February 12, 2011 – Michael – Tennessee Colony, TX
We had the pleasure of conducting two services at the Michael Unit this weekend. Weather was great. Turnout was good. Witnessed 10 responses to the message. We would like to thank the correctional staff and volunteer chaplain for help with the transition in and out of the unit.
Our lesson focuses on the story of Naaman from 2 Kings chapter 5. Here we find a man of position, popularity and prestige. He is a general in the army who is second in command to the king. At one time he was a handsome man. His name actually comes from the Hebrew word, naem, meaning, “be delightful, pleasant, beautiful”. His problem was that he had leprosy. Leprosy is a horrible skin disease that comes in several forms and always causes the carrier to be outcast, isolated and loathed. The principle to see here is how many today may be great, honorable, wealthy and mighty but are spiritually lost and perishing from the leprosy of sin. Furthermore, many members of our society are isolated and cast out due to their condition or the things they have done. Our prisons are full of them. To realize this lost condition before God and take the proper steps to receive salvation is the beginning of the healing process. Naaman discovered this.
Many parallels can be drawn to the disease and healing of leprosy in the bible. I encourage you to read about its’ significance and how the cleansing of leprosy demonstrates our own cleansing of sin through salvation in Christ. We need to understand that God often uses the personal failures, sicknesses, and problems of men as means to get to the end of themselves and to the knowledge of Lord and His salvation. In scripture, leprosy represents man’s sin and spiritual condition without the grace that saves us through Jesus Christ. We must recognize the need and come to Christ as a beggar with faith that He is in the restoration business. God is constantly at work to lead people to Himself, no matter how dark their situation or their prison cell. Just as in Naaman’s case, power, position and wealth can be an additional hindrance to coming to Christ – Naaman overcame his pride and his opinion which was contrary to what he was asked to do. Throughout this story Naaman stooped lower that he wanted even to the point of anger, yet persevered for the blessing. In the end, Naaman put his faith and trust in the one true healer and received cleansing.
It is our prayer throughout the year that you will continue to support our ministry through your giving and prayers for the brothers and sisters in white. Please support us in providing restoration and hope through the power of God’s word behind the bars of our prisons today.
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