THE SPIRIT OF GEHAZI
Preached by: Carolyn Sissom
Sunday p.m. service, November 16, 2009
11 Kings5:20: But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold my master has spared Naaman this Syrian in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take somewhat of him.”
True ministry of the Lord will always have people who have the spirit of Gehazi hanging around. This is the spirit that tries to suck money from ministries of the Lord’s chosen. They feel like there was money left on the table and they deserve it. Gehazi in Hebrew means “avarice”. This is a type of a counterfeit “Elisha ministry” that has a love of money! Naaman the Syrian saw Gehazi and asked him, “Is all well?” Gehazi lied and (like Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8) misrepresented the ministry of Elisha. “(Vs.22) “And he said, All is well. My master has sent me, saying, Behold, even now there coming to me from Mt. Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets; give them I pray, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they carried them before him.”
Elisha did not miss this failure of integrity. When he returned, Gehazi went in and stood before his master. Elisha said unto him, “Where do you come from Gehazi"? And he said, "Your servant went no where". Elisha said, Didn’t you know my heart went with you, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive-yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maid servants? The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto you and unto your seed forever! Gehazi went out from Elisha’s presence (anointing) a leper as white as snow!
This act further explains why Gehazi was not able to raise the sons of the Shunammite woman from the dead.
Elisha had extended the open grace of Yahweh to an alien and Gehazi’s treachery spoiled and marred the Grace extemded.
We will now recap the healing of Naaman and why it was so important that Elisha’s ministry of healing be extended through Grace. (2 Ki. 5:1-10): God’s ministers must main dignity in the face of politically or educationally prestigious people who flaunt themselves. This is a detailed picture of the natural man, enjoying the highest and best, but yet unregenerate. Leprosy in the O.T. is a type of sin.
- It begins as a small, insignificant spot or blemish.
- It is not recognized by the individual at the first.
- It is progressive in degrees according to the individual
- It affects the whole man; worst kind – forehead.
- It causes the hair to fall out.
- It causes numbness.
- It brings estrangement from the camp.
- It is incurable – no natural remedy.
- It is healed by Jesus alone. (Mt. 8:3; Mk. 1:41; Lk. 5:12; 17;12)
There are six things said of Naaman in 5:1. He was honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria. He was a mighty man in valor. He was captain of the host of the King of Syria and was a great man with his master. This would be another reason why the Lord sent him to Elisha. Although Elisha’s dealings with him were to break him of his pride, Elisha knew he had been sent by the Lord and chose to heal him without accepting any monetary recompense. Also, this would deal with the attitude that Naaman could buy his healing and his salvation. The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is not for sale and the ministers of that Grace should extend it freely. The gospel is free, but not cheap. Naaman’s wife had an Israelite maid. She told of the prophet that is in Samaria. “I will send a letter unto the king of Israel.” When the King read the letter, he was very upset, He said, “Am I God, that I should kill and make alive… he seeks a quarrel against me.” So Jehoram rent his clothes. Elisha heard it and sent for Naaman. Naaman’s pride has to be dealt with. The remedy was too simple and demanded a complete submission. Naaman came with his horses and chariots (human strength) to the door of the house of Elisha. The prophet sent a messenger to the proud Naaman; “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again unto you, and you shall be clean.” Naaman went away disappointed and angry. Elisha hadn’t waved the magic wand. He left in a rage. Today many generations have been raised with a microwave mentality. If it is not instant, then it must not be the Lord. In Vs.12, His national pride is exposed when he says, “Are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.” But his servants persuaded him to obey the word of Elisha: “Wash, and be clean!” Then he went down from his chariot and dipped himself seven times in Jordan- (Full baptism of death to self). His flesh came again like unto flesh of a child. This is the principle of rejuvenation! This could be prophetic that Syria will return to the Lord and acknowledge the God of Israel. We have come to a time of the separation of the goat and sheep nations as well as goat and sheep people. Bro. Bob Jones says there will even be separation of sheep from sheep. Naaman asked Elisha to receive a blessing. Naaman had sought help from a man of position instead of from a man of power, and had expected healing by his own pre-conceived instrumentality, ideas and method. God had dealt first with Naaman’s pride in sanctification, and then with his physical need in healing by means of humiliation and obedience in a manner that would bring all the Glory to God. Naaman again urged him to take the money; but he refused. We will all be tested as to whether we will receive finances for ministry without strings attached. (Vs. 15) “And he returned to the man of God, and he and all his company, came and stood before him: he said, Behold, now I know that there is not a God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore I pray you, take a blessing of your servant. Naaman was healed and saved by the ministry of Elisha. (vs. 16)
Elisha said, as the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. We see here that Elisha gave his Word. Gehazi disrespected the word of his Master. I had this happen at the tent revival this year. When I was bound by my walk of Faith before the Lord to not solicit funds, there were three who spoke disrespectfully to me that they would over-step my commitment to not ask for an offering but to receive free-will offerings. This is the spirit of Gehazi, and is a counterfeit of the Elisha anointing. I was not offended, but accounted it to immaturity. This was none of the ministers of the gospel, but those who were serving. Verse 17-18 is an interesting conversation. Naaman took some earth from the “Holy Land” with him! Perhaps this “holy” earth would be placed in the House of Rimmon, (the Assyrian storm-god). Naaman had accepted God as the God of all the earth. I guess he wanted to take that earth back. Even in embracing the God of Israel, he says he is going back to worship in the House of Rimmon. People can receive miracles from and Elisha ministry and still not want to leave their “old order” of religion. We must be prepared for this response and not be discouraged. Whatever his motive, Elisha blessed him to go in peace. God’s man or woman must discern the hearts of his people, and not become defensive when they misrepresent him unto others. The story of Gehazi’s fate should be a warning to those who would commercialize the ministry. Carolyn Sissom, PastorEastgate Ministries, Inc.Scripture from K.J.V. Bibliography K.V.P.P.TWe stream our messages weekly – www.eastgateministries.com
