How does Gehazi's action contrast with Elisha's integrity in 2 Kings 5? Setting the scene (2 Kings 5:1-19) - Naaman, a respected Syrian commander, is healed of leprosy after obeying Elisha’s word to wash in the Jordan. - Overjoyed, he offers Elisha a lavish reward. - Elisha refuses every gift, making it clear the miracle is God’s free grace, not merchandise. Elisha’s integrity on display - 2 Kings 5:16: “But Elisha answered, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, in whose presence I stand, I will not accept it.’ And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.” • Stands “in the LORD’s presence” — his loyalty is vertical, not financial. • Refuses wealth so God alone receives glory (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Corinthians 9:18). • Models contentment: Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Gehazi’s greedy scheme (2 Kings 5:20-24) - 2 Kings 5:20: “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, ‘Look, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.’ ” • Sees ministry as a missed profit opportunity. • Invokes the LORD’s name to bless a selfish plan—misusing holy words (Exodus 20:7). • Lies to Naaman (“my master sent me”) and to Elisha (“I went nowhere”). • Hides the loot, thinking no one will know (Proverbs 15:3). Side-by-side contrasts - Motive: • Elisha — gratitude to God, desire for God’s fame. • Gehazi — greed, self-advancement. - Method: • Elisha — transparent refusal. • Gehazi — secret pursuit, deception. - Master served: • Elisha — serves the LORD (Matthew 6:24). • Gehazi — serves money (1 Timothy 6:10). - Result: • Elisha — honor, continued ministry. • Gehazi — leprosy, disgrace (2 Kings 5:27). Hidden sin exposed (2 Kings 5:25-27) - Elisha confronts: “Did not my spirit go with you…? Is this the time to accept money…?” - Gehazi learns nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). - Judged immediately: “the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever.” Wider Scriptural echoes - Proverbs 28:20: “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.” - Acts 8:18-20: Simon seeks to buy God’s power and is sharply rebuked. - 2 Corinthians 2:17: “We are not like so many, peddling the word of God for profit.” Take-home applications - Ministry must remain free of monetary strings so God receives all credit. - Contentment protects from corruption; coveting invites ruin. - God sees every motive; integrity matters even when no one is watching. - The contrast warns believers: guard the heart from the subtle slide from service to self-gain. |
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