In our journey through life, we encounter individuals with the privilege of associating with godly figures and experiencing positive influences. Such associations can have a profound impact on shaping our character and choices. However, even with these advantages, some individuals succumb to the lure of sin, falling into its destructive grip. One such cautionary tale is that of Greedy Gehazi, the Lying Leper, whose life is a powerful reminder of the dangers of temptation and the need for steadfastness in our faith.
Gehazi Had the Benefit of Association with Elisha.
Gehazi’s association with the prophet Elisha is first mentioned in connection with his assistance in enabling the Shunammite woman to bear children (2 Kings 4:12). Imagine the positive benefits that come from associating with a righteous figure like Elisha:
- Exemplary moral life: Elisha served as a role model for Gehazi, demonstrating godly character and integrity.
- Divine revelation: Through Elisha, God’s will and purpose were made known, guiding Gehazi in righteousness.
- Miraculous signs: Witnessing the many miracles performed by Elisha must have strengthened Gehazi’s faith and trust in God’s power.
Scripture consistently warns us about the influence of wrong associations and encourages us to seek godly companionship (Psalm 119:63; Proverbs 1:10; 9:6; 13:20; 14:7; 23:19-21; 28:7). Despite these remarkable advantages, Gehazi’s spirit eventually succumbed to the allure of sin, reminding us that no amount of religious association or proximity to godly individuals can guarantee our immunity to temptation (Matthew 26:41).
Gehazi’s Sin: A Stark Contrast to His Profession.
Gehazi’s sin stood in stark contrast to his outward profession of faith. It serves as a sobering reminder that even the righteous can stumble and fall prey to temptation (James 1:14-15). In Gehazi’s case, his sin was fueled by covetousness and avarice.
When the renowned commander Naaman sought healing from Elisha, he expected to pay a generous sum (2 Kings 5:5). The allure of money enticed Gehazi’s heart. This trap has ensnared numerous individuals throughout history. Examples like Achan, who coveted and took devoted things (Joshua 7:21), and Judas, who betrayed Jesus for money (Matthew 26:15), stand as cautionary tales of the destructive power of avarice.
Scripture highlights the dangers of greed and emphasizes the need to guard against its influence (Luke 12:15-21; 16:14; Colossians 3:5). Greed, when left unchecked, warps the soul, turns good men into evil men, and robs individuals of the potential for true goodness (Matthew 6:24).
Gehazi’s Sin Progressed: The Deceptive Spiral.
Gehazi’s downfall demonstrates the progressive nature of sin. Each sinful act paved the way for another, drawing him deeper into the web of iniquity. The pattern of his transgressions unfolded as follows:
- Devising wicked plans (2 Kings 5:20; Proverbs 6:18): Gehazi formulated a deceitful scheme to extract wealth from Naaman. He intends to deceive and exploit the commander’s vulnerability.
- Lying to Naaman (2 Kings 5:22): Gehazi resorted to falsehood, separating Naaman from his resources through manipulation and deception.
- Lying to Elisha (2 Kings 5:25): To cover his tracks, Gehazi continued his deceit, concealing his ill-gotten gains from his spiritual mentor.
Sin’s progressive nature is a grave danger. It entices individuals further into wickedness, leading them away from God’s path and into the clutches of darkness (James 1:14-15).
The Lord’s Judgment Against Gehazi: Divine Awareness and Consequences.
God’s omniscience is unfailing (2 Kings 5:26). While Gehazi managed to deceive Naaman, he could not escape the penetrating gaze of the Almighty. God exposed Gehazi’s sin, revealing that nothing remains hidden from His sight (Hebrews 4:12-13; Psalm 139:7-12).
The Lord’s temporal judgment serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin. At times, sin carries natural consequences such as imprisonment or illness. We witness this in Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah, Ananias and Sapphira’s accounts, who faced immediate divine retribution for their transgressions. In Gehazi’s case, God orchestrated an extraordinary miracle, stripping him of Naaman’s ill-gotten wealth and afflicting him with the same leprosy that had plagued the commander (Acts 13:8-11).
This judgment serves as a warning that sin has its wages (Romans 6:23). The punishment Gehazi received epitomizes the just consequences of his actions, highlighting the sobering reality that unrepentant sin leads to spiritual and temporal decay.
Reflecting on Gehazi’s Life and Our Journey
As we reflect on Gehazi’s life, we must acknowledge that we cannot fully comprehend the impact of God’s judgment on Naaman. Perhaps his incurable disease constantly reminded him of his sin, leading him to repentance and eternal salvation (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4). Alternatively, he may have allowed bitterness and hardened his heart, distancing himself further from God’s grace.
We must recognize the grace of God in providing us with time to repent and turn from our sins. His patience and mercy extend to us, urging us to seek His forgiveness and restoration (Psalm 103:8; Romans 5:8).
May Gehazi’s cautionary tale serve as a reminder of the power of temptation and the importance of guarding our hearts against the allure of sin. Let us hold fast to our faith, constantly watching and praying, for the path to righteousness is narrow, and the temptations that seek to divert us are plentiful (Matthew 7:13-14; 26:41). By aligning ourselves with godly associations, nurturing a heart of integrity, and relying on God’s grace, we can navigate the perils of temptation and experience the fullness of life in Christ.
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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