December 12^TH

NAAMAN’S RECOVERY (Continued)

Scripture Reading:  II Kings Chapter 5

     When Elisha heard that the king of Israel rent his clothes, he enquired and added, "let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." A true Prophet is one who speaks by Divine Power.  Like Jesus, such a prophet speaks or declares what he hears God say. Today, we are blessed to be joint heirs with Christ.  There is a living ministry because God’s Word was accomplished in Christ Jesus and did not return to Him void.  Divine expression is alive!  That is why there is such power unto salvation in the preaching of the Cross. 

     Elisha sent a messenger to Naaman with simple instructions, "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean."  Because Elisha did not personally respond to Naaman and his entourage, Naaman became offended.  Oh that we could see the power inherent in the message!  The Word is the Life and Power!

To become  "clean" requires baptism into His death.  Elisha sent Naaman the Eternal Formula for becoming ceremonially clean or pure.  His instructions give a picture of what happens at redemption.  Seven speaks to spiritual perfection or completion.  Why wash in Jordan? An enraged Naaman demanded to know its significance and preference over rivers in Damascus.  Jordan means to descend, and it is a perfect picture of complete immersion or baptism into Christ.  "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ._Galatians 3:27."

Continued