Notices 6th July 2025
A special welcome to everyone joining us in worship at Kingston today.
Please join us for a cuppa and drinks for the children after worship
2 Kings 5; 1-14
The aptly named ‘Naaman’ has the dreaded, painful and in some parts of the world, all too common pestilence of leprosy. Eventually, on the advice of his Israeli wife, seeks a cure from the “Holy Man”, Elisha, of Israel. Corresponding through servants, to his disgust, Naaman is not even granted an audience with the great prophet but is simply told by Elisha to go and wash in the Jordan… Seven times!!!!
“Nah, Man!” says Naaman, (or words to that effect) “What would I want to wash in that filthy swamp for. Besides; Doesn’t this man know who I am?...”
So Naaman’s approach is flawed here on two counts. First of all, he has in mind the way this divine healing thing is supposed to go down. I mean, everyone knows, that to get a touch from God you go to a charismatic revival meeting, listen to some compelling preaching, wait till the music is slow and respond to an alter call and wait for the evangelist to lay their hands on you… right?
It's not to say that God doesn’t sometimes work in this way but how can we possibly place limitations on the way God will speak, heal, and move in God’s own universe?
Secondly, Naaman seems to think his position in life, the success of his career, his rank and status, should all place him in a position of privilege.
“Surely the Prophet should feel honored to meet me Besides, I brought loads of dosh!”
How often do we try and play that card?
Nevertheless, God loved Naaman but not for any of those reasons. Despite his delusions of greatness, despite his little hissy fit, in God’s eyes, Naaman is great.
And God loves us and thinks we’re great too!
Despite our hissy fits and delusions of either grandeur or inadequacy.
