Lessons on the Servant Girl of Naaman's Wife Part 2/3

The Plan

Part 2/3

2 Kings 5:2

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 

Here we are introduced to the heroine of the story. Hip hip, hooray! 

This girl was taken captive from her home, family, and all that was familiar to her. She must have been really bitter toward those that had taken her away, right? Nope! Just the opposite. 

2 Kings 5:3

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. 

The servant girl was apparently bright and sensitive to the sorrowful heart of Naaman's wife, who perhaps wore a solemn countenance as she thought of her husbands plight. 

Not only do we not know the name of this girl, but we also don't know how old she was in this account. She was certainly old enough to have taken notice of the prophet Elisha, or at least old enough to pay attention to the stories her parents, relatives, or friends related to her of the prophet. Let's take a look at the events Elisha partook in leading up to this account. The first two would only be known to Elisha and God, but others saw the remainders:

1. Elisha saw the prophet, Elijah, whom he learned much from, taken up in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11).
2. Just before Elijah was taken in a whirlwind, he asked Elisha what he most wanted. Elisha responded that he wanted a double portion of the Spirit of the Lord that empowered Elijah and it was granted to him (2 Kings 2:9,14,15).
3. God enabled Elisha to give the people of Jericho good drinking water (2 Kings 2:19-22).
4. God chastised forty-two children for making fun of Elisha after he cursed them in the name of the Lord (2 Kings 2:23-24). 
5. Elisha was known by and inquired after for help by Jehosaphat, king of Judah, when there was no water to be found in the wilderness of Edom. Elisha was known by his service to Elijah, and would have learned much from his teacher. Surely we are known for who we hang out with. (2 Kings 3:11-12).
6. Elisha prophesied that the Moabites would be delivered into the hands of the Israelites (2 Kings 3:18).
7. God performed a miracle through Elisha where a poor widow woman in danger of losing her sons to slavery for the payment of a debt was able to sell oil that was miraculously multiplied (2 Kings 4:1-7).
8. Elisha played a big part in the life of a Shunammite woman. She was very kind to Elisha and set up his very own bedroom in her home to allow him rest when he was in her neighborhood (4:10). To thank her, Elisha told this childless woman that she would have a son in a years time (4:16). She did have a son, but when some years had passed, he fell ill and died (4:20). The Shunammite woman sought after Elisha who went to the lad and God allowed life to return to the boy through Elisha (4:32-35).
9. When the people of Gilgal were hungry and tried eating of an unknown gourd provided by one of Gilgal's inhabitants, Elisha helped to make the food edible (4:41).

I'm sure word got around rather quickly about the prophet when others witnessed these things. Somehow, the servant girl also knew about the prophet, and she was quick to tell Naaman's wife, the woman she served, how her husband might find healing from his ailment. 

2 Kings 5:4

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

Sounds a bit like witnessing! There's a quote that says, "Evangelism is just one beggar telling another where to find bread." That's what happened when the servant girl, who rightly could have been angry with her captors, chose to tell how her master might be saved from his leprosy!  The rest of the story has a lot of facts that we'll go through quickly to get to the end result, The Product, Part 3.

Lessons on the Servant Girl of Naaman's Wife Part 1/3

Lessons on the Servant Girl of Naaman's Wife~ 2 Kings 5

Part 1/3

This is a lesson I did for the children at a Missions Conference. I liked it so much, I decided to write one for my blog. I followed a similar outline for a previous lesson concerning the woman with the issue of blood where we looked at The Problem, The Plan, and The Product. I pray this will be a blessing to others as we take a look at this nameless girl.

Only three verses refer to the servant girl of Naaman's wife, 2 Kings 5:2-4, but though she had only a seemingly small part, her influence played a much bigger role. We will look at verse 1 first and our heroine will be along soon in verse 2 (part 2).

The Problem 

 2 Kings 5:1

 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 

The first character we are introduced to is Naaman whom had quite the resume. He was captain for the Syrian army. He was a great man with his master: in other words, the boss liked him a lot. I thought about this in relation to what the bosses we know today like to see in those under them, and here are a few words that come to mind: Reliable. Trustworthy. Honest. Confident. Naaman was most likely these things as well as a good worker who got the job done. The Bible tells us he was honourable and had valour.

But, he was a leper.

I can imagine Naaman must have defined himself by this disease that plagued him. Many of us have a "...but she was a..." or "...but he was a...", but we would not list it among the describing words of ourselves. In my case, my story would write: "Senja wife, mother of three kids, missionary to Hungary, who loved to sing and be artistic, but she was a diabetic." Hmmm, no, I don't normally define myself by my chronic illness and only talk about it when asked. Yet here we see Naaman's leprosy listed in his profile. I visualize others respecting him because of his position, but taking cautious steps away if his proximity became too close for comfort. The disease must have been a terrible ordeal for Naaman, especially for being one in command.

I looked up the incidences of leprosy in the Bible and found nothing good about the disease itself. The only good thing was being healed of it. Leviticus 13:45 shows us the leprous individual was to announce being unclean to others and verse 46 says, "All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean:he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be." I know what this reminds me of. Sin. Isn't this what sin does to us? It makes us unclean and separates us from God. He cannot be where sin is. I think of Christ's words on the cross as He took on a Him the sin of the world: "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

I know you're wondering "what about the servant girl? Isn't this blog post about her?" 

Well, we will be introduced to her in Part 2, The Plan. 

Lessons on the Woman with the Issue of Blood

The Woman With The Issue Of Blood

Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48

            Twelve years is a long time for anyone to have to suffer a chronic illness, as did the woman in this story. She remains nameless to any who read her account in these three books of the Bible, but not nameless to her Creator and even given a title of endearment by Christ in all three accounts.

            Matthew has the vaguest account of this woman, while Mark and Luke give more details of the particulars. All three accounts show a beautiful picture of the faith of this woman and the miracle that took place as a result of her faith. Her story unfolds in three stages: the problem, the plan, and the product.

The Problem

Mark 5:25-26 "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,"

            Right away, the reader is informed this woman had been diseased with an issue of blood for twelve years and had spent all her money on physicians, but did not get any better from as a result of their medical knowledge but instead got worse. When scripture is compared with scripture, one might also conclude she was an even an outcast because of this illness and possibly all alone as well as poor and penniless. In John chapter 9, the disciples ask Jesus of a man blind from birth if his sin or the sin of his parents caused him to be blind. There are many accounts of disease, illness and death as result of sin of self or sin of parents. Miriam became leprous as a result of her gossip against Moses' Ethiopian wife (Numbers 12:10). The sin of David cost him the life of his newborn son (2 Samuel 12:18). Why, even all the way from the beginning of the Bible, death entered the world from the sin of Adam (Romans 5:12). So this question asked by the disciples had validity, and they were curious if the man was blind because of himself or his parents. Jesus answered, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." God was to get all the glory for the healing of this man. God was to get all the glory for the healing of this woman as well.

The Plan

Mark 5:27-28 "When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole."

            This was a woman on a mission. Her encounter with Jesus this day was not an accidental coincidence. She purposed in her heart to be with Jesus and touch Him. Jesus had already performed miracles. Most likely she heard of His miracles and sought one for herself as well. In Mark 1, Jesus cast out unclean spirits and healed many that had diseases and were sick, including Peter's sick mother-in-law. In Mark 2, Jesus healed a lame man after his friends lowered him through a roof because they could not bring him to Jesus any other way. In Mark 3, Jesus healed the withered hand of a man. In Mark 4, Jesus calmed a storm with just three words: "Peace, be still." In Mark 5, Jesus cause devils to leave a man and go into a herd of swine that ran into the sea. All these accounts somehow reached the ears, and possibly eyes of this woman who knew enough of Jesus to believe He could heal her.

            Somehow in her planning, this woman had concluded that the smallest touch of a minor part of Christ's attire would grant her the healing she desperately desired. Reminders of a particular Old Testament passage comes to mind: Psalms 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Matthew states she touched the hem of his garment, and Luke states, the border of his garment. Small. Insignificant. Trivial. Who would notice?    

The Product

Mark 5:29 "And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague."

            After the single touch to the hem of Jesus garment, this woman who had been plagued for twelve years was instantly changed. Once a person has been touched by Jesus, that person is never the same again.

            She probably thought she could slip away unnoticed just as easily as she had slipped in, but Someone did notice. Mark 5:30 says, "And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?" There was a throng around Jesus, so the disciples (Peter is identified in Luke's account) stated the obvious. Mark 5:31 "And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?" Scripture says of Jesus in Mark 5:32: "And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing."

            This poor woman had no choice but to come forward trembling and tumbling before Him, seeing she was found out. The Bible states that she told Him all the truth. Perhaps by now she had stopped trembling as the words came pouring from her lips and the great burden of her financial and health problems lifted from her as she confessed all. To spend time with Jesus in prayer and tell Him all our burdens, troubles and sins is an awesome privilege as Christians!

            This story has such a happy ending. What Jesus says to her is so amazing. Luke 8:48 "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." Nowhere else in the Bible does Christ use this term of endearment with another woman. He called her "Daughter." He said she had faith. He said her faith made her whole. He told her to go in peace. Only Jesus can give true peace: John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

            How many times do we go to the Lord in prayer without real faith that He will answer us?  Let the faith of this woman remind us how to truly seek Christ and have faith that He will take care of us.

Lessons on Dorcas

Recently, I attended the funeral of a dear friend. Many of you may have known Mrs. Linda Mullins as her influence reached the lives of many. I first met her four years ago at church and over the years, she had managed to touch my life with her sweet influence in a variety of ways. As I was reminiscing over the influence of Mrs Mullins in my life, my thoughts turned to Dorcas in Acts chapter 9. Now here is a lady that was missed much at her passing. Please allow me to share what I have learned from Dorcas.

A Beautiful Believer
Acts 9:36a
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas:"

The first thing we are informed about Dorcas is that she was a disciple, a Christian, one who believed in Christ. That was her reputation. She was known by others as a Christian. Do others know we are followers of Christ?
Her name means "gazelle" which is a beautiful animal. Whether or not she was beautiful on the outside we are not informed. But we are informed about her inner beauty in the beautiful things that she did:

Acts 9:36b
"this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."

I have known some ladies who were not believers but did good deeds on behalf of mankind. One in particular would cook meals and run others to doctor appointments and later boast of all she did. Anyone can do an act of kindness for another but Jesus said in Mark 9:41

"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." Man can do no good apart from Christ (Romans 3:12, 23,24). Dorcas was a believer, and through her faith in Christ and her being grateful to what He did for her could those good works come.

A Deceased Disciple
Acts 9:37
"And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber."

Acts 9:38
"And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them."

It is quite possible that Dorcas was busy serving at the time of her death. When a member of the church is busy and active, they are immediately missed when no longer there. I think of the dear people in Mrs Mullins church and how greatly she is missed because of her business and involvement in the lives of others.

A Generous Giver
Acts 9:39
"Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."

Dorcas made garments as gifts for others. What a neat thing to do for people! I have so far accomplished knitting dishcloths and scarves for others as gifts, but that is as far as my skills have progressed. To be able to make clothes for others is a wonderful way to show love. When learning how to make scarves, I made one for each of my children. They weren't very good and had some mistakes in them, but the kids loved them because they were a gift from mom.
Mrs. Mullins was a giver. She painted beautifully and her paintings are on display in various places around church. She knew how to fill needs and be a blessing to others in giving. A few months back when my children were without beds, Mrs Mullins called up saying she had a full sized bed for the girls. She was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and helped provide a need without my ever telling her the kids were sleeping on air mattresses. How awesome to be used by God to be blessing to others!

A Marvelous Miracle
Acts 9:40
"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes:and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Acts 9:41
"And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."

What a happy moment for the widows when they saw their dear friend alive again! And she came back to life to see a roomful of friends holding clothes she had made for them.

A Revival Resulted
Acts 9:42
"And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."

Mrs. Mullins funeral was very well attended. I have never been to a more well-attended funeral. The gospel was presented just as she would want. Perhaps as a result, someone in attendance

may have received Christ as Saviour. How awesome that in the death of one, another may find life everlasting!
My friend, Mrs. Mullins, will be missed, but I can rejoice in knowing I will see her again one glorious day!