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"You will seek me

and find me

when you seek me

with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

WHEN OUR EXPECTATIONS IN GOD ARE NOT FULFILLED

Learning that a negative response does not mean rejection,

but the means to receive God’s best.

Text: 2 Kings 5:1-17

Something to think about: Events impact our life. Our actions and attitudes shape our future. When our expectations are not fulfilled, feelings, thoughts and emotions play a vital role in what we become. The decision is up to us.

Introduction: Naaman, his name means pleasantness. A powerful military commander thought how God should answer his request.

Naaman had a positive expectation: He expected for God to clean him from his visible illness. He had no doubts. When the visit did not develop as he expected, disappointment and anger replaced any sense of positive expectation.

Naaman’s attitude and decisions speak to us through the centuries.

Background and Context: Elisha was now Israel’s prophet. Up to chapter 5 in 2 Kings, Elisha had performed five miracles and spoken three prophecies.

Miracles

1. The division of the Jordan (2:14)

2. Healing of the water and the land (2:19-22)

3. The Widow’s oil (4:1-7)

4. The Shunammite’s son resurrected (4:18-37)

5. Food that tasted bad turned to good flavor (4:38-41)

Prophecies

1. Water to be supplied and the victory of the three kings against Moab (3:14-19)

2. A child to be born to the Shunammite woman (4:15-16)

3. The feeding of the one hundred man (4:42-44)

Background previous to this event

Something took place almost unnoticed. It was common for bands of enemy armies to raid small towns or villages. Such was the case in the text to be considered. However, this event would have an impact not only on the people enslaved, but also in the conqueror.

I. NAAMAN AND HIS ILLNESS (verse 1)

1. “The Hebrew word was used for various diseases affecting the skin – not necessarily leprosy.

2. The illness on the skin did not prevent him from being courageous and respected in the king’s court.

3. This man had great inward resolve. He pursued a military career.

4. His character is seen by the commitment he later made before the prophet (v. 15; 17).

Application: Inward qualities are important. They speak about moral fiber. At first, all what Naaman wanted was to be healed. God touched not only his body but also his spirit. The inward change was outstanding.

II. NAAMAN AND THE YOUNG GIRL’S ADVICE (verses 2-3)

The Attitude of compassion:

Applied at the right time and for the right reasons.

1. The young girl was a slave from Israel.

2. She did not have bitterness.

3. The young girl demonstrated kindness, faith and compassion.

a) Her enslavement impacted a powerful man.

b) The young girl was vindicated in her faith, when the miracle occurred.

c) One wonders what happened to her when Naaman returned. Was she allowed to go back to her homeland?

Application:

ð God can use us in all circumstances, if we allow it.

ð Inward attitude determines outlook in life, thinking patterns, joy or sadness.

ð You have the key to your present and future,,,

III. NAAMAN AND HIS JOURNEY TO ISRAEL (verses 4-6)

The attitude of a humble heart: Someone else had a “better god”.

An influential commander follows a slave’s advice!

1. He had a letter from the king of Aram.

a) The servant girl said to go to the prophet not to the king.

2. Naaman had to humble himself to go to a foreign land.

First step to God’s answer.

3. Naaman brought money and a present of 750 pounds of silver or 340 kilograms; and 150 pounds of gold or 70 kilograms.

a) Was it to pay for the miracle?

b) Was it an act of gratitude?

c) Was it to show the wealth of his country?

4. The letter shocked the king of Israel.

-It showed how out of touch with God the king was. He never though of Elisha.

a) King Joram from the Northern kingdom was afraid – shocked.

b) The king sought counsel of his elders, not from God’s Word.

c) The king did not think ask the prophet of God.

Application: When faced with something beyond our abilities, let us remember the promise: “I will never leave you neither forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

The counsel: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths.”

(Proverbs 3:6)

IV. NAAMAN AND ELISHA THE PROPHET (verses 9-12)

The attitude of inward expectations. Naaman expectation was on his terms therefore, failure was set to happen from the beginning.

1. Elisha sends a message to the king of Israel (v. 8)

2. Naaman goes to see the prophet

3. Elisha’s servant delivers the instructions for healing – Prophetic command

4. The prophet’s instructions offended Naaman.

a) The commander had to confront his pride.

5. Naaman is disappointed. The events did not develop according to his expectations.

a) Naaman, without realizing it, was telling God how to perform the miracle.

Application: Wrong expectations or an expectation without a proper foundation is not solid ground.

God’s love is amazing. He will not hold that against us, if we only repent!

If we are offended because of God’s silence or decision it is time for a change of heart!

V. NAAMAN LISTENS TO HIS SERVANTS (verses 13-14)

The attitude of recognition. Naaman realized his response was wrong. The miracle had not been denied. He did not accept it, on God’s terms.

1. The general returns home, with his illness.

2. He must have explained why he came back.

3. To his credit, Naaman listens to his servants.

a. That alone demonstrates he was humble.

b. He respected his servants. Naaman recognized he was wrong.

Second step to God’s answer.

Application: Though Naaman did not obey, God’s mercy did not change.

Does that speak to your heart?

-The servants’ wisdom became the instrument for understanding and change.

-To admit that we are wrong is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of inward qualities.

“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)

VI. NAAMAN FOLLOWS ELISHA’S INSTRUCTIONS

The attitude of obedience. Third step to God’s answer.

Application: God wanted to answer all along. Wrong expectations and attitude delay His blessings.

1. Naaman obeys the prophet’s instructions by going directly to the river.

2. Seven times he was to dive in the Jordan River.

a. The miracle would occur not because of a number, but because of obedience.

3. Naaman was healed. Joy floods his heart.

a. God reveals His greatness to a gentile commander.

b. Now, God’s revelation of Himself is through the Lord Jesus.

VII. NAAMAN BELIEVES IN THE GOD OF ISRAEL (verse 15)

The attitude of a surrender heart. “It is not I, but Christ in me…”

1. The joy of those that were with him (verse 15)

a. The servants that witnessed the miracle experienced something unique. Though not written, the possibility of their conversion is very strong.

2. The impact of the miracle

a. Spiritual insight of the true God.

b. The reality of the servant’s advise.

c. The vindication of the prophet’s instruction.

3. Naaman publicly declares his new found faith (verse 15b)

4. A gift is offered and refused.

a. The glory of the miracle had to remain toward God alone

b. No room for misinterpretation (by accepting the gifts of silver and gold)

c. The testimony of this miracle would be known throughout Aram (Syria)

Conclusion: Naaman life speaks through the centuries. The principles of change an finding answers remain the same.

Ministry Info

Pastor Ed

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Gustavo Nova

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Tony D'Ambrosia

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Tim Amos

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Jan Van Baaren

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