Gehazi's Price is TOO HIGH

There's a story in the Bible, Old Testament. Gehazi is a servant of Elisha. He's not mentioned much. Three times in Second Kings.

Once when he is sent to minister healing to the Shulamite woman at the death of a promised son. 2 Kings 4:27-31

In the story it appears that something is missing in Gehazi's spiritual life. He does not complete the task that Elisha gives him. The boy stays dead until Elisha intervenes.

The more telling story is the time when Naaman comes to Elisha for healing. After some consternation Naaman is healed. You can read this great story here: 2 Kings 5. It's a great story. Naaman is insulted that he doesn't get curb service, but after being healed wants to pay. Elisha will take nothing for his gift. It wasn't his to sell.

Then, after Naaman leaves, Gehazi takes out after him. Chases him down and asks for a donation. Naaman is happy to give. He came prepared to give. He gives.

Gehazi feels like he has skinned the fat calf. Goes back to Elisha. Elisha quizzes his servant, Gehazi on what is going on. Gehazi doesn't exactly LIE, he just adjusts the truth a bit.

Elisha says to Gehazi that what left Naaman will now settle on you. We don't hear again from Gehazi until Chapter 8. He somehow seems to be restored and is asked by the King to share all the great deeds of Elisha. Elisha is still alive it appears. Gehazi seems to be somehow relieved of the curse of Leprosy.

There is a point to the whole story. First, sometimes the only one who can accomplish the will of God in a thing is a called man, an apostle, a prophet. The sent servant can, but he must have the same mantle. Gehazi didn't.

In the second story, living off the overflow of another's gift will only cause you pain and suffering. That's what Gehazi experienced. He was trying to benefit, to profit from the prophet.

In the third story in Chapter 8 it appears as though Gehazi got it. Perhaps that's why he was healed.

The message for today is you cannot borrow an anointing. It must be your own. If you try to profit from it you will bring curses back on yourself. God is very clear that he will not share his glory with any man.

And last, you can be restored to the kings court IF you give glory and honor where it is due.

It's a price being a servant of the Most High God. He will not share his glory, he expects you to walk in full authority and he will bring you to heights if you honor Him alone.

That's true even of Gifted men and women of God. God has no grandkids. He expects each to be who they are in him. If we try to ride coat tails we fail.

Find good men and women of God and serve them without glory to yourself and you will never be cursed. As soon as you try to profit from it you will fail.