I Know


There is no hesitation about it, no qualifying the expression.

Naaman doesn't now say, "I think"; no, he says, "I know there is a

God who has power to cleanse the leprosy."



Then there is another thought. Naaman left only one thing in

Samaria, and that was his leprosy; and the only thing God wishes you

to leave with Him is your sin. And yet it is the only thing you seem

not to care about giving up.
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"Oh," you say, "I love leprosy, it is so delightful, I can't give it

up; I know God wants it, that He may make me clean. But I can't give

it up."



Why, what downright madness it is for you to love leprosy; and yet

that is your condition.



"Ah," says someone, "I don't believe in sudden conversions."



Don't you? How long did it take Naaman to be cured? The seventh time

he went down, away went the leprosy. Read the great conversions

recorded in the Bible. Saul of Tarsus, Zacchaeus, and a host of

others; how long did it take the Lord to bring them about? They were

effected in a minute. We are born in iniquity, shapen in it, dead in

trespasses and sins; but when spiritual life comes it comes in a

moment, and we are free both from sin and death.



You may be sure when he got home there was no small stir in Naaman's

house. I can see his wife, Mrs. Naaman, when he gets back. She has

been watching and looking out of the window for him with a great

burden on her heart. And when she asks him, "Well, husband, how is

it?" I can see the tears running down his cheeks as he says:



"Thank God, I am well."



They embrace each other, and pour out mutual expressions of

rejoicing and gladness. The servants are just as glad as their

master and mistress, as they have been waiting eagerly for the news.

There never was a happier household than Naaman's, now that he has

got rid of the leprosy. And so, my friends, it will be with your own

households if you will only get rid of the leprosy of sin to-day.

Not only will there be joy in your own hearts and at home, but there

will also be



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