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- Oct 26, 2007
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"Yes," Gehazi said, "but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them." 2 Kings 5:22 NLT
As Elisha’s servant, Gehazi had witnessed the power of God often. Still, when tempted by the chance to fill his own pockets, the glitter of gold shone brighter to Gehazi than did God’s glory.
Elisha refused any gift that would distract Naaman from knowing that the Lord alone was God. While God’s Word provides for the Lord’s servants to receive gifts and support (Deuteronomy 18:1-8 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18), Elisha knew that now was not the time to take money, especially for miracles. No one but God must get the glory for making Naaman healthy.
Gehazi had no such insight into God’s purposes for bringing the commander of the enemy’s armies to the prophet of Israel for healing. Even Elisha’s words didn’t deter Gehazi from going after something for himself. Greed led to deception as he raced after Naaman and asked for the money his master earlier refused. That greed led straight to disaster.
While Naaman returned home with a healthy body and committed heart, Gehazi returned home bearing Naaman’s leprosy on his flesh.
Prayer: Lord, may I never take Your money into my own hands.
As Elisha’s servant, Gehazi had witnessed the power of God often. Still, when tempted by the chance to fill his own pockets, the glitter of gold shone brighter to Gehazi than did God’s glory.
Elisha refused any gift that would distract Naaman from knowing that the Lord alone was God. While God’s Word provides for the Lord’s servants to receive gifts and support (Deuteronomy 18:1-8 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18), Elisha knew that now was not the time to take money, especially for miracles. No one but God must get the glory for making Naaman healthy.
Gehazi had no such insight into God’s purposes for bringing the commander of the enemy’s armies to the prophet of Israel for healing. Even Elisha’s words didn’t deter Gehazi from going after something for himself. Greed led to deception as he raced after Naaman and asked for the money his master earlier refused. That greed led straight to disaster.
While Naaman returned home with a healthy body and committed heart, Gehazi returned home bearing Naaman’s leprosy on his flesh.
Prayer: Lord, may I never take Your money into my own hands.
Rich. Rich.
