But he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money and to receive clothes and olive groves and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female servants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. 2 Kings 5:25-27
Not in for the money! That’s what Elisha told Gehazi. When Naaman was healed of leprosy, he was prepared to pay a fortune to his healer. The circumstances were such that the healing from God came at the instruction of Elisha. It happened in the Jordan river, apart from Elisha being there in person. So Naaman’s money remained with him. Gehazi in his greed sought out a payment for Elisha’s “services”. That’s not the heart of a prophet. This is a hard concept for some to believe, that pastors and preachers are not in it (their calling and career), for the money. While we get paid to fulfill our calling, I do not know many, if any, who are in it for the money.
What is my motivation for serving God? Does the temptation to be rewarded in this life, cause me to do anything to lose the rewards in the next life?
God, I want to be like Elisha. Thank you that You you provide all I need in this life. And You have given our family a wonderful life with plenty. We are not in want. And You supply so much more than money could ever buy. Use me as Your prophet in the world today. Please include me when You are healing people as Your spokesman.
