Legacy Lessons W/Vance K. Jacksonનમૂનો

Notice, Naaman declares, when he bows down himself in the house of Rimmon–the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing. Naaman was not requesting for permission to worship a false god. Naaman was not asking for a pardon to worship a idol. Naaman understood his assignment and the position that he held within the Army of Syria as Commander. Naaman took inventory of his life and his position, both in public and private, Naaman chose to worship the true and Living God. “And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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 ‭KJV‬‬

Character matters. Gehazi the servant of Elisha runs after Naaman in pursuit of filthy lucre. Elisha refused to receive gifts from the hands of Naaman. Gehazi saw that his master, Elisha, refused to take funding from Gehazi’s camp. There’s a time to give and there’s a time to receive, this wasn’t one of those times. This was a holy moment where Elisha didn’t receive from Naaman.

But Gehazi pursued after rejected riches. Elisha, rejected the gift from Naaman. There are times when you accept and there are times when you reject. This was a time when Elisha rejected the gift. Gehazi did not understand, so he decided to pursue his self interest and instead of getting an understanding from his teacher–he pursued mammon instead of honoring God. Gehazi’s character was more than flawed–his heart worshipped Mammon. Gehazi did not have a momentary character lapse–his heart followed after an idol that cost him everything. Elisha, who received the double mantle assignment from his father–Elijah, successfully carried the anointing with character and grace. Elisha pursued after promise instead of position when it was time for Elijah, his spiritual father to transition. Elisha followed Elijah. Elisha patterned his ways after Elijah. Elisha submitted to God and honored his father–Elijah. But Gehazi pursued after rejected lucre with his whole heart and dishonored this holy moment.