The Disobedient Servant

2Ki 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
2Ki 5:26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
2Ki 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

Naamon, the captain of the armies of the king of Syria was told by a servant girl about a great prophet in Israel. Reluctantly obeying the prophet, he dipped himself seven times in the Jordan river and was healed instantly of Leprosy. Elisha obeyed what he heard from God, he walked close obeying him. By obeying Elisha, Naaman was made whole and clean. Naaman offered Elisha a great reward, but Elisha refused. In this way the Lord would received all the glory. Gehazi had a privileged position of being the servant of the most powerful prophet. However he disobeyed his master and took a reward for the work of God, this resulted in himself receiving leprosy and a curse on his family. Elisha received the mantel from the prophet Elijah and a double anointing of the Holy Spirit. I have great respect for those who hear from God and follow him in obedience. We in Christ Jesus are to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We are to do and say what we hear from the still small voice of God and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. What is not of faith is sin to us.

In another story a sorcerer named Simon saw the mighty works of God through Phillip and the apostles. He had professed faith in Jesus Christ and he wanted this power for himself, probably to use it with his sorcery. Too many Christians are running back and forth to prophets of God and sorcerers giving readings. This is absolutely wrong.

Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Another example of miracle workers that were not of God.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

These probably were doing this for personal power and gain, for they never knew nor loved our Lord. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, like Judas had his eyes on silver and other goods instead of faithful obedience to the voice of his master. We must be faithful servants of the Most High God, walking by faith, not covetous, not seeking personal gain or glory, but doing what he says. This is our greatest reward in being received by him. He will supply our needs and we need to obey him.

A final thought; we are not to be caught up in the fear of things coming in the world, but to pray humbly about them and our nation. We are in a time of sifting; may we not fall away but instead bring others to the harvest.

Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.