"But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought; but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him." 2 Kings 5:20
There are times when, through the urging of God, you will be a blessing to someone else, taking nothing in return for bestowing your talent or gift. With the understanding that, in the act of giving your gift, you have already received a greater gift.
When the Prophet Elisha healed Naaman, Naaman wanted to repay him for using his prophetic gift of healing. Elisha refused his gifts; but, his servant, Gehazi, coveted the gifts for himself, and devised a lie to deceive Naaman into giving him the gifts intended for Elisha. When he received the gifts through deception, he had no choice but to hide them from the prophet, not understanding that God had already revealed to Elisha his act of deceit and betrayal. By the time Gehazi returned, Elisha knew in spirit about the deception. And so, the gift of healing that was given to Naaman, removing his leprosy, was transferred by God, giving leprosy to Gehazi.
We can imagine that Gehazi witnessed Elisha healing the poor on many occasions, refusing to accept their meager gifts, understanding that they could barely afford to offer the gifts they brought to him. Yet, this time, noticing the opulent gifts of Naaman, he was certain Elisha would accept at least some of the gifts. When Elisha did not accept the gifts, Gehazi seized the opportunity to sow what was really in his heart. —Coveting!
Many people covet the blessings of others, not taking into consideration the trials and tribulations those blessed by God have actually endured. They simply do not understand that the blessings received by others is a direct result of their endurance; and, by coveting their blessing, you just may receive their curse to test your endurance —an endurance test not originally meant for you.
Today, we are bombarded by the lifestyles of the rich and famous. We follow celebrities and covet their lifestyles and life choices, not realizing that they have their own life burdens to deal with; such as, the lack of privacy, the pretentious love of others, a constant bombardment of deception and betrayal by those closest to them, and a slew of other woes. Of course, not all celebrities are laden with these issues, but many are.
Set a course to endure those burdens set before you. Do not covet those things that are for others. Should you dream of a better life? —Of course! Those dreams were placed there by God for you to pursue. Your blessings are for you and those whom you share them with. However, do not try to take what does not belong to you; it will not bless your life. —And unfortunately, like Gehazi, you just may find yourself with the curse, long before you ever receive the blessing. L.
Study Reference: 2 Kings 5:20
From: "A Common Curse." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: August & March
RSS Feed
