2 Kings 5:20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

Gehazi would be a comedic figure if the consequences of his stupidity weren’t so severe. He had just seen that God was able to do anything, but his greed completely took his focus off of God. It is rather deliciously ironic that this records him using the stock phrase of the day, “As surely as the Lord lives,” even as he was thinking of ignoring the Lord and providing for himself. He wasn’t acting like he believed the Lord was alive! His behavior reminds me of those in valid Christian ministries who have embezzled funds, or of Judas, who did the same even as one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. (John 12:4-6) We are back to Jesus’ statement that “No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matthew 6:24) Gehazi was seeking material things rather than the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33) God did actually use him again later on, (2 Kings 8:1-6) after he had had time to repent and realize that God was real after all. However, I don’t think we want to use him as an example to follow!

I would perhaps laugh at Gehazi if I hadn’t been equally stupid at times. Like him, I have spoken of the omnipotence and benevolence of God and then turned around and acted like those things weren’t real. In the current situation I have allowed myself to get tied in knots emotionally, while at the same time proclaiming that God’s plans are good and nothing is impossible for Him. How foolish! God in His grace allows me to speak His Word fairly frequently, but if I fail to appropriate that Word myself and live it out, it does me no good personally, whatever it does in those who hear it through me. I must not deceive myself, (James 1:22) but live out all that I know of God’s Word.

Father, You are indeed doing marvelous things in, around, and through us. I know the devil is going to keep trying to rob me of peace and joy through the bumps in the road along the way. Thank You for Your Word through Takahiro on Sunday that joy is a choice. May I consistently choose Your joy, Your peace, exercising the faith You provide, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!