Friday Lent 2

Elisha said, “Didn’t you know I was with you in spirit when that man stepped down from his chariot to greet you? Tell me, is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts? Naaman’s skin disease will now infect you and your family, with no relief in sight.” Gehazi walked away, his skin flaky and white like snow.

2 King’s 5:26-27 MSG

This is an incredible story where captives, hope, trust, healing, pride, arrogance, and greed can be found.

The story unfolds. Healing happens, gifts are offered but not accepted, and someone gets greedy.

Naaman is healed. He offers gifts in return to the prophet who healed him. The prophet refuses. Gehazi, the prophets servant, demanded a ‘thank you’. So off he went to get it. Instead of asking for a thank-you, he asked for money. Gehazi returned to Elisha, and this is where the text above picks up.

Elisha’s words grip me, “Is this a time to look after yourself, lining your pockets with gifts?”

Was it enough to just let Naaman leave? Was a ‘thank you’ implied by the offering of gifts to Elisha? Was Gehazi laden with greed, or did this just happen suddenly? I don’t know, but I am guilty of looking after myself a time or two (or more). I have to ask myself, “At whose expense am I looking after myself?”

This is something to sit with. ❤️ This is something I will sit with.