2 Kings 5:15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.
In the book of II Kings, we read about the prophet Elisha healing Naaman of leprosy, and it really is a story packed with great lessons.
Naaman had a captive Jewish girl as a servant brought in from a raid, and was serving Naaman’s wife. This unnamed girl knew about the prophet Elisha and knew Elisha’s prayers could heal Naaman of his leprosy, and she shared this valuable information.
She did not hold any grudges.
What is surprising, Naaman believes her and tells the king, and the king gives Naaman permission to seek the prophet for his healing.
When Elisha hears Naaman is looking for him, he asks for Naaman to be brought to him and he arrives with all his entourage. Elisha never even comes to the door, but sent a messenger to give him the message to wash in the Jordan 7 times.
This man of great status, with his horses and chariots, did not receive a direct message from the prophet, the message was through his servant. How insulting!
Naaman went away angry and complaining because he had not been received as his status required. Have you been there?
In the end, he did wash 7 times in the Jordan and his leprosy left him.
Once healed, Naaman went back to Elisha to give testimony and offered gifts, but Elisha refused the gift.
Naaman begins his journey home but encounters Gehazi. Here is the problem.
Gehazi lies and tells Naaman two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to him and asked for money and clothes, and Gehazi receives what he asked for from Naaman.
Elisha knew what Gehazi did, and it grieved him because he said his heart went with him.
Gehazi was Elisha ́s servant, just like Elisha was Elijah’s servant, so now the phrase did not my heart go with you becomes clear.
Gehazi was next in line to be the prophet of the land.
Greed overcame Gehazi, and as a result of his sin, he received leprosy.
This is a great ¨waiting¨ lesson. The world can offer many things, but those things are temporal. Waiting for God´s promises requires faith, vision, confidence, trust and you can add your own words.
After the prompting of his servant to wash in the Jordan 7 times, Naaman humbled himself and he became clean.
Gehazi was powered by greed. He could have had much more. He lost his opportunity at being the next prophet in Israel. He lost everything for a few articles of clothing and two talents. Here his ¨eyes¨ were not open to the promise of God.
I am going to be careful in all I do, as I don´t want to miss out on any opportunities the Lord has given me.
Scripture reading, II Kings 5:15-27
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