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Forfeiting The Mantle.
“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.” 2 Kings 5:25 KJV.
When Elisha asked Gehazi Where did he go? Gehazi lied. The character of Gehazi was more than flawed–he was deeply deceived, and his heart was driven by an idol. Gehazi worshipped greed over God. Gehazi did not honor God, nor the former generation–Gehazi worshipped Mammon. Who do you serve? What do you honor? Who do you worship?
“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?” 2 Kings 5:26 KJV.
Elisha, the man of God, told Gehazi, my heart was with you when you went to accept that bribe. My heart was with you when you went to pursue after Mammon. My heart was with you when you went to pursue after that idol. And now, you’re lying to my face.
Gehazi was more than a servant to Elisha; he was positioned to be the successor. Gehazi had access to Elisha–but his character kept him from carrying the mantle. A character flawed, opportunistic successor is incapable of carrying the cup of legacy. For the character-cracked cup of Gehazi could never hold the full mantle and responsibility of Elisha’s assignment. Elisha carried the double and didn’t have a successor to properly pour into.
Gehazi had full access to Elisha, who carried the double portion of Elijah’s mantle–but because of his idol-driven heart, he worshipped mammon and forfeited the mantle. Gehazi forfeited legacy. His corrupt heart caused his legacy to be corrupted forever.
“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.” 2 Kings 5:27 KJV.
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About this Plan
In Vance K. Jackson's new leadership book, "Legacy: God Honors the Heart," this excerpt from Chapter 1 explores the powerful biblical account of Naaman and Gehazi—a moment that unpacks the tension between opportunity and integrity. While Naaman’s healing showcases God’s miraculous power, Gehazi’s actions reveal a deeper issue: the danger of "character compromise". Vance draws a bold and relevant parallel to leadership across the spheres of business, government, and community. This chapter challenges readers to reflect on how internal decisions—those made behind closed doors or beyond public view—can either elevate a legacy or unravel it.
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