First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Theme: The universal scope of God’s concern

Exegetical Note
This account of Elisha’s healing of a foreigner, Naaman - and an unclean (leprous) and uncooperative one at that - suggests that God’s concern and care extend beyond the confines of Israel and toward the Gentiles. Luke 4:27 records Jesus himself as referring to this incident in order to justify to his fellow Nazarites his own early miracles in Capernaum rather than his home town.

Call to Worship
Leader: Rejoice in God, whose compassion and power extend to all humankind.
People: OUR GOD IS NOT A PATRIOT. OUR GOD IS NOT A RACIST. OUR GOD DOES NOT PLAY FAVORITES.
Leader: Our God loves and heals people regardless of race or nationality, simply because they are people.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD FOR SUCH B…