Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Naaman: An Object Lesson for Us

Naaman: An Object Lesson for Us

Naaman was the pagan commander of the armies of Aram. He had leprosy, and his Jewish slave girl told his wife, who told him about the prophet Elisha. He went to Elisha for healing and was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan River. However, he initially refused to do so but was encouraged by his advisors to humble himself and give it a try. So, he did and was healed of the leprosy and became a worshiper of Yahweh.

When he met with Elisha before returning to Aram, Naaman made two requests:

Please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD. But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this (2 Kings 5:17, 18 NIV84).

Elisha responded by telling him to “go in peace” (v. 19 NIV84).

Naaman was now a believer in Yahweh, but he was a new convert, a childlike believer, someone whose heart was devoted to the God of heaven but whose mind was filled with many preconceived falsehoods and misunderstandings that he attached to his view and understanding of God.

The request for some Palestine soil indicates that Naaman had some belief that the gods were tied to the land in some way. He believed, therefore, that to properly worship Yahweh, he would need some of the soil of that place. It’s clear that he didn’t appreciate God as the Creator of the heavens, earth, sea, and fountains of water. Yet, his heart was for God—but his misunderstandings led to innocent yet superstitious beliefs and practices.

Many other innocent worshipers of the God of heaven, through misunderstanding, preconceived ideas, or inability to conceive of abstract applications to biblical symbols, have had superstitious beliefs and practices, such as:

  • The veneration of relics—the idea that the remains of some object or person has some intrinsic value in holiness or salvation.
  • Pilgrimages—the idea of going to a certain place in order to receive a blessing not obtainable without going to that place.
  • Transubstantiation—the belief that once eaten, a wafer made by humans turns into the literal human flesh of Jesus.

If some people do attach superstitious meanings to things like communion, or where one worships, does that mean there is no righteous, healthy, or otherwise legitimate utility in going to a church to worship or participating in communion? Of course not. God has given us many symbols, ceremonies, and practices that are designed to lead our finite minds into an ever greater understanding of reality—but this is the key: Metaphors, symbolisms, and object lessons are only so when they connect directly to reality and enlighten us to that reality. If they are not connected to reality, then they are fantasy—make-believe, virtual, pretend, imaginary; in other words, they are false. And Satan is the father of all that is false.

But Naaman’s second request is more interesting. He asks that God not hold it against him when he refuses to take a public stance for Yahweh and, instead, bows down to Rimmon when his earthly king (employer) bows to Rimmon.

Who was Rimmon? He was the storm god Baal of the Ugaritic texts.[1] In other words, this was another name for the false god Baal, whom Elijah confronted at Mount Carmel—the god that Israel had repeatedly been seduced into worshiping, the one who seemed so successful in getting people to accept instead of our Creator God. How was this possible? Because Baal was a very close counterfeit to the true God of heaven.

Baal was …

  • The son of El (i.e., El-ohim or El-Shaddai)
  • A god who was often called “Almighty” and “Lord of the Earth”
  • A god who brought rain, thunder, and lightning and who fertilized the earth, controlled the sun, and brought the harvest
  • A god who fought the great serpent Leviathan, as well as battled against Mot, the god of death. Most amazing of all, it was taught that in his battle with Mot, Baal died and was resurrected to bring life to Earth.

Now, what is wrong with worshiping “God the Son” who is the “Creator” who brings life, controls the weather, fights the great serpent, fights against death, dies for us, and rises again to bring life to the land?

Baal required sacrifice to be offered to him in order for him to provide blessings.

Baal eventually became Zeus to the Greeks, Jupiter to the Romans, Thor to the Norse people—and he became Jesus Christ to all Christians who worship a god who requires the blood of a human sacrifice be offered to him in order for him to provide blessings.

This is why the Bible prophesied through Malachi that:

Before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes, I will send you the prophet Elijah. He will bring fathers and children together again (Malachi 4:5, 6).

God today is waiting for His people to no longer bow down to Baal—to, like Elijah, call attention to the differences between our Creator God of love who does not require payment to be made to Him and this pagan counterfeit, a call to return to worship our Creator whose laws are design laws and to stop worshiping a punishing tyrant who is the source of inflicted pain, suffering, and death as punishment for sin.

Do we today want to act the part of Naaman? Do we say to God:

I believe in you, the true Creator of heaven and the earth. I know you are not like Baal, but let me be like Naaman. Let me quietly bow down in my church where they present Baal in your place, where the people are worshiping a god of thunder, a god of wrath, a god that requires the blood payment of Jesus be presented to him in order for that god not to lash out in anger and wrath, in order for that god to forgive. You know I don’t believe it; but forgive my compliance with the religious edicts coming from church authority as I bow, for I might be called to account by the church board; I might be disfellowshipped; I might lose my job, for I, like Naaman, work for those who worship Baal in your place.

I am not suggesting anyone leave their church organization, but to recognize that we are living in a different time than Naaman—and to stand up for the God of heaven! We are on the cusp of eternity, the brink of the Second Coming, and God is calling His people to stop bowing down to counterfeits, to stop worshiping creatures, to return to worshiping Him as Creator—and that requires we reject the lie that God’s law functions like human law requiring that god to use his power to inflict punishment for sin. We are called to return to worship Him who made the heavens, earth, sea, and fountains of water—and that requires we recognize God’s laws as design laws, the protocols life itself operates upon. It is time to give glory to God, for the hour has come for people to make a right judgment about Him—the hour of His judgment has come!


[1] Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). In Harper’s Bible dictionary (1st ed., p. 365). Harper & Row

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia