Today’s Devotion
Topic: Where Have You Been? (Self Assessment)
We bless Jesus for another blessed weekend, kindly read the passage below and share the revelation you receive with us.
Background:
Naaman follows the advice of his servant and comes to Israel to seek healing for his leprosy. Elisha asked him dip 7 times into the Jordan. After some hesitation, he dipped and was made whole. Out of gratitude, Naaman offered the Man of God gifts but the latter refused. Elisha was not working for his stomach, Naaman’s healing was to bring glory to God and His nation Israel. Gehazi, servant of the prophet Elisha could not comprehend why Elisha will send Naaman away without accepting any of his gifts. He therefore pursued Naaman and told him Elisha was now requesting a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for his two visitors (Read: 2 Kings 5)
Text: 2 Kings 5: 23- 27 (NKJV)
23 So Naaman said, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him. 24 When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed. 25 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.”
26 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? 27 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. Amen
Questions:
i. Why do you think Gehazi run after Naaman to get some gifts for himself?
ii. Was Gehazi the one God used to bring about the healing? If not, why will he then inwardly disagree with Elisha for sending Naaman away without free of charge?
iii. Gehazi runs (on foot) to reach the horses of Naaman and lies that Elisha wants some gifts for visitors now. What does this tell you about the extend MAN will go for money and possession?
iv. Gehazi hides the items at home and lies to Elisha that he has been nowhere. We do this to God everyday. We sin and pretend it was not us. The question is, in the process of sin, do we truly forget God is everywhere? If no, why do we do it anyway and tell Him we didn’t?
v. Elisha asked Gehazi, “is this the time to take money and clothes?” Does that then mean that there are certain times we shouldn’t seek material rewards for the help we offer others? Kindly explain.
vi. Gehazi went home more leprous than Naaman was. A disease that was going to affect his descendants too. What have you leant from today’s discussion?
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