December 12, 2012 Sadly Imperfect

Sadly Imperfect 2 Kings 5:25-27 “Where have you been, Gehazi?” Elisha asked. “Your servant didn't go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. 26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow. I’M VERY sad. Are you? After all, through the first 4 chapters of 2 Kings, you see Gehazi faithfully “in the mix”, ministering with Elisha. But then he makes this sad mistake. When Namaan, a commander of the army of the king of Aram was sick with leprosy, Elisha told him to dip 7 times into the Jordan River. Namaan reluctantly agreed. Healed, he then came to Elisha to offer gifts, but Elisha refused. When Namaan left, Gehazi pursued him, and Namaan happily gave much to Gehazi. But see Gehazi’s lies to his master. Who does he think he is dealing with? Elisha has an incredible anointing of the Holy Spirit over him. Does he think Elisha will not know he lied? Is your heart as Gehazi’s? Do you think you can faithfully follow God most of the time and then lie when temptation is too much? Sadly, one sin, tiny or huge, separates you from God as surely as Gehazi’s leprosy separated him from Elisha. When asked, “Where were you?” Gehazi needed to humble himself and repent before Elisha’s authority. Instead, his lie increased his sin and separated him from Elisha forever. No lie is worth your separation from your holy, loving God. Let the lies go. Live in the truth. It’s True! Lies you cannot hide. Get rid of them.