The sermon this week will continue with the theme of healing, cleansing, faith, and trusting in the one true God. In last week’s sermon we used James 5:13-16…”Is anyone among you sick?”…”the prayer of faith will save the sick”…”pray for one another, that you may be healed.”… We shared in Holy Communion, which is a vivid reminder of the death of Jesus Christ. He died for us to cleanse us of our sins and to pour out His grace on all the wounds of our lives.

This story in 2 Kings 5:1-15 is about the miraculous healing and cleansing of Naaman (a Syrian commander) of his leprosy. It is also about a young Israeli girl who spoke a testimony of “FAITH” about the one true God of Israel. Her convictions were both real and deep, and she was not afraid to speak out. Naaman ends up in Israel because of her testimony. Elisha sends Naaman some simple instructions to go wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman becomes angry and furious at these simple steps and almost forfeits his cleansing because of his pride. Naaman’s servant redirects his thinking and attitude. Naaman decides to humble himself. He follows Elisha’s instructions and receives a miraculous cleansing. But more importantly he discovers the one true God,” now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel”.

Thinks to Ponder:

1. (Thank God for young people who are often honest and bold about their faith… Pray for our Youth and our Youth Pastor Andy Yarnell)

2. Are you and I willing to share our convictions and our faith in Jesus, with others?

3. When has pride hindered your faith?