Template:DOD protected/April 20
April Scripture Portion for Bible Commentary : 1 Samuel 30 - 1 Chronicles 6 including the books of 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Kings
Chapter 4 records four miracles of Elisha. The increase of the widow's oil (verses 1-7); the Shunammite woman's son raised from the dead (verses 8-37); the poisonous stew healed (verses 38-41); and the bread multiplied (verses 42-44).
Chapter 5 records the healing of Naaman the leper. In this miracle we have a beautiful picture of salvation through faith in God's Word. Naaman was condemned because he was a leper. He tried to save himself by seeking every possible cure. This is a picture of the condition of the sinner. All men are condemned by sin, and many make the mistake Naaman made of trying to cleanse himself. There is no salvation outside of God and His grace. Ephesians 2:8,9 tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." We see Naaman resisting God's simple plan of salvation by not listening to Elisha. How hard it is even today for some to simply trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for their salvation. They desire to go their own way, but Jesus tells us there is only one way, and that is through Him. He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
Naaman is finally cured of his leprosy because of his obedient faith. Salvation comes when sinners are obedient, repent of their sin, and place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The promise of God is, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.".
