FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND LIVE!

2 Kings 5:14 “So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

In 2 Kings Chapter 5, the bible tells of a man named Naaman who was a leper. He was told that he could be healed of his leprosy if he could get with the Prophet. Verse 3 says “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria; for he would heal him of his leprosy.” Naaman indeed wanted to be healed and so he went to the Prophet Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger out with the instructions for his healing. Verse 11 “But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, Indeed, I said to myself, He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.” Naaman was angry at the instructions given him. He wanted his way to healing. One of his servants said to him, “if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it. How much more then, when he says to you Wash, and be clean.” So then Naaman went and followed the instructions. I am sure that Naaman was glad he finally followed the instructions because he received the results he wanted and needed. He wanted to be cleansed from leprosy; even though he did not at first like the instruction. He had to do what he was instructed to do in order to receive what he wanted; healing and restoration. He could have continued to complain about the instructions, but all his complaining would not yield to him what he wanted and needed to receive. It does not make any sense to continue to complain about what you are not willing to do anything about. It is time out for behaving like you can receive what you need from the Lord by following your own way. It really is not your way but His way! Follow the instructions and live!

Instruction is defined as correction, chastisement, discipline, an admonition, (counsel, advice, or caution. rebuke or warning. It comes from the verb “yasar” which means to reform. The word includes all forms of discipline intended to lead to a transformed life.

Proverbs 15:32 “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke (instruction) gets understanding.”

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is give by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (training, discipline) in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”