Bible Reading: Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4.
“… But, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat of him” – 2 Kings 5:20b (KJV)
The language of the world is that there should be an exchange for whatever service rendered at any given time. This accounts for the structure that is put up in various organisations and failure to give the commensurate service charge has landed punishment to some people in the society. This same mindset is what many servants of God are bringing into the vineyard, and rather than making disciples out of the people God is bringing their way, they are milking them. This is sad!
Gehazi was in the school of the prophets, under the tutelage of Elisa, the man of God. Gehazi means ‘valley of vision’. He could see things before it happens and he has been used of God at several occasions. However, just as many are missing it in this generation, he missed out when he failed to recognise the time not to collect anything from the Captain of Syria, Naaman. After the man had been healed, he offered gifts. “And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant” – 2 Kings 5:15 (KJV). Elisha, the man of God who understood the time and season, refused inspite of serious urging.
This approach did not please Gehazi and thus decided to pursue after Namaan. Hear what he said, “… But, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him and take somewhat of him.” Greed in the heart of a man could make him misuse the name of God and do ‘extraordinary’ things. Gehazi ran after the chariot and caught up with it! What an ‘extraordinary’ race just for selfish gain! The fact that you achieve extraordinary feat does not mean that God is pleased. Beware!, lest you meet your water loo! As he was running after Naaman he kept thinking how to present the issue. When he eventually got to Naaman, he lied. Greed could make someone lie. Hear what he said, “…My master hath sent me, saying Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments” v.22. He used the name of his master as the key to sponsor his greed and even lied when he stood before him (2 Kings 5:25)
Gehazi still enjoyed the services of the servants of Naaman who assisted him to bring the goods home. What a man consumed by greed who did not allow the meaning of his name to play out at the verge of derailing! Have you also found yourself in similar situation? Beware lest sudden punishment come upon you. Greed is disastrous, kill it before it kills you.
Prayer: Eternal Father, deliver me from the power of greed so that my purpose in life might not be cut short in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole.