Today’s Reading:
2 Kings 5:19-27
“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” (v. 20)
Naaman offered Elisha a gift for healing him of leprosy.
Naaman was genuinely appreciative to get rid of the leprosy.
Elisha refused the gift. Naaman urged him to take it, but he still refused.
It was not an offense to refuse the gift. It was simply Elisha’s choice.
Elisha’s servant- Gehazi could not believe Elisha turned down the gift. He saw an opportunity to take undue advantage of Elisha’s refusal. He figured out a way to get something out of Naaman. He lied about some guests and persuaded Naaman to give him the gift.
Gehazi suffered the consequences of his corrupt behavior by acquiring the garment of leprosy that God removed from Naaman and he lived in permanent isolation thereafter.
Gehazi was to Elisha, what Elisha was to Elijah before Elijah was taken to heaven. But he fell into temptation and failed.
The temptations that servants of God face are real.
As a servant of the Highest God, what temptations have you faced to take what belongs to God? What have you taken that rightfully belongs to God.? Permit me to share a personal experience or testimony on this topic: -
I run a professional firm and placed myself on a monthly salary. My tithe was a tenth of the salary. At some point, I was struggling to pay the tithe and was even in arrears. At some point, the Holy Spirit ministered to me that I was doing something the wrong way regarding the payment of my tithe. I thereafter decided to play safe by basing the tithe on any inflow or payment to the firm. The consequence of my decision was instant and amazingly mind-boggling. The turn-around was awesome.
Will a man rob God?
What about glory? Do you take glory for yourself that rightfully belongs to God?
We must take to heart Paul’s warning in 1 Cor. 10:12-
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall”
BABALOLA IKOTUN
Prayer:
Lord, I am grateful for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Father, I confess all my sins, my inadequacies and my shortcomings, please forgive me and show me your mercy in the name of Jesus.
Oh Lord I ask that you break me in every area of my life, help me to lose all sense of pride and self in Jesus’ name.
Almighty God fill me afresh with your Spirit in Jesus’ name.
Every satanic personality assigned to come and tempt me in order to arrest and destroy my testimonies, I command you to fail in Jesus mighty name.
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