MEMORISE
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:18).
READ:
2 Kings 5:21-26
[21]. So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?”
[22]. And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’”
[23]. So Naaman said, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him.
[24]. When he came to the citadel, he took them from their hand, and stored them away in the house; then he let the men go, and they departed.
[25]. Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.”
[26]. Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?
EXPOSITION
The name Gehazi means: "valley of sight." But unfortunately, Gehazi lost sight of a glorious future. He lost to greed, a momentary satisfaction! Gehazi could have become a prodigy of his Master, Elisha. But he lied about going nowhere, whereas his master, by the Spirit of God, saw him clearly as he went after Naaman and used the credibility of his master and the name of the Lord to swindle the healed warlord. Gehazi was cursed. Naaman's leprosy cleaved to him and his descendants-a reward for greediness.
Gehazi never bothered to reason or ask why Elisha, his master, refused Naaman's gifts. Apparently, the prophet will not abuse his prophetic powers through gifts that will put him in the spotlight of a political mess between the Syrian and Israel's government. Read 2 Kings 5:5-8. No wonder, Elisha said to Gehazi in 2 Kings 5: 26b: *Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing...?* How many ministers of God today, have set themselves up for a mockery spotlight of the rivalry of the world superpowers, yet they seem unperturbed! Many are entangled in national political web that have silenced them from speaking the truth, or calling the governments to accountability because of undeserving gifts they have received. Paul wrote, *If someone charged for his service in the priesthood, he would abuse his power in the gospel* (1 Cor 9:18). Has greed caged you too, like Gehazi?
The Scripture says, *Friendship with the world is enmity with God* (Jas. 4:4). Make amends today and save yourself from the adverse effects that may affect your generations yet unborn.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 507
1. More love to Thee, O Christ,
More love to Thee
Hear Thou the pray'r I make
On bended knee
This is my earnest plea
More love, O Christ To Thee
More love to Thee!
More love to Thee!
2. Once earthly joy I crave,
Sought peace and rest
Now Thee alone I seek,
Give what is best
This all my pray'r shall be
More love O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee!
More love to Thee!
3. Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee!
More love to Thee.
4. Then shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise;
This be my parting cry
My heart shall raise
This still its pray'r shall be
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee!
More love to Thee!
Amen
PRAYER POINTS
1. I receive deliverance from the cage of covetousness.
2. Lord, help me to follow godly and goodly steps set for me by my leaders.
3. Lord, help all the ministers of the gospel to know when to, and not to accept gifts.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Matthew 21-22
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Sunday, October 15, 2023 TOPIC: THE EVIL OF GREED){kind=link}