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Pentecost 5

4 July 2004

Written by the Rev Dr Philippa Horrex of Wanganui

Theme: Salvation

2 Kings 5: 1-14
The story of Naaman, the leper, is a story of salvation.  It is a story of healing in the broadest context, for not only is Naaman cured of his leprosy, he finds renewal in God. There is an irony in the significance of Naaman’s name – it comes from a Hebrew word meaning “ be delightful, pleasant, beautiful”. His name becomes a reproach to his reality, but perhaps it is a reminder that however we may be seen in the eyes of others, to God we are always beautiful and worth saving. 

Because in Old Testament times leprosy was considered as a sign of sinfulness it has been suggested that Naaman’s leprosy was God’s means of bringing him into knowledge of God. While ultimately it was his physical condition that led Naaman to seek out God, I personally have problems with the concept of disease being a consequence of sin. However a discussion about the significance of leprosy in the Old Testament might be useful in the context of this story.

There are a number of human traits illustrated in the story that compete with faith in God’s healing power- exactly the sort of character failings that prevent salvation. For example Naaman seemed to think he could buy his cure – a “money can buy anything” attitude. There was an arrogance that said because I am commander in the king’s army this prophet should actually be seen to cure me. There was contempt for the simplicity of Elisha’s instruction to wash in the Jordan. (The question could be asked of a congregation “What are the things which prevent a person’s salvation?”)

Alongside Naaman’s failings however, we also see the surprising ways in which God can bring about salvation, by sometimes using unexpected people. Both the little servant girl and Naaman’s other servants had faith that Naaman could be cured if he would only believe. While Naaman’s pride initially prevented his healing the compassion of his servants broke down his resistance. (Ask – “God will use whatever believer is on hand to bring about a person’s salvation – would he use you?”)

As is shown in this story salvation need not be a difficult experience. Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan seven times – how simple is that!  It was Naaman’s self-opinionated pride that made his salvation difficult. With encouragement however, his faith in the word of the man of God, Elisha, led to his deliverance – from his disease but also his arrogant self will. 

(This is an occasion when testimonies of personal salvation might be appropriate within the context of the service)

Psalm 30
This is one of the 41 psalms attributed to David, although there is some suggestion that it dates from a later period. Written in the first person it appears to be a song of thanksgiving from recovery from some illness. (v.2)  One can imagine Naaman might have sung this song had he known it, as it gives thanks for the  restoration of life. There is also joy expressed at the deliverance from possible death, and the wonder of newness of life.

Galatians 6: 1-10
Here Paul addresses the fact that even one who has been saved can still sin again.  The idea that once we have experienced salvation we enter into a sinless state is a delusion.  Paul points out that when a Christian falters and commits a sin, the church has an obligation to help that person be restored to God’s grace. This is an instance of our duty as Christians to bear one another’s burdens, to be our brother or sister’s keeper. 

However Paul points out we need to understand our own burdens and not judge ourselves against others to be able to help one who has fallen by the wayside. Helping a person to overcome their sinfulness does not mean we can meddle in their life. We can sow the seeds of restoration and salvation by investing in the fruits of the Spirit, but not if we allow ourselves to pursue the works of the flesh.

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Today’s Gospel message concerns the sending out of the seventy (or seventy-two, depending on your translation) to prepare the towns and places for Jesus’ eventual coming. They were to announce the coming of the Kingdom to those who needed to be saved. Their responsibility was to deliver the message, but they were not responsible for the hearer’s response, as while the “harvest” was there to be gathered, God has given everyone the ability to accept or reject the message. 

There is a sense of urgency in the way Jesus sent out the apostles  which could be translated into today’s context.  There are many men and women in our society who need to be reached with the Gospel message and find salvation.  A possible way of handling this passage could be to discuss how the church articulates its mission today.

Prayer
Loving God, we come to you as a people who know your love.
For that we give thanks and praise.
But Lord, we know there are many men and women in our world who don’t know you.  We bring before you those who are lost,
who feel alone, abandoned, and hopeless.
Some live in our own neighbourhoods, our own city.
We pray that we may be able to reach them with the message
that through your grace they might know a different life,
in which restored and renewed, loved and fulfilled,
they might in turn go on to reach others.
Amen.