PODCAST
Not For Prophet
May 3rd, 2017
2 Kings 5:19b-27
On several occasions, while making pastoral calls in hospitals, I have had to “suit up” to limit exposure to or the spread of an infectious illness. The suit not only protects the visitor from contracting the patient’s illness, it also reduces the possibility of exposing the patient, who may already have a compromised immune system, to any germs the visitor may unknowingly be carrying.
Gehazi, servant of the prophet Elisha, was an opportunist. After General Naaman was healed of leprosy, he desired to express his gratitude by offering Elisha a gift. Elisha politely declined. Gehazi, however, struggled over Elisha’s refusal. Even the higher cause of helping Naaman understand that his healing was a not-for-profit endeavor from God did not dissuade Gehazi from seeking payment.
Gehazi pursued Naaman, fabricated a story that appealed to Naaman’s sense of appreciation, and made a profit. Gehazi’s disregard of Elisha’s instruction exposed him to the infectious nature of the deadly sins of lying and greed.
The only remedy and safeguard from sin is God’s redemptive healing in us.
Author: John Trotter
