2 Kings 5-8, 2 Chronicles 21
Day 160 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues with a study of the various miracles performed by God, including through Elisha, during the period surrounding Jehoram's (Judah's king) death as foretold by Elijah.
What strikes me this morning is how Gehazi, Elisha's servant, witnesses likely most if not all of Elisha's miracles, yet instead of seeing God at work and turning to Him in faith, greed and arrogance overtake him. Specifically, Gehazi witnesses Naaman's healing of leprosy (2 Kings 5), sees Naaman's reaction, and how Naaman expresses faith in the God who healed him. Unfortunately, Gehazi ends of up chasing Namaan's gift offered (and declined) to Elisha...instead of God...and he becomes a leper himself.
John Piper uses this story to warn young graduates of chasing money vs God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - most of all I am grateful for how You have transformed my heart and life. I know there is more work to do - my sin continues. Thank You Jesus but please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel". 2 Kings 5:15
What strikes me this morning is how Gehazi, Elisha's servant, witnesses likely most if not all of Elisha's miracles, yet instead of seeing God at work and turning to Him in faith, greed and arrogance overtake him. Specifically, Gehazi witnesses Naaman's healing of leprosy (2 Kings 5), sees Naaman's reaction, and how Naaman expresses faith in the God who healed him. Unfortunately, Gehazi ends of up chasing Namaan's gift offered (and declined) to Elisha...instead of God...and he becomes a leper himself.
John Piper uses this story to warn young graduates of chasing money vs God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - most of all I am grateful for how You have transformed my heart and life. I know there is more work to do - my sin continues. Thank You Jesus but please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
