2Ki 5:22, 23 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'”
.23 “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. (NIV)
After Naaman was healed of his leprosy ,the commander of the army of King of Syria requested to pay Elisha. The man of God declined to be paid. He refused Namaan’s money because God’s favour cannot be paid for or purchased.
But Gehazi the servant of Elisha saw a perfect opportunity to get rich by selfishly asking for the reward his master had refused. The unfortunate thing about his evil scheme was that he implied that money could be exchanged for God’s free gift of healing and mercy. In addition, he lied and tried to cover up his motives for accepting the money (vs 22)
As we serve the Lord in our various capacities,there is an example to follow in Elisha and one to avoid in Gehazi .Whatever the area of our gifting , we are not supposed to charge nor manipulate the people of God. Although Gehazi had been a helpful servant, personal gain had become more important to him than serving God. What was the reward of his greed and deceit? In verse 27,Elisha told him that Namaan’s leprosy would cling to him and his descendants forever.
Friends we may not get leprosy today but with greed and deceit,we may get into challenges that may affect us and our generation. Lets be careful . In his own way, God will bless us as we continue serving him unreservedly.
Further readings
1 Kin. 13:18
Jer. 9:3
Joh. 8:44
🙏 Blessed Day 🙏