Read 2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman couldn't believe that the dirty waters of the Jordan River were worth his time. In fact, Naaman didn't think the God of Israel was worth his time. If God were so great, why didn't He just do a direct miracle? Why dip seven times? We don't know why, but we know what God said and that's enough for faith.
Did the waters of the Jordan River heal Naaman? If Naaman hadn't gone into the water he would not have been healed. It was God's promise given to Naaman - connected to the waters - that brought healing. So what about us? What if we contracted a terrible disease like Naaman: could we be healed by dipping in the Jordan River seven times? Unlikely. Why? Because God didn't give us that promise. But God did give other promises connected with baptism. These promises apply to everyone. Jesus spoke these words known as, The Great Commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-19
Jesus gave a promise with this commission: we are made His disciples through baptism. Other promises are connected to baptism throughout God's Word. Here are a few of them:
Naaman couldn't believe that the dirty waters of the Jordan River were worth his time. In fact, Naaman didn't think the God of Israel was worth his time. If God were so great, why didn't He just do a direct miracle? Why dip seven times? We don't know why, but we know what God said and that's enough for faith.
Did the waters of the Jordan River heal Naaman? If Naaman hadn't gone into the water he would not have been healed. It was God's promise given to Naaman - connected to the waters - that brought healing. So what about us? What if we contracted a terrible disease like Naaman: could we be healed by dipping in the Jordan River seven times? Unlikely. Why? Because God didn't give us that promise. But God did give other promises connected with baptism. These promises apply to everyone. Jesus spoke these words known as, The Great Commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-19
Jesus gave a promise with this commission: we are made His disciples through baptism. Other promises are connected to baptism throughout God's Word. Here are a few of them:
- Our sins are forgiven and we receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
- Jesus' death becomes our death and His resurrection power enables us to live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4)
- We become members of Christ's body and play an important part in the church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)