2 Kings 5:25-27
Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.
Gehazi was a servant of Elisha who lied to Naaman about receiving rewards after Elisha healed him from his leprosy. Elisha knew that his servant Gehazi took 2 talents from Naaman even though Gehazi tried to keep it away from his knowledge. Gehazi from rebuked by Elisha telling him that it is not the right time and it was inappropriate to receive a reward at their current situation. As a result of his sin, the Lord inflicted Naaman’s leprosy to him and his descendants forever. Ministers like them carry great responsibility and the reason of severe punishment is the witnessing. Since Naaman was an unbeliever, Gehazi’s witnessing for the Lord got destroyed by his greed.
Sometimes, we do not realize that our hearts are already covetous and our actions and witnssing were compromised. We need to keep our hearts in check so we won’t be swayed and get distracted by our desire to accumulate material things.
We ministers carry a huge responsibility of becoming a salt and light to the unbelievers. We always ask the Lord for wisdom how we should behave or treat unbelievers most especially if they are aware that we are Christians. Whether we like it or not, our behaviors and speech are being carefully observed.
No comments:
Post a Comment