[0:00] And we welcome you to our evening service. Thank you for joining with us at home and tuning in. We pray that we would know the voice of God speaking to us and the Holy Spirit working in us as we join together.
[0:16] If I could read two verses from Psalm 104 to begin with, verse 33 and 34. I will sing to the Lord Most High so long as I shall live.
[0:32] And while I be in half I shall to my God praises give. Of whom my meditation shall sweet thoughts to me afford.
[0:46] And as for me I will rejoice in God my only Lord. Let us join together and pray for a while to begin.
[1:00] Our Father in heaven, we thank you again for this day that you have given us. We pray as we join together we would hear your voice speaking to our souls.
[1:16] Our souls that are so different. Every man's thoughts different. You do not know what lies in the heart of man but you know.
[1:30] For you know us better than we know ourselves. And so we come to you as we are. May we not try to pretend that we are better than we are.
[1:46] That you see us for all our faults. And yet you choose to work in us. And to save us.
[1:57] As your people. We pray that you would continue to do so. Even though we cannot join together and go to church and worship like we used to.
[2:10] That you would still be active in our separate homes. Speaking to us. And presenting Christ as a reality for us.
[2:24] To listen to the words of the Holy Scripture. Listen to the voice of God speak to us. In our souls.
[2:35] Convicting us. And we pray that we would come. And trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. For we do not know what an hour may bring forth for us.
[2:50] And these days seem so uncertain. That we do not know what will await us. Throughout this winter time.
[3:03] As more restrictions are put on us as a nation. That we would be protected from the virus. That your hand would be ultimately protecting us.
[3:18] As we pray for it to do so. For we know that no guidance from any mere man will protect our souls.
[3:31] That we would listen to the word of God. That that would be our ultimate guidance for our souls. For it is sure and faithful. For you have proven yourself to be sure and faithful.
[3:45] Worthy to be trusted. Above all men. Even men of high reproach. You are of the highest authority. We would come and bow ourselves before you.
[4:03] As our king. And the king of our hearts. So we pray for our leaders of our countries. That you would guide them.
[4:14] And that they would seek your guidance. That they would not lean on their own understanding. But ultimately admits that they do not know the best route to proceed with.
[4:28] But that if they proceed with Christ. Then they shall be doing well. And we remember those who have lost loved ones.
[4:40] Those. Who have had. Changes to their lives. Changes. That are irreversible.
[4:53] That are felt. With great sorrow. That we. Would be praying for them. That you would comfort them. That they would know the comforting.
[5:04] Arms of Christ. Upholding them. And surrounding them. In ways. That we as men. Cannot. Cannot quite.
[5:19] Manage like you do. Our words. Seems so inadequate. To offer any comfort. At times. Of sorrow. And yet.
[5:32] We can just. Commend them to you. And your care. We pray for. Our schools. That you would.
[5:45] Resume some normality. For the children. And the teachers. And that. They would be settled. That.
[5:56] The virus. Would not. Spread. Amongst them. And that you would. Keep it at bay. For we are so lucky. On an island. How you have. Protected us. That you have.
[6:07] Listened to the prayers. Of your people. That we pray. That more people. Would be asking. For your protection. And seeking. Your protecting. Hand.
[6:17] Over their lives. And ultimately. Seeing that you are. Worth trusting. So we pray for all efforts made today.
[6:30] In sharing the gospel. That your spirit. May be active. In our homes. Wherever the word is preached. Speak through. The speaker. Lord.
[6:41] Draw people to yourselves. Even. In times. Like we are. We ask. That you would be with us. Keep the evil one from us.
[6:52] Keep our eyes. Focused on Christ. And let us sit. At his feet. For a moment. Listening to. Any word. That he may speak.
[7:03] To us. As Mary. Was so diligent to do. Sitting. At the feet. Of Jesus. May we enjoy. This time. This time of teaching.
[7:14] Maybe of. Correction. But a time. That we can. Look back on. And say. It was good. That we. Were here. So we ask.
[7:26] That you would forgive us. Our sins. Lead us. In our time of work. Forgive us. In all. Our wrongdoings. And we ask. All these things.
[7:37] In the name of our saviour. Jesus Christ. Our Lord. Amen. Now. If we could say a word. To the younger ones.
[7:48] That are listening. With us today. Later on. I'm going to talk about. A man called. Naaman. He. Had. A skin disease.
[7:59] Called leprosy. And leprosy. Although we read about it. In the bible. It still. Exists today. And people still. Suffer from. Having leprosy.
[8:10] And there's actually. A group. That are called. The mission to the leper. It was set up. A. Christian man. From Ireland. And he.
[8:22] He was out in. India. And he seen. People with leprosy. And he felt like. He had to do something. To help them. And so he set up.
[8:32] This. Group. Called the mission. To the leper. And they care. For people. With leprosy. And look after them. Because still. In many countries.
[8:43] If you get leprosy. People don't really. Want to be around you. In case they. Catch it. As well. And so. That these people.
[8:53] Are neglected. Even by their families. And told. To go away. And this group. Will. Take you in.
[9:04] And look after you. And give you a. Place. A safe place. To stay. If. You ever. Experience something. Like this. And so.
[9:15] There is. Leper. That maybe. No one really. Wants to be around. And. Maybe no one. Wants to come and see. But.
[9:26] One day. A princess. Came. And visited. The people. In one of these. Hospitals. Full.
[9:37] Of people. With leprosy. And she was a very. Important person. It was actually. Princess Diana. And she was very. Important. She didn't have to go. But she wanted to go.
[9:48] And she wanted to go. And see the people. And I was amazed. When I heard of this story. Because. She. Was told that she could go in. And she could. Talk.
[9:58] With the people. Who had leprosy. But. She. Well she did. She went in. And she spoke with them. But she also sat beside them. And she asked them.
[10:09] How they were. And she held. Their hands as well. She had no fear. Of touching them. Although she was advised. Probably wouldn't be.
[10:19] The best thing to do. But. She did it. Because she had a heart. For the people. And one of the. Men working in this.
[10:31] Hospital. Said that. We have. Loads of people. Coming to visit us. To see what we do. But this princess. Came. To see.
[10:42] The people. And that makes. All the difference. And it reminds me. Of. Of what Jesus. Has done. For us. And we.
[10:53] We even remember. The stories. Of Jesus. Healing people. With leprosy. In the Bible. He touched them. And he. He healed them. From that disease.
[11:04] Because they too. Were. Neglected. By the people. Around them. Jesus. Like the princess. Came.
[11:14] For the people. He didn't come. To see the world. He came. To save the people. Of the world. And to show. His love. Towards them.
[11:25] And to hold their hands. And to sit beside them. And to talk with them. And to ask them. How they were. And to show. His love. That is far. Far greater.
[11:35] And far. Far deeper. Than the love. That this princess. Showed. To the people. We should remember. That. That. Jesus.
[11:47] Came into the world. Because he has a love. For everyone. And for you. Especially. That. His love. Is greater than anyone else.
[12:00] Can show us. Even when people. Don't want to love us. As if we had leprosy. But. He will stay. With us.
[12:11] As the princess. Had to. Leave. At some time. If we ask. Jesus. To stay with us. He will. And he will be.
[12:21] A comfort. And a great friend. To us. For the rest. Of our lives. So. I pray. That you would ask. Jesus. To stay. With you.
[12:33] For the rest. Of your life. And that you would know him. To be. Someone. Who loves you. Far more. Than any princess. Ever would. For he is the king.
[12:44] Of all kings. And he loves you. Greater. And deeper. Than anyone. Ever. Can. We'll say the Lord. Prayer together.
[12:56] Our father. Who art in heaven. Hallowed. Be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth. As it is in heaven.
[13:07] Give us this day. Our daily bread. And forgive us our debts. As we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
[13:18] For thine is the kingdom. The power. And the glory. Forever. Amen. Well if we could turn to. Our reading today.
[13:29] Which we'll find in the. Book of 2nd Kings. Chapter 5. As I said earlier. This is the account of Naaman. 2nd Kings. Chapter 5.
[13:40] We'll read from the beginning. Down to verse 14. Let us hear the word of God. Naaman. A commander of the army. Of the king of Syria.
[13:51] Was a great man. With his master. And high. In high favor. Because by whom. The Lord. Had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man.
[14:04] Of valor. But he was a leper. Now the Syrians. On one of their raids. Had carried off. A little girl. From the land of Israel. And she worked.
[14:15] In the service. Of Naaman's wife. She said. To her mistress. Would that my lord. Were with the prophet. Who is in Samaria. He would cure him.
[14:27] Of his leprosy. So Naaman. Went in. And told his lord. Thus. And so. Spoke the little girl. From the land of Israel. And the king of Syria.
[14:39] Said. Go now. And I will send a letter. To the king of Israel. So he went. Taking with him. Ten talents of silver.
[14:51] Six thousand shekels. Of gold. And ten. Changes of clothing. And he brought the letter. To the king of Israel. Which read. When this letter.
[15:02] Reaches you. Know. That I have sent to you. Naaman. My servant. That you may cure him. Of his leprosy. And when the king of Israel. Read the letter.
[15:14] He tore his clothes. And said. Am I God. To kill. And to make alive. That this man. Sends word. To me. To cure.
[15:25] A man. Of his leprosy. Only consider. And see. How he is seeking. A quarrel with me. But when Elisha. The man of God.
[15:35] Heard that the king of Israel. Had torn his clothes. He sent to the king. Saying. Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come. Now to me. That he may know.
[15:47] That there is a prophet. In Israel. So Naaman. Came with his horses. And chariots. And stood at the door. Of Elisha's house. And Elisha. Sent a messenger.
[15:57] To him. Saying. Go and wash. In the Jordan. Seven times. And your flesh. Shall be restored. And you. Shall be clean. But Naaman.
[16:09] Was angry. And went away. Saying. Behold. I thought. That he would surely. Come out. To me. And stand. And call upon.
[16:19] The name. Of the Lord. His God. And wave his hand. Over the place. And cure the liver. Are not. Abana. And Phatpa.
[16:30] The rivers. Of Damascus. Better. Than all the waters. Of Israel. Could I not. Wash them. And be clean. So he turned. And went away. In a rage.
[16:42] But. His servants. Came near. And said to him. My father. It is a great word. The prophet. Has spoken to you. Will you not. Do it.
[16:53] Has he actually. Said to you. Wash and be clean. So he went down. And dubbed himself. Seven times. In the Jordan. According to the word.
[17:05] Of the man of God. And his flesh. Was restored. Like the flesh. Of a little child. And he. Was clean. May the reading.
[17:16] Of God's word. Be blessed to us. And may we. Hear God. Speak to us. Through it. So if we look. At. This account.
[17:28] Of Naaman. Who was. A leper. And we can use. Verse 13. As our text. It is a great word. The prophet. Has spoken to you. Will you.
[17:38] Not do it. Now the last time. I led worship. We looked at. The account. Of Elijah. And Elisha. As they. Crossed to the river. Jordan. Before. Elijah.
[17:49] Ascended. Into heaven. So if we. Continue today. As it were. At this river. Jordan. Again. And ponder. Over this man.
[17:59] Naaman. This great. And well respected. Commander. Of the Syrian army. Who was held. In high regard. But. We read. He was.
[18:10] Aleba. Who. Found. That. When he obeyed. The word. That was given to him. And washed. In the river. Jordan. Received. Healing. From this disease.
[18:22] That clung to him. Now for. The basis. Of our thoughts. Today. Can we. Take the people. Who brought. Significant.
[18:32] Words. To Naaman. Even though. Themselves. May have been. Regarded. As insignificant. In Naaman's eyes. These.
[18:43] Are. The slave. The messenger. And the servant. And it's actually. An acronym. Of. SMS. These.
[18:54] Messengers. Messengers. That have. Been. Given. To Naaman. And I wonder. Will you hear. A message. Today.
[19:05] As you listen. Will you find. A resemblance. In the character. Of Naaman. Or even. In the other. Three. Who spoke. Significant. Words.
[19:15] To him. Naaman. Will. Represent. For us. The seeker. Of Christ. And the. Slave. The messenger.
[19:26] And the servant. Will. Represent. For us. The Christian. So if we begin. By looking. At. The slave girl. So we meet. This.
[19:37] Slave girl. Having. Having. Taken. Captive. From the Israelites. On one. After one. Of their race. In verse 2. And we can imagine. Her.
[19:47] To be. Working. Alongside. Her mistress. In the house. Of Naaman. And for whatever. Task. She was fulfilling. At the time. We do not know. But it would help.
[19:58] That wee bit. To. Uh. Portray. Her character. To us. It would. Give us an. Increased. Clarity. Of this. Little girl. But.
[20:10] In fact. Of those. That we will look at. Of the three. We don't have much. Information. About their character. But. By the little. Of what they say. To us.
[20:21] Does. Characterize. Them. For us. And before. We go any further. It's important. For ourselves. To remember this.
[20:32] That. We are. Characterized. By what we say. And people. Paint pictures. Of us. By the words. That we speak. And oftentimes.
[20:44] We say things. We wish. We hadn't. And must. Endeavor. Against. Doing this. Especially. As Christians. We must. Watch.
[20:54] Our words. And so. That. People. Would say. Of us. That. We would be. Characterized.
[21:05] By. The Christ. That dwells. In us. And that. We would be. Leaving an impression. Of Christ's. Nature. Through our words.
[21:16] So. What did this. Slave girl. Say. Would. That my lord. Were with the prophet. Who is in Samaria. He would cure him. Of his leprosy.
[21:27] Verse three. Though. This girl. Was now. In Syria. And effectively. In enemy's. Territory. And. Even directly.
[21:38] Placed. Probably. Under the most. Influential. And authoritative. Voice. Within. That whole. Country. She remained.
[21:49] Confident. Enough. To speak. Of the goodness. And hope. That. Could be found. In. In the land. Of Israel. And she.
[22:03] Was confident. Enough. To speak. And to share. This information. Even though. She probably. Had the smallest. Of voices.
[22:14] In that household. She would have. Had absolutely. No authority. Over. Anyone. She would have. Been considered. The least. Of the least. Yet.
[22:26] When God. Speaks. A word. Through someone. He promises. That his words. Will not. Return. To him. Empty. But shall. Accomplish.
[22:36] That. For which. I purpose. Isaiah. 55. And out of the three. That we meet. Today. This. Slaveguard.
[22:47] Probably. Been. The one. That would have been. Easiest. To listen to. This little. Servant. Girl. Diligently.
[22:58] Working. Innocently. And. Confidently. Assured. In the hope. That. He could. Find. And.
[23:09] Relieving. From. The situation. That he. Faced. And maybe. It was. Word. Spoken. Just. In the innocence. Of. Childhood. We don't.
[23:20] Actually. Know. The age. Of this girl. But many. Of us. Can agree. That. There is. A significance. Found. In that. Unrefined. And.
[23:30] Uninfluenced. Voice. Of our youth. That can. That can. Highlight. Obvious. Truths. Particularly. When we speak.
[23:41] Of God. Children. Somewhat. Have a. A clearer. Image. Of God. Than. Growed ups do. Maybe. Even. Your own. Children. Were.
[23:51] The means. Of bringing. The gospel. Into your home. As this little. Slave girl. Was. For Naaman's. Household. And like this little girl.
[24:03] Possess. A faith. That. Does not. Doubt. Doubt. But says. God. Will. Do it. And of all the words. That you ever spoke. These few words.
[24:14] Are the ones. That you will always. Be remembered. For. God. Because. These are the words. That started it all. For Naaman. They set the foundations. For him.
[24:24] And effectively. They're laying a path. Ahead of him. And. She is there saying. Go. And follow this path. In order. To be healed. And what an example.
[24:36] For the Christian. Fearless. And confident. In the situation. That she was in. Assured. That Christ. Would. Work.
[24:47] In this man. That there was a hope. For this man. Even though. She probably didn't know. The effectiveness. Of these words.
[24:59] That she spoke. But that the Holy Spirit. Would apply them. Maybe. She never even. Knew. That Naaman.
[25:10] Had gone. Or that he was. Planning on going. And I wonder. How long he thought. Over these words. Before he did go. Probably thinking.
[25:22] Can her words. Be true. Will. I. Spend all this time. Traveling across. The country. To find this man. Will I even find him. And will he even.
[25:35] Want to heal me. Even though he has. The ability to do so. Why on earth. Is he going to heal me. When I've. Raided. The country. Of Israel.
[25:46] So many times. And so many people. Within that country. Probably. Hate me. But if I stay here.
[25:59] I. Will not be cured. And I will probably. Be abandoned. By my people. And. More than likely. Lose my position. Of authority. And be forced.
[26:10] To live. In isolation. The future. That awaits me. By remaining. It's a bleak. Picture for me. And so.
[26:20] He must have. Resolved to. Go. While he had. The ability. To do so. To do so. And maybe. Maybe your thoughts. Are likewise.
[26:31] Today. Thinking over. The path. That. Maybe has been spoken to you. Many times before. The path.
[26:42] Of healing. In the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you. Go this way. To be healed. Of your sins. For the unbeliever.
[26:53] Will have no. Healing. Without Christ. Even though. The devil. Will come. And say to you. You will be happy. With this. And this will satisfy. They do.
[27:04] For a time. Or for a moment. But there is no. Lasting satisfaction. Found in anything. That the world. Offers to us. And essentially. Every sinner.
[27:15] Is facing. A bleak. Future. As Naaman. Would have considered. Himself. Requiring a remedy. And today. Being told. That Christ.
[27:26] Is the only. Man. Who can heal you. Of your sins. He will cure. If only. You will. Resolve.
[27:37] To go. And seek. After him. And we pray. That you will. So let us. Move on to. The messenger. Our second character.
[27:49] The messenger. Of Elisha. We can see. Represents. One of the most. Direct messages. From God. A message. Passed. On.
[27:59] By one. Who dwelt. Closest. To the man. Of God. A direct order. From a sure source. And what did he say?
[28:10] Go and wash. In the Jordan. Seven times. And your flesh. Shall be restored. And you shall be clean. Verse 10. Now this messenger.
[28:22] Most likely. Would have been considered. As one of the sons. Of the prophets. So. What does his remark. Tell us about his character? Well. We can. For sure.
[28:33] Say that he is obedient. He's following the orders. That has been given to him. As he dwells under the authority. Of Elusha. The man of God.
[28:45] And so is trusting. And going forth with this message. Even though. Outside. Our weights. The most brutal man Israel.
[28:56] Probably knew at the time. And he's come. With a presence of power. With all these gifts. And his royal clothing.
[29:07] And his company of horses. And chariots. And who is this man. This messenger. Compared to the renowned name of Naaman.
[29:21] You can imagine him being told. By Elisha to go out. And deliver this message. And coming out of this most basic home.
[29:31] And walking towards Naaman. Thinking. For this man has not come to see me. And if I tell him.
[29:42] What Elisha wants me to tell him. He's probably not going to like it. Sure. This would not find favour.
[29:53] With this man that was so honourable. And he delivers the message. And it seems that it was humiliating for Naaman. As a commander.
[30:05] Of Syria. First. But the fact that Elisha. Didn't even come out to see him. After diligently seeking after him.
[30:17] This long journey. That he has travelled. Even as a sick man. And you know yourself. You can sympathise with him. In a way. That if you are sick.
[30:28] The last thing you want to do. Is start travelling across the country. Even by today's standards. Let alone by horse and chariot. Secondly.
[30:41] It's humiliating. Because he was told to wash in the Jordan. And obviously we don't know much. Of the cleanliness of the Jordan.
[30:52] But it seems that it wasn't renowned for it either. As Naaman himself states better options. That would make more reason. And better understanding.
[31:05] For him to do so. But no. That was the river that he was to wash in. Whether it was considered clean or not. And the word wash is specifically referencing to bathe.
[31:20] So it would have meant him. Exposing himself. Honestly and fully. For what he was. Showing every part of the disease.
[31:32] That clung to him. He was told to. Effectively remove. All these royal gowns. And coverings.
[31:43] That will hide your impurities. And don't even wash once. Or twice. Do it seven times. And to see a man of his position.
[31:55] To wash in a place like this. Would not have been the custom. He did not get the miracle. That he wanted to receive. But he got what he needed.
[32:09] And he was even angered. By this. Need that met his want. Just not the way he wished it to be so.
[32:23] Because it put a demand on him. To trust in someone else. And to humble himself. And to forget everything that he has known.
[32:34] He had to wash. Just as he was. Without even giving a gift. To anyone prior. To going. So this commander.
[32:47] He was commanded. And it doesn't find favour with him. And he even likens to. Change God's word. To suit himself.
[32:59] That the remedy. Would fit his reasoning. And how guilty are we. Of doing that. As seeker. As Christians.
[33:10] And as churches. I mean. We're inclined to say. Not today. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe when I'm older. Can we do it in my time.
[33:23] And can we do it at my place. That I choose. Can we not do it. When I'm with this person. Or. As a Christian. I might say.
[33:35] Can I not. Do that for you. God. At another time. The church might say. Well. We might not do it this way.
[33:46] We might not believe this. A doctrine. That the Bible teaches. We tweak it a wee bit. To suit our own reasoning. Making things. Seem. Like they make more sense.
[33:57] To us. I will do what you say. But I will. Do it. Slightly. Differently. I won't totally depart. From your word.
[34:09] I will just. Make it more. Acceptable. To me. You know yourself. This would have done Naaman. No good. He would have only. Have wasted his time.
[34:20] Had he gone. To these. Other rivers. He still. Would have required. To come back. And wash. In the Jordan. The Christian here.
[34:34] And this messenger. Is. As. The messenger. Of the preacher. Or the Christian. Who is convicted. To deliver. A message.
[34:46] Resolved. To pass on. God's word. And. Method. Of salvation. Under. Whose authority. What an encouragement.
[34:59] Is here. For the Christian. Even though. Your hearer. May have. Absolutely. No regard. For what you say. And may even.
[35:09] Despise it. You. Yourself. Might be. Fearful. To speak. A word. At the given time.
[35:21] To share. The gospel message. With the thought. Well. They're probably. Not going to take. This very well. They're probably.
[35:32] Not going to accept. This message. Nevertheless. The whole gospel. Truth. Needs to be set. Before all men.
[35:42] The Christian. The Christian. Needs to be. An obedient. Servant. To his master. Willing. To.
[35:53] Speak. For God. And pray. That. His spirit. Would apply it. Working faith. In men. Not knowing.
[36:05] Whether one day. It may bear. Fruit. Or not. God. Maybe. You're listening today. As a seeker of Christ.
[36:17] Saying. Well yes. I would like to be a Christian. And it is right. That you have. Come. To listen. To the word of God. Being preached. You've. Been set out.
[36:30] On this path. And you're coming. To listen. To the gospel. Even under. Circumstances. That we find ourselves. And what we say to you now.
[36:42] Is that you must forget. All worldly. Possessions. And worldly. Wealth. And admit. And confess. All your sinful. Wrongdoings. In prayer. Before Christ.
[36:53] Allow all your pride. To be removed from you. Take off any. Good clothing. As it were.
[37:03] And expose yourself. As you are. A sinner. In need of Christ. For all your. Wrongdoings. And ask. That Christ.
[37:15] Would wash you clean. That you would come to him. And see. Your need. But will you accept it.
[37:26] As a way. To meet your need. Maybe hoping. Like Naaman. That he would just. Wave his hand. Over you. And do a miraculous work. Before your eyes.
[37:38] Something that would be. Spectacular. To see. And to feel. And maybe even. That you could leave. A donation. Towards. God's work.
[37:50] For doing so. We have our ways. And God has his. For his ways. Are surely. Better for us. He does not want.
[38:00] Any gold. Or silver. But he wants your heart. And he doesn't want a part of it. But he wants all of it. He wants you. And he would strip you.
[38:11] Of everything that you have. As Naaman was stripped. Just to wash. As he was. And sometimes. To give.
[38:23] Our heart. Is harder. Than anything else. We could give. Today. Today. If you hear his voice. Do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 3. Verse 7.
[38:35] How do you think. God will save you? Are you waiting. For this miraculous sign. To satisfy your reasoning. Not by this.
[38:47] Or not by. An uneventful. Method. Such as. Coming to church. And hearing the preaching. Of the gospel. Or reading my bible.
[39:00] And praying to God. Or. As Naaman had to wash. In this. River. That he didn't think.
[39:11] Was good enough. To wash in. It's almost like. The church. That. Christ. Chooses to cleanse. Clean sinners.
[39:22] By. The church. Isn't perfect. It's full of. Sinful people. But they are all. Trusting in Christ. So you might look.
[39:33] And say. I'm not going to. Go there. But that's how. God. Works. That's how. Christ. Chooses. And has told us. To preach the gospel.
[39:47] That we would. Diligently. Come and be cleansed. In private. In public worship. And devotions. Towards him. Acknowledging him.
[39:57] As our king. And our saviour. And you know what. You might not notice. A change. The first time you come. Or even the second. Or even the third.
[40:08] Or the fourth. Not even the seventh time. God. But. God's. God's. God's. Working in you. Will be perfect. Ultimately. That we.
[40:19] Are to be diligent. To keep. Coming to him. Asking for him. To clean us. And maybe. His working in us. Is so gradual.
[40:30] That we don't even. Notice ourselves. Changing. I wondered. Was Naaman's. Leprosy. Or signs of leprosy.
[40:41] Washed. Off. Gradually. Every time. He dipped himself. In the river. Or was it miraculously. Washed away. On the seventh time. We don't know.
[40:52] That God chooses. To work differently. With different people. Some people. Have conversions. That happen. All of a sudden. And some people. Are converted. Gradually. In this gradual.
[41:03] Washing. Where Christ. Washes. Our sins away. Not realizing. Ourselves. Sometimes. The change. That has taken place. In our heart. And in our desires.
[41:16] And it's. Almost easier. For other people. To see the difference. In us. Than it is. To see it. In ourselves. That we. Would lean entirely.
[41:27] On the word of God. For his means. Of salvation. Trusting in the. Cleansing power. Of the blood. Of Christ. That was poured out. On us.
[41:37] For us. As payment. For our sins. On the cross. At Calvary. He is the one. Who is. Satisfactory.
[41:50] To wash. Away. Our sins. He is the only. Remedy. For us. And so. Let us. Look at our last. Part. The seven. And so. I suppose.
[42:03] Of the three. This man. Would have been. The closest. To Naaman. After all. He was favored. To assist him. Along. In this. Journey. Now.
[42:13] His character. That we see. As he. As he. As he. As he. Displayed. In him. As character. Of wisdom. Calmness.
[42:26] And he has a consideration. For his master. Even. As he. Approaches him. In his rage. And his passions. He does not. Come. With him. To stir him up.
[42:37] And to join in his aggravation. And say yes. Let's go. And wash. In these other rivers. He. Represents. The message. Of Elisha. Maybe.
[42:50] Even. With a greater clarity. For him. To understand. Possibly. That's why. He had been chosen. Even in the first place. To be his serp. That he had the ability.
[43:01] To give this. Wise. Voice. Of reason. In the midst. Of. Extreme trials. And to.
[43:12] Assist his master. At times of war. At times of battle. In the best way possible. So he is such. An important friend here.
[43:24] For if you consider. What would have happened. Had he not been there. Would Naaman. Have walked away. He actually says. My father. It is great.
[43:35] It is a great word. The prophet has spoken to you. Will you not do it. Has he actually. Said to you. Wash and be clean. Verse 13.
[43:48] This man. As a. I see him. As a Christian. Friend. Who knows. Our faults. And feelings. Better. Than most. Someone you can trust.
[44:01] And importantly. Is there. In your time of need. To clarify. Truths. To you. Maybe in a way. That no one else. Can. It's a precious friend.
[44:12] And a voice. Of reason. To our soul. Maybe this friend. Has presented. The gospel. To you. In a way. That no one else. Ever has.
[44:23] And. Maybe. Even they have. Given you. Clarity. Enough. To. That you would. Resolve. To trust. In the Lord Jesus Christ.
[44:35] And believe in him. And we often. We often need that ourselves. Because we can. Become so. Engulfed. In.
[44:47] Disappointments. And our passions. That we cannot see. The wood for the trees. Friends like these. Are. Priceless.
[44:57] To us. And it is. Another of the Christians. Work. To give that. Clarity. To men. Who are in difficult. Positions.
[45:08] Difficult providences. And also. To discern. The word of God. For them. Even.
[45:19] When we try. And change it. To suit ourselves. To make that. Correction. But we must. Remain faithful. To what. The word of God says. And for you.
[45:32] Who we consider. As a seeker. Take heart. For. There is healing. For you. For name. And travel. All that way. Maybe wondering.
[45:43] Would I be healed? Can he heal me? But there is healing. There is healing. For you. It is a sure word. Would you walk away.
[45:55] Now. So near. Like Naaman. It is commendable. That he listened. To his friend's words.
[46:06] Or his servant's words. Maybe. Maybe the. Previous word. From. Elisha. Was. Having an effect. On him.
[46:18] Already. He was so. Close. To being healed. That we can say. He nearly. Never. Went.
[46:28] For him. What a sad. Realization. That would have been. For us. To be so. Close. To salvation.
[46:40] Knowing the gospel message. And knowing what we must do. But not. Doing it. For. Our own. Pride. Trust in the Lord.
[46:53] With all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding. That is the remedy. Of your sins. Trust in the Lord. He stood so close.
[47:04] To the cleansing power. Of the Jordan. That had he not. Taken heed. Of what the seven said. He would never have been healed. How many times.
[47:15] Have you heard. The gospel message. This probably. Isn't the first. Maybe you've heard it. Hundreds of times. And how close. Can you be. Or.
[47:28] Are you going to. Continue. Letting your reason. Rule you. That you. Would. Seek. These cleaner rivers. That would make more sense to you.
[47:38] Rather than trusting. In. This. Christ. Who died on the cross for you. Even though you don't understand. Fully. How. His death. Will. Cleanse you.
[47:52] This story. Is so well known to us. Possibly. You've heard it many times. Let us today. Listen to the voice. Of God. That speaks to us.
[48:02] Does he. Have. A message. For you. Today. You only. Have to believe. And I say to you. Today. Listening.
[48:13] As the last. Plead. Of the sermon. Will you not do it. Nearly. Never. Is always. Better. Than never.
[48:25] Had. Naaman. Never. Gone. To the Jordan. He would never. Have been healed. But he nearly. Never. Went. But he did.
[48:36] That makes. All the difference. That we would listen. To these words. As he not said. Wash. And be clean. Believe. And be saved.
[48:47] Die. To self. And live. This. Is. Jesus. Christ's. Word. To you. Today. Will you. Not. Do it.
[48:59] That you. Would be. Cleansed. By the blood. Of the lamb. There's a. Quote. That I found. It reads.
[49:11] I must. Honor. The word. That is. Without me. Rather than. The conceited. Light. That is. In me. It was. John. Pulseford. That said that. That's so true.
[49:23] That we. Can reason. Ourselves. Even reason. Our way. Of salvation. But that's not. Ultimately. The best thing. For me. For my own.
[49:34] Understanding. Isn't clear. And I must give. That honor. To God's word. And trust. In God's word. What he says. To me. So there you have.
[49:46] These three people. The slave. Who gave him. The first hope. The messenger. Who faithfully. Spoke. God's word. And the servant.
[49:58] Who clarified. The message. To him. Just believe. And obey. Will you. Not. Do it. Amen.
[50:10] May these thoughts. Be blessed. To us. Today. Can we. Conclude. By singing. In. Psalm 103.
[50:20] From the beginning. In the Scottish Psalter. Verse 1 to 4. O thou. O thou. My soul.
[50:30] Bless God. The Lord. And all. That in me is. Bestow it up. His holy name. To magnify. And bless. Bless. O my soul.
[50:40] The Lord. Thy God. And not forgetful. Be. Of all. His gracious. Benefits. He hath. Bestowed on me. All. Thine iniquities.
[50:51] Who doth. Most graciously. Forgive. Who thy diseases. All. And pains. Doth heal. And thee. Relieve. Who doth.
[51:02] Redeem. Thy life. That thou. To death. Mayst not go down. Who thee. With loving. Kindness. Doth. And tender. Mercies.
[51:12] Cry. We'll sing. These verses. To God's praise. O thy. My soul. Bless. God. The Lord.
[51:24] And. God. In me. Yes. Be. Stir. And. A. Best. Holy.
[51:34] Name. To. Magnify. And. Bless. Bless. O my. Soul.
[51:45] Thou. Lord. My. God. And. Not. Forget. Fool. He. Of.
[51:56] Just. More. He. Thought.ung. Me. During.
[52:10] 1961. Hee. Haha. Lord, graciously forgive. Who thy diseases all have paid, doth heal and be real be.
[52:31] Who doth redeem thy life, but thou to death is not for dying.
[52:43] Who he would love in kindness, and tender mercies come.
[52:56] May we conclude with a word of prayer. Lord, open our eyes to see how trustworthy your words are. Let us be faithful and obedient, regardless of what it means for our lives.
[53:13] That we would put all pride away from us. That we would come exactly as we are. Not trying to refine ourselves or make ourselves better before we do so.
[53:28] That we would come trusting in the one who listens to our prayer and says, that those who believe in him shall be saved.
[53:40] You are the one who will wash us clean. For our righteousness are our filthy rags. And yet you clothe us with your righteousness that are pure and undefiled.
[53:56] And so we pray, wash us fully. It is that perfect work that you do in us. Even though we admit ourselves that we are far from perfect.
[54:10] Lord, be with us in the wicked. Forgive us our sins, we pray. And all these things we ask in the name of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
[54:22] Amen. Amen.