2 Kings 5:20, "But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and  take somewhat of him."

Gehazi had been a loyal and faithful servant to Elisha up to this point in his life.  As you read the record of Scripture you admire his faithfulness and servitude.  However, there is a moment of temptation, and greed raises itself up in the heart of Gehazi.  Elisha had refused to receive any gifts of gratitude offered him from Naaman who had been healed of leprosy.  "But Gehazi..." had determined to take somewhat of him (Naaman).  It was sinful for Gehazi not to heed the desire of his master Elisha.  It was a sin for Gehazi to lie about two young men who were sons of the prophets needing aid when such was not the case. It was a sin for Gehazi to attempt to cover up the truth when confronted by his master Elisha.

Sin is first and foremost a breech in our relationship with God.  Sin is to miss the mark of God's desire of holiness in our lives.  This sin was also a hindrance in the relationship between Elisha and Gehazi.  This sin was a detriment to Elisha's testimony before Naaman because Gehazi wasn't loyal to the will of his master.  Sin is never something that should be taken lightly.  Whenever, it happens in our life we need to make it right immediately, first with God, then with others.

The last thing about sin is that its consequences are unpredictable. You never know the consequences of your sin. The sin of greed and disobedience cost Achan his life and the life of his family (Joshua 7). Sin cost many who complained against God and Moses their lives as they were bit by poisonous serpents (Numbers 21). Sin cost Ananias and Sapphira their lives as they had lied to the Holy Spirit.  Sin cost Gehazi his health and the health of his family as the Scripture records "The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee (Gehazi), and unto thy seed for ever.  And he (Gehazi) went out from his (Elisha's) presence a leper as white as snow." (2 Kings 5:27)

May we all do our best to walk in obedience to God every moment of every day, realizing if and when we sin that it needs to be made right immediately, and pray for God's mercy as it relates to sins consequences.  Is there anything in your life today that needs to be confessed to the Lord?

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  In what areas do you find yourself tempted to sin?

2.  How might you work to overcome temptation in your life?

3.  Why are the consequences of sin unpredictable?

4.  What should you do if you sin?