Naaman the Syrian

'Naaman the Syrian'

— Luke 4:27

‘Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.’ The cleansing of Naaman was a famous story of the Old Testament Scriptures, with which the Jews of our Lord’s day were very familiar. But when our Lord recalled it to their attention, ‘they were filled with wrath’. Those men understood perfectly well what Christ was saying and they greatly resented it. That which our Lord was teaching is just as violently opposed by modern religious people as it was by the Jews. But for those who are taught of the Spirit, this is a most delightful and comforting doctrine: salvation is accomplished by the sovereign prerogative of God. This little story plainly sets forth God’s method of grace.

The sovereignty of God’s grace was clearly displayed in the cleansing of Naaman. It is evident that Naaman was the object of sovereign grace, because he was the most unlikely candidate for mercy. Naaman was a heathen, Gentile idolater. He was a sworn enemy of Israel, the people of God. Besides, Naaman lived a long way from the prophet’s home. Yet the grace of God passed by many lepers in Israel. Going far afield, it found this Syrian soldier. Blessed be God, he still operates in this same sovereign manner! Those whom men consider the least likely candidates for mercy are the objects of God’s free grace. Many others were passed by, more noble, more excellent than he, but God chose Naaman.

But mark this also: the grace of God always operates in a definite manner. God has not only ordained who will be saved. He has ordained the method by which they will be saved as well. First, Naaman had to hear the good news that healing was possible. Whenever God intends to save a sinner, he will send someone to tell him the gospel. It may be a little Hebrew maid, or it may be an old man. But always, ‘Faith cometh by hearing.’ For another thing, it was imperative for Naaman to heed the message and obey the command. Even so, men must hear the gospel and in humble faith wash in the blood of Christ.