach them the precious truths in God's words.
I'm not sure of the meaning of discussion questions 1 and 2. Naaman made it clear he "knows now" that there are no other gods but the Lord. His role with the King of Syria was not to worship, but to stand in his government post. This would be no different than when the 3 Hebrews came and stood on the plain before the golden image as the King had commanded them. This was no sin, but rendering due service that did not offend their obedience to God, until the command to worship the golden image. Naaman made it clear he would not be worshiping with his King, only attending at his government post during the government ceremonies. I would expect that Naaman would make the matter clear to his King, while obeying as far as his new faith allowed. Be sure that this man was a true witness to all who knew him, now cleansed from his incurable disease by the Lord. He took earth upon which to build an altar to the Lord, which would not be done in secret. I can easily imagine some of his attendants who had seen the healing take place would be joining in his new found faith as well as the family who would hear the whole matter and rejoice at what the Lord had done for their husband/father/friend. We know the little maid would be worshiping with him as long as she remained there in his service.
With question 2 and the quote following, what is being implied? Should we not also quote Ellen's thoughts on this matter directly as well? She writes clear instructions in T6, in the chapter "Baptism"(pg 91). Read it and see what she has shared from the Lord for us to follow on this solemn matter. Today is more critical than in the days of Naaman, where the line was distinct between the true and false. Today the "true" has been falsified so many ways and this chapter shares the solemn work to be done for new converts to Truth before they are baptized. There has been a steady departure from this counsel and we reap the results today.
Robert, just one little thing. How do you know that Naaman wanted the two mule loads of earth to build an altar?
It is my understanding that in those times Gods were considered local such that he would feel he needed some of the earth of Samaria in order for Elisha’s God to be there. To me it is the same as Daniel praying toward Jerusalem which to him was God’s throne and residence rather than Persia. It is also like the Muslims do today when they pray toward Mecca.
For the Christian, God is everywhere present so there is no need to do anything like that which is something Jesus related to:
As for the rest of what you say, I think you are right. I do think it is a bit strange when pagan worship was such a problem that Elisha would not have said anything but doing so might have put a serious stumbling block in the way of Naaman. If that is so should we make such demands concerning the Sabbath day for new converts? Why not do a little work or shopping for your boss on the Sabbath?
2 Kings 5:17 seems to indicate the purpose of the earth doesn't it Tyler? The altar itself was most likely not made from the earth, but a place to build the altar on, as a constant reminder of his new citizenship with Israel as a sojourner by faith, though in a foreign land. Don't you believe that he was being led to do this? Not to say it's a solid fact, but God works in such ways to help sinners remember His mercy and grace. Many types given to Israel as constant reminders, but Naaman was not going to be in Israel.
Elisha was given wonderful insights, such as the very schemes of Gehazi's heart as yet unspoken. Naaman made it clear that he now knew there was only one true God, meaning he no longer accepted the god's of his king, and would not be worshiping while standing at his post for the king whom he served. Elisha knew Naaman now regarded God above all, including the king.
Why should we "make demands"? Who said we are to make "demands"? Did we write the Law in stone? What did Jesus tell us to do for the lost? (Matt 28:19,20 "teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you")
Tyler, if we lead others to see Christ as their Savior, Lord and only hope, won't they want to follow Him "whithersoever He goeth"?
We live in the Christian era and yes, worship wherever we are "in spirit and truth", but Naaman was not so enlightened. The mule loads of earth were his visible connection to his new found faith. Yes, like any Hebrew in a foreign land, praying towards the temple in Jerusalem, even when destroyed. Today, there is no geographical position where God makes His presence known as in the days of the Sancturary/Temple. Today we are the living temple.
I don't see this as a subject for debate since we can only make suppositions. I just thought the questions for discussion were missing some clear evidences.