“Wash, and be clean.”

“Wash, and be clean.”
2Ki_5:1-14
2Ki_5:1
In every lot there is a crook; no man can be described without a “but.” Naaman’s “but” was one which embittered his life, for his disease was loathsome, deadly, and incurable.
2Ki_5:3
Who knows how this girl came to know of the prophet of the true God? Perhaps a holy mother had made her familiar with the true faith and its ministers. Mothers cannot tell where their children may be cast in after years; they ought therefore to prepare them for every contingency by storing their minds with the truth of God.
2Ki_5:4
Naaman was a kind master, for all his servants took an interest in him: it is very pleasant when each one of the family seeks the good of the rest. Masters should care for the good of their servants, and servants should make their masters’ interests their own.
2Ki_5:6
This was an error. The poor idolatrous king could do nothing.
2Ki_5:7
He was alarmed, and feared that his powerful neighbour sought a pretext for another war.
2Ki_5:9
Full of pomp and pride.
2Ki_5:10
To cure Naaman of pride Elisha did not come out to him personally, but sent him a simple message.
2Ki_5:11
He wanted rites and ceremonies, as many do now.
2Ki_5:12
Just as those do who neglect the great gospel command, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” and go about to find out a way of being saved by their own doings, or by priestly ritual.
2Ki_5:13
Good reasoning this! If Jesus had said to us, “Go on pilgrimage and be saved,” we would have traversed the world; shall we not obey him when he says, “Believe and live?”
2Ki_5:14
God is always as good as his word, but he will have us obey him. Faith will save us; but if we will not believe neither shall we inherit eternal life. How is it with each one of us? Have we washed in Jesus’ blood or no?