January 31, 2011

  • Unit: Do My Decisions Matter?
    Lesson: Sick of Greed?

    Read: 2 Kings 5:14-16,20-22,24-27

    We see, in part, ancient prophecies about Israel coming true. God promised Abraham He would bless many nations through his offspring. For a childless nomad, such a promise must have been profound. God’s over-arching design for His people was that they would be like the shining city on a hill of which Jesus would speak many centuries later. Surrounding nations would witness how God blessed His nation, and thus come to know the truth about Him. There were provisions in the Law to welcome foreigners into Temple worship. Thus, Naaman the Aramean sought healing from the God who had rescued Israel from Egypt and brought them to their promised land. His insistence on offering Elisha a gift shows the Aramean didn’t fully understand this God. But he had certainly experienced His grace and power.

    What may be most striking about Gehazi’s deception is its level of complexity. He took the time to concoct a detailed story about why Elisha needed a gift after all. Note that Gehazi couched his greed by pretending that the silver and clothing would be used for a worthy cause. How revealing is this of the human heart! We know that our greed is offensive to God, but we assuage our consciences by covering it in a veneer of self-righteousness. It what ways do you think you could be tempted to use your place of ministry for selfish gain?

    Gehazi revealed his foolishness by thinking he could pull one over on a man who had a direct line to the voice of God. As believers, we don’t need a prophet to point out our sins. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will lean on our hearts when we wilfully sin. It’s so important to respond to the Holy Spirit quickly in those times, and not ignore His promptings. Otherwise, we may find ourselves with hearts hardened toward repentance and confession. Gehazi ended up with leprosy as punishment for his wickedness. Today, a believer who carries hidden sins may end up wishing h or she could have a skin disease rather than the awful shame and guilt he bears. There is power and freedom in repentance.