Beech Tree News Network

 Naaman (II Kings 5) was a “mighty man in valor.” He was captain of the Syrian army, known for his military cunning, and bravery. Unfortunately, he was a leper (II Kings 5:1). In order to be cleansed of his leprosy, an Israelite maiden that he had captured told his wife he should see “the prophet that is in Samaria” (II Kings 5:3). Rather than seeing the prophet, though, the king of Syria sent Naaman to the King of Israel for healing (II Kings 5:5-6). This king, knowing he had no power to heal Naaman, tore at his clothes and cried, “Am I God to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?” (II Kings 5:7). The king could not heal Naaman and was in great distress that he had been asked to do such a thing.

 Enter Elisha. “When Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, ‘Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? Let him come now to me and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel’” (II Kings 5:8). What an outstanding thing to say! Elisha tells the king that if he will send Naaman to him, he will know that there is a prophet in Israel. Let us stop and consider what he was saying.

 First of all, how would Naaman know that Elisha was a prophet? Would it be merely because Elisha introduced himself as such? Would Naaman know that Elisha was a prophet because the “grapevine” in town called him a prophet? Would Naaman know Elisha was a prophet because the king decreed that Elisha was a prophet? How was he going to know? The way Naaman would know that Elisha was a prophet was because Elisha was going to heal the leprosy! Of course, we can read ahead and know the end of this account. Specifically, after Naaman submitted to God’s will, he was cleansed and recognized God as supreme. He also recognized Elisha as the prophet that he was (II Kings 5:14-15, 17).

 What a great lesson for us! It is one thing to state certain things as being true. However, the proof is in the action! Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). May we take these words to heart and obey what the Lord has said so plainly in Scripture.

 Friend, if you think you are a Christian (Acts 2:38, 11:26), do people know that you are a Christian? How do they know? Would they say that they know you are a Christian because you claimed it, or because they can see Christ-like behavior in your daily actions? Remember, like everyone else on earth, you are known by what you do (Prov. 20:11)! People can claim many things, but the truth is seen in how they act! In connection with these thoughts, please read Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus makes it clear that folks can see our good works and glorify God. What do people see in you and me on a daily basis? Yes, we are known by what we do!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167