乃縵得醫治
1 亞蘭王的元帥乃縵在他主人面前為尊為大，因耶和華曾藉他使亞蘭人得勝；他又是大能的勇士，只是長了大痲瘋。 2先前亞蘭人成羣地出去，從以色列國擄了一個小女子，這女子就服事乃縵的妻。 3她對主母說：「巴不得我主人去見撒馬利亞的先知，必能治好他的大痲瘋。」 4乃縵進去，告訴他主人說，以色列國的女子如此如此說。 5亞蘭王說：「你可以去，我也達信於以色列王。」於是乃縵帶銀子十他連得，金子六千舍客勒，衣裳十套，就去了； 6且帶信給以色列王，信上說：「我打發臣僕乃縵去見你，你接到這信，就要治好他的大痲瘋。」 7以色列王看了信就撕裂衣服，說：「我豈是神，能使人死使人活呢？這人竟打發人來，叫我治好他的大痲瘋。你們看一看，這人何以尋隙攻擊我呢？」
8神人以利沙聽見以色列王撕裂衣服，就打發人去見王，說：「你為甚麼撕了衣服呢？可使那人到我這裏來，他就知道以色列中有先知了。」 9於是，乃縵帶着車馬到了以利沙的家，站在門前。 10以利沙打發一個使者，對乃縵說：「你去在約旦河中沐浴七回，你的肉就必復原，而得潔淨。」 11乃縵卻發怒走了，說：「我想他必定出來見我，站着求告耶和華－他神的名，在患處以上搖手，治好這大痲瘋。 12大馬士革的河亞罷拿和法珥法豈不比以色列的一切水更好嗎？我在那裏沐浴不得潔淨嗎？」於是氣忿忿地轉身去了。 13他的僕人進前來，對他說：「我父啊，先知若吩咐你做一件大事，你豈不做嗎？何況說你去沐浴而得潔淨呢？」 14於是乃縵下去，照着神人的話，在約旦河裏沐浴七回；他的肉復原，好像小孩子的肉，他就潔淨了。
15 乃縵帶着一切跟隨他的人，回到神人那裏，站在他面前，說：「如今我知道，除了以色列之外，普天下沒有神。現在求你收點僕人的禮物。」 16以利沙說：「我指着所事奉永生的耶和華起誓，我必不受。」乃縵再三地求他，他卻不受。 17乃縵說：「你若不肯受，請將兩騾子馱的土賜給僕人。從今以後，僕人必不再將燔祭或平安祭獻與別神，只獻給耶和華。 18惟有一件事，願耶和華饒恕你僕人：我主人進臨門廟叩拜的時候，我用手攙他在臨門廟，我也屈身。我在臨門廟屈身的這事，願耶和華饒恕我。」 19以利沙對他說：「你可以平平安安地回去！」
乃縵就離開他去了；走了不遠， 20神人以利沙的僕人基哈西心裏說：「我主人不願從這亞蘭人乃縵手裏受他帶來的禮物，我指着永生的耶和華起誓，我必跑去追上他，向他要些。」 21於是基哈西追趕乃縵。乃縵看見有人追趕，就急忙下車迎着他，說：「都平安嗎？」 22說：「都平安。我主人打發我來說：『剛才有兩個少年人，是先知門徒，從以法蓮山地來見我，請你賜他們一他連得銀子，兩套衣裳。』」 23乃縵說：「請受二他連得」；再三地請受，便將二他連得銀子裝在兩個口袋裏，又將兩套衣裳交給兩個僕人；他們就在基哈西前頭擡着走。 24到了山岡，基哈西從他們手中接過來，放在屋裏，打發他們回去。 25基哈西進去，站在他主人面前。以利沙問他說：「基哈西你從哪裏來？」回答說：「僕人沒有往哪裏去。」 26以利沙對他說：「那人下車轉回迎你的時候，我的心豈沒有去呢？這豈是受銀子、衣裳、買橄欖園、葡萄園、牛羊、僕婢的時候呢？ 27因此，乃縵的大痲瘋必沾染你和你的後裔，直到永遠。」基哈西從以利沙面前退出去，就長了大痲瘋，像雪那樣白。
各位弟兄姊妹平安！今天我們讀的是一個很著名的故事——乃縵大將軍得到醫治。這個故事其實有很多個層面，很多個角度，我們可以來分享。其中特別屬靈的故事也有許多，我們可以從不同的角度來思考這個故事，看看它給我們的屬靈啟示。
1. 傳福音的人不分地位
首先，我們可以先了解一下，乃縵並不是以色列人。他是當時亞蘭王（也就是敘利亞帝國）的一位大將軍，因此他其實不是以色列的友好對象，因為當時以色列和亞蘭之間不斷地在發生戰爭。
然而，我們在這裡看到的是一個外邦人被上帝醫治。這個故事最重要的部分其實是兩個小人物，其中之一是一個以色列的婢女，她是一名被擄來的戰俘。乃縵的病之所以能夠被醫治，正是因為她的啟發，使乃縵去尋求以色列的先知。因此，我們可以說，這位婢女給了乃縵第一個盼望的機會，告訴他以色列中有先知，而這位先知可以醫治他。
所以，乃縵到了以利沙那裡，雖然他沒有得到他所期待的對待——在以利沙家門口，以利沙連面都沒有露，只是派人告訴他去河裡面洗七次。原本乃縵差點因為自己的脾氣與救恩擦身而過。此時，另外一個小人物的話又成了關鍵，這就是乃縵的僕人。他對乃縵說：「主人，你就去試試看吧。」乃縵聽從了僕人的建議，才最終因為這樣得到了醫治。
這兩個小人物的話語，在乃縵的故事中起了至關重要的作用。其實，這兩個小人物所表達的態度與基督徒的使命非常相似。你可以想像一下，如果這位婢女和僕人沒有勇敢地講出他們的想法，而是抱著「多一事不如少一事」的心態，不去干涉乃縵的決定，讓他照自己的意思去做，那麼就很可能會錯過這次得救的機會。
這不正像我們傳福音的時候嗎？如果我們也只是覺得「多一事不如少一事」，心想總會有別人來傳福音給他們，而選擇閉口不言，那麼我們周圍的人是否就會因為我們的沉默而錯過原本應該認識救恩的機會呢？
勇敢分享福音，即便看似微不足道，卻能成就神的奇妙工作。
2. 謙卑，是得到救恩的必要條件
另一個角度是，我們可以看到乃縵在聽到以利沙的話時，其實非常生氣。他覺得約旦河只不過是一條小小的河流，甚至不是特別乾淨的河，怎麼可能幫助他這樣一位大將軍治好病呢？他的內心充滿了疑惑和驕傲，覺得自己被如此簡單的方式輕視了。
但幸好，他身邊的小人物——他的僕人，對他說：「主人啊，你就試試看吧！」這樣的一句勸告讓乃縵放下了自己的驕傲，去順從地洗了約旦河的水。結果，他真的得到了醫治，痊癒如初。
在經歷了這個神蹟後，乃縵也變得非常謙卑，他回來對以利沙說：「我現在知道，普天下除了以色列以外，沒有別的神。」
而且，我們還可以看到乃縵進一步謙卑認罪的部分。他特別提到一個很具體的情況：當他扶著主人在外邦神面前跪拜時，他知道這件事可能會得罪上帝。因此，他特別請求先知以利沙替他在上帝面前求情，祈求上帝能夠饒恕他這冒犯上帝的行為。
以利沙對此的回應也非常簡潔而有力，他告訴乃縵：「你可以平平安安地去吧。」這一句話充滿了釋放和安慰，表明上帝看到了乃縵的悔改，並且願意以恩典待他，給他平安。
這讓我們看見，當人真心悔改，願意坦誠面對自己實際的過犯，並且尋求饒恕，上帝的恩典總是夠我們用。
3. 貪心可能阻礙救恩
當然，我們在這裡也看到了另一個反面的教材——就是基哈西，他是以利沙的僕人。儘管他每天都親眼目睹以利沙所行的神蹟，並陪伴他、服侍他，但他卻沒有真正學到以利沙所給他的教訓。他的心中仍然起了貪念，偷偷追上乃縵，向他要了一些財物。而且，他還不是說這是自己想要的，而是謊稱這些東西是為了給其他的門徒。
基哈西的這種行為顯示出，即便是在每天接觸神蹟和聖人教導的人中間，若是內心沒有真正順服和改變，仍然可能陷入誘惑和貪婪。他選擇了以虛偽的方式滿足自己的私欲，而沒有效法以利沙的信心和忠誠，最終為自己的行為付出了慘痛的代價。
不過，你也知道，上帝並沒有因為這件事直接殺死基哈西。雖然他因貪念得了大麻瘋病，但上帝留了他一條命。後來，繼續服侍以利沙。我們無從得知他是否因這次的教訓而真正悔改、謙卑下來，但從這個故事中，我們看到上帝的管教有時不僅僅是懲罰，而是給人一個機會去反思和改變。這提醒我們，神的恩典不僅僅是表現在即時的寬恕上，還在於祂給我們時間去悔改、反省，並再次尋回正確的道路。
在這個故事裡，我們看見了兩個小人物傳遞了福音，使一位外邦人謙卑下來並且得到改變。同時，我們也看到了一位長期服侍先知的人，卻因貪心而犯錯。在這短短的一段故事中，包含了許多屬靈的教訓，值得我們深思。
透過更深入地閱讀這段經文，我們能夠從中學到更多屬靈的智慧和提醒。感謝各位的聆聽，我們明天將繼續閱讀《列王紀下》第六章。
Elisha Heals a Syrian General
Now Naaman, the commander of the king of Syria’s army, was esteemed and respected by his master, for through him the Lord had given Syria military victories. But this great warrior had a skin disease. Raiding parties went out from Syria and took captive from the land of Israel a young girl, who became a servant to Naaman’s wife. She told her mistress, “If only my master were in the presence of the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his skin disease.”
Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. The king of Syria said, “Go! I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten suits of clothes. He brought the letter to the king of Israel. It read: “This is a letter of introduction for my servant Naaman, whom I have sent to be cured of his skin disease.” When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill or restore life? Why does he ask me to cure a man of his skin disease? Certainly you must see that he is looking for an excuse to fight me!”
When Elisha the prophet heard that the king had torn his clothes, he sent this message to the king, “Why did you tear your clothes? Send him to me so he may know there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood in the doorway of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent out a messenger who told him, “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan; your skin will be restored and you will be healed.” Naaman went away angry. He said, “Look, I thought for sure he would come out, stand there, invoke the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the area, and cure the skin disease. The rivers of Damascus, the Abana and Pharpar, are better than any of the waters of Israel! Could I not wash in them and be healed?” So he turned around and went away angry. His servants approached and said to him, “O master, if the prophet had told you to do some difficult task, you would have been willing to do it. It seems you should be happy that he simply said, 'Wash and you will be healed.'” So he went down and dipped in the Jordan seven times, as the prophet had instructed. His skin became as smooth as a young child’s and he was healed.
He and his entire entourage returned to the prophet. Naaman came and stood before him. He said, “For sure I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! Now, please accept a gift from your servant.” But Elisha replied, “As certainly as the Lord lives (whom I serve), I will take nothing from you.” Naaman insisted that he take it, but he refused. Naaman said, “If not, then please give your servant a load of dirt, enough for a pair of mules to carry, for your servant will never again offer a burnt offering or sacrifice to a god other than the Lord. May the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to worship, and he leans on my arm and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” Elisha said to him, “Go in peace.”
When he had gone a short distance, Gehazi, the prophet Elisha’s servant, thought, “Look, my master did not accept what this Syrian Naaman offered him. As certainly as the Lord lives, I will run after him and accept something from him.” So Gehazi ran after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” He answered, “Everything is fine. My master sent me with this message: 'Look, two servants of the prophets just arrived from the Ephraimite hill country. Please give them a talent of silver and two suits of clothes.'” Naaman said, “Please accept two talents of silver.” He insisted and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, along with two suits of clothes. He gave them to two of his servants and they carried them for Gehazi. When he arrived at the hill, he took them from the servants and put them in the house. Then he sent the men on their way.
When he came and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” He answered, “Your servant hasn’t been anywhere.” Elisha replied, “I was there in spirit when a man turned and got down from his chariot to meet you. This is not the proper time to accept silver or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, cattle, and male and female servants. Therefore Naaman’s skin disease will afflict you and your descendants forever!” When Gehazi went out from his presence, his skin was as white as snow.
Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you! Today, we are reading the well-known story of Naaman, the great general who was healed. This story has many layers and perspectives to explore, with numerous spiritual lessons we can share. Let’s reflect on this story from different angles and consider the spiritual insights it offers.
1. Those Who Spread the Gospel Are Not Defined by Their Status
First, we can understand that Naaman was not an Israelite. He was a great general of the Aramean army (modern-day Syria), and thus not a friendly figure to Israel, as Israel and Aram were frequently at war during that time.
Yet, in this story, we see an outsider being healed by God. The key figures in this story are two seemingly insignificant individuals. One of them was a young Israelite servant girl, a captive taken from Israel. It was her suggestion that led Naaman to seek the prophet in Israel for healing. In a way, we can say that this servant girl gave Naaman his first glimpse of hope by informing him that a prophet in Israel could heal him.
So, Naaman went to Elisha. Though he didn’t receive the treatment he expected—Elisha didn’t even meet him face-to-face but instead sent a servant to tell him to wash seven times in the Jordan River—another small person played a crucial role. Naaman’s servant encouraged him, saying, "Master, why not give it a try?" Naaman listened to this advice, humbled himself, and was ultimately healed.
The words of these two seemingly insignificant people were crucial to Naaman’s story. Their attitudes resemble the mission of Christians today. Imagine if the servant girl and Naaman’s servant hadn’t spoken up, instead choosing to remain silent, thinking it was better not to interfere with their master’s decisions. They would have missed the opportunity for salvation.
Isn't this similar to how we approach sharing the Gospel? If we, as Christians, choose silence, thinking "it’s not our place" or "someone else will share the Gospel with them," then those around us might miss the opportunity to know salvation due to our silence.
Courageously sharing the Gospel, even when it seems insignificant, can lead to God’s miraculous work.
2. Humility Is a Key Condition for Salvation
Another perspective to consider is Naaman’s initial reaction to Elisha’s instructions. He was very angry. He thought the Jordan River was just a small, unimpressive river, not even particularly clean. He questioned why he, a great general, should bathe in such a river. How could something so simple heal him?
But fortunately, his servant encouraged him, saying, “Master, why not try it?” This humble advice helped Naaman put aside his pride, wash in the river, and be healed.
After experiencing this miracle, Naaman became very humble. He returned to Elisha and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel."
We also see Naaman’s further humility and repentance when he acknowledged a particular issue: when he assists his master in bowing before a foreign god, he realizes this act could offend the Lord. Therefore, he specifically asks Elisha to intercede on his behalf, asking God to forgive this possible offense.
Elisha’s response was simple but powerful. He told Naaman, “Go in peace.” These words were filled with grace and comfort, showing that God had seen Naaman’s repentance and was willing to grant him peace.
This demonstrates that when someone genuinely repents, faces their sins honestly, and seeks forgiveness, God’s grace is always sufficient.
3. Greed Can Hinder Salvation
Of course, we also see a negative example in this story—Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. Even though he witnessed Elisha’s miracles daily and served him closely, Gehazi had not truly learned the lessons Elisha had taught him. He was filled with greed and secretly followed Naaman to ask for material possessions. To justify his actions, he lied, claiming that the items were for other prophets.
Gehazi’s behavior shows that even those who are constantly in contact with miracles and divine teaching can still fall into temptation and greed if their hearts are not genuinely transformed. Gehazi chose to satisfy his desires through deceit rather than following Elisha’s example of faith and integrity. Ultimately, he paid a heavy price for his actions.
However, we also know that God did not kill Gehazi for his sin. Although he was struck with leprosy as a consequence of his greed, God spared his life. Later, he continued to serve Elisha. We don’t know if this event led him to true repentance and humility, but from this story, we see that God’s discipline is not always immediate punishment. Sometimes, it’s an opportunity for reflection and change.
In this story, we see how two small individuals spread the Gospel, leading a foreigner to humble himself and be transformed. At the same time, we see how someone who had long served a prophet was still overcome by greed. This short story is rich in spiritual lessons for us to consider.
By reading this passage more deeply, we can gain more spiritual wisdom and insight. Thank you for listening, and tomorrow we will continue with 2 Kings, Chapter 6.
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