GEHAZI, THE SERVANT OF ELISHA

2 Kings 5:18-27; 1 Timothy 6:10

“To teach the danger of covetousness”

Outline

A.      What is Covetousness?

B.      Consequences of Covetousness

C.      How to deal with Covetousness

D.     Lessons from Gehazi’s case

BACKGROUND: The Longman’s Dictionary describes covetousness as a very strong desire to have what someone else has, especially wealth. Yet another dictionary describes it as to have an earnest urge to satisfy the desire for worldly gain. It is harmful. Those who are guilty of it would do anything to satisfy their desire.

A.    What is Covetousness?

Covetousness is the act of desiring something that belongs to someone else. Remember that the Bible says in Ephesians 5:5, that no covetous man, who is idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of God. Again it is to desire eagerly to have something or someone that belongs to another person (Exodus 20:17).

We who are followers of Jesus Christ and expecting his coming should live an exemplary life for the worldly people to emulate. We should remember Ahab and Absalom and consider what befall them because of the spirit of covetousness. Also, Achan, Judas Iscariot who because of insatiable life died untimely death. It is quite difference from a strong desire to achieve something notable or strong desires for riches, power, success etc. which are in accordance with the law or the rules.

B.    Consequences of Covetousness

Like every sin that requires another sin to cover or achieve the desire, covetousness leads to other sins. Let us consider the following examples:

Gehazi lied to Naaman – Naaman, upon being healed, acted like the one leper out of ten whom Christ healed who was ready to give thanks for his cleansing (Luke 17:12-17). He was glad to return and show his gratitude and all his company with him, and so they stood before Elisha. Naaman offered and begged Elisha to take a gift for the healing, but the prophet refused to take anything for what God had done (Vs. 15-16). Elisha blessed him and sent him away in peace. While he was only a short distance away, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha went after Naaman to receive something for himself. He lied saying that Elisha had changed his mind and wanted a talent of silver and two changes of raiment for two sons of the prophet who had just come to him.

Gehazi lied to Elisha – On the return of Gehazi from Naaman, he went to stand before Elisha and the prophet asked hi of where he had gone. Gehazi lied to Elisha that he had not gone to anywhere. Elisha made it clear that his heart had gone with him when the man, Naaman turned again from the chariot to meet him. Rebuking him, the prophet announced that leprosy of Naaman would cleave to Gehazi and his seed forever, and he went out from the presence of Elisha a leper as white as snow (Vs. 25-27).

Achan to Joshua: (Joshua 7:20-21). The sin of Achan led to the defeat of isreal. One sin brought a whole nation to defeat and caused God to stop blessing over them. One sin is what caused Adam and the whole race to be under the curse (Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12-21) which Christ has come to redeem us from.

Achan pretended to be in obedience to the law, while he knew that he had sinned and deceived Israel and had hidden what he had stolen in his tent. For there is no respect of persons with God. The enjoyment of mercy and salvation from God is not a license for anyone to commit sin. Achan gave proper confession of his sin which is only partially recorded here (Vs. 20-21). The penalty for his crime was physical death for himself and all his family and the destruction of his stock and material goods (Vs. 24).

Ahab murdered Naboth (1 Kings 21) – In this chapter we have the story of Ahab coveting the vineyard of Naboth and obtaining through murder and force that which did not belong to him. In those days such inheritances from forefathers which had been passed on for many generations in the same family were considered priceless, and to part with such was almost like parting with life itself, because of the very dear associations connected with it.

Jezebel was depraved to the limit to execute her crime so easily. Her only reaction to the stoning of Naboth was to tell Ahab to take over the vineyard of the murdered man (Vs. 16-24). Ahab took possession of the vineyard without any hesitation, while God sent Elijah to predict his doom; saying that dogs would lick the blood of Ahab in the same place where blood licked the blood Naboth.

Can Covetousness Cost you Eternity with God? (1 Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 5:5). The following passages of the Bible re-emphasis to confirm the truth that the covetous shall not be saved or inherit the kingdom of God: (1 Corinthians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5).

C.     How to Deal with Covetousness (1 Timothy 6:6)

Godliness with sufficient materials, blessings of food and raiment should make one to be contented with life. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we shall take nothing out of it.

D.    Lessons from Gehazi’s Case

1.      We cannot his anything from God – Proverbs 15:3; Genesis 3:9

2.      Gehazi lost all that he had worked for in a day: Every f his good deeds were discounted. Only those who complete the race will be rewarded. (Revelation 3:21)

3.      He brought curse upon his lineage (2 Kings 5:27): The one prediction was that leprosy of Naaman would cleave to Gehazi and his household forever.

4.      Integrity and character matter (Proverbs 10:9; 13:6)

5.      We must be focused – Luke 9:62: This answer to the request of the man in verse 61 seems harsh, but it was not, for Jesus knew that if he returned home, he would likely submit to the unbelieving  relatives who would weep, reproach, ridicule, and tempt him to give up such an idea.

Life Application
     Heed the advice from the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 12:15. The principle of the end justifies the means is not right for a child of God who desires to make heaven. Matthew 16:26; 6:33
What was Gehazi real problem?
     If you were in his shoes, would you have behaved differently? Particularly, if you are sure that no one will discover your act?