ESOCS Devotional 16 June 2022
TEXT: 2 KINGS 5: 20 – 27
MEMORY VERSE: “The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” 2 Kings 5:20 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Gehazi saw many miracles take place. He witnessed a childless woman (and her old husband) have a child (2 Kings 4:17). When the woman’s child, a boy, died, he saw him live again (vs 35-37).
These accounts would make us think that Gehazi was very fortunate to have witnessed with his own eyes things that no normal man can do without God. It must have been very exciting and hair-raising to see a dead boy back to life.
Our text today reveals to us how Gehazi hatched a devious plan of action to acquire Naaman’s gifts. In verses 26 and 27, we read the consequences of his deceit: he was rebuked by Elisha, and he had Naaman’s leprosy cling to him (and his descendants).
Truth be told, spiritual gifts and character are not one and the same thing. We can see miracles and move in anointing; but if we are not careful our hearts could become corrupted.
Gehazi saw amazing miracles happen before his eyes, but instead of being humbled by them he grew more corrupted. While serving God surely has its benefits, it also brings many challenges to us. Some of these challenges come in the form of doubt, unbelief, and temptations.
He was tempted by silver and clothing and gave in to his greed (see 2 Kings 20-25). As such, we must be careful with our hearts and minds. Just because we’re serving God doesn’t mean we’re safe from such things.
Gehazi’s greed was met with unpleasant consequences. We cannot expect to be exempted from the consequences of our sin, even if we spend all that we have to serve ministers or the church. Sin is sin, and must be repented of and renounced.
Service to the church will not atone for our sins. Only Christ does that.
- Are we always contented with what we have?
- Lord, help me not to love the world or the things in it but fill my heart with love for you.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 13:1–16; John 7:14–24; Revelation 12:2–end
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ESOCS Devotional 16 June 2022
