Last week we rejoiced with Naaman that his leprosy was healed. Naaman stood before Elisha and declared,

“Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” II Kings 5:15

Naaman prepared to give all the wonderful gifts he had brought, but Elisha would have none of it.

And even though Naaman urged him, Elisha refused. II Kings 5:16

Elisha wanted to underline the fact that the Lord had performed this miracle. Naaman then made a strange request.

“… please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. II Kings 5:17

In Naaman’s culture it was commonly thought that a deity could be worshiped only on the soil of the nation to which he was bound.

How wonderful if our story ended there. Naaman was cleansed and became a believer in the one God. Elisha gave great witness with humility. But sadly there’s more. Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, was not so pure in heart.

Gehazi said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman by not accepting from him what he brought. I will run after him and get something from him.” II Kings 5:20

So off he went, running to catch up with Naaman’s chariot. Naaman spied him and stopped the chariot to meet him.

“Is everything all right?” he asked.

“Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. II Kings 5:21-22

And then came the first lie.

“My master sent me [Yeah right!] to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have come to me from Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’ ” II Kings 5:22

Naaman generously gave him two talents instead of just one plus the clothes. Gehazi took them home.  Later, he stood before Elisha. 

“Where have you been?” Elisha asked. II Kings 5:25

Here comes lie number two.

“Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. II Kings 5:25

Somehow Elisha knew where he’d been and what he did and proceeded to give him a tongue lashing. Not only that, Elisha declared that Gehazi would now have the leprosy that Naaman once had.

So many emotions and actions in  this story;

fear and dread (Oh no, leprosy!),  

hope (There’s a prophet in Israel),

disappointment (That’s not what I had in mind),

rage (No way I’m going in the Jordan),

submission (If I must),

rejoicing and gratitude (I’m healed!),

belief (Only one God), generosity (I give these things), humility (No, God did it),

dedication (I will only worship God.)

In contrast, we saw selfishness and lies from Gehazi, and judgment (Be sure your sins will find you out!) 

So where are we in the story? Haughty, nothing can happen to me. Or are you in a low place needing hope. Perhaps, like the servant girl, you are in a place to give hope to someone in need. Is there an answer right in front of you, but you’re too stubborn to do the simple thing? Are you generous, humble, or selfish? Glean from what fits your life situation.

~ Joyce ~