Unholy in the Midst of HolinessSample

Who was Gehazi?

Gehazi was the confidential servant of Elisha. 

Various words are used to denote Gehzai's relation to his master. He is generally called Elisha's "boy", servant, or personal attendant. In 2 Kings 5:25, he calls himself his master's servant or slave, and in 2 Kings 4:43, the NASB Version refers to him as the attendant.

Gehazi’s name means “one who denies or diminishes” or “valley of my vision”. But when we look at his life, we find that Gehazi was nearby,  yet distant from all that was pure and beautiful.

This story of Gehazi is a sad story, but it is one that happens thousands of times every day and in the lives of believers, to one degree or another.

In the story of Gehazi, we find that holiness does not just get rubbed onto you. You could have contact with the most holy people, but you need to respond and make a choice to live a holy life.

In this story, we see the process and consequences of greed or covetousness, which always hinders godliness and godly service.

God had anointed Elisha with a double portion of the anointing that Elijah had. Even as Elisha had succeeded Elijah as the prophet, Gehazi could perhaps have succeeded Elisha as the next prophet, if he had been faithful.

Gehazi saw many miracles take place. He witnessed a childless woman (and her old husband) have a child (2 Kings 4:17). When the woman's child, a boy, died, he saw him live again (verses 35-37).

He saw a poisonous pot of stew be purified and made safe to eat (verses 38-41). He also saw a hundred people fill themselves with but a few portions of food, with much leftover (see verses 42-44).

Here is one of the things that makes this story so sad and at the same time a warning to each of us. He was not a man without opportunities. As a servant of Elisha, he was also a student of Elisha. He had the privilege of knowing this great man of God. He had the example of Elisha’s life and the message of his lips as a tremendous source of instruction, challenge, learning, and motivation for godliness and a life of service. Yet he failed to capitalize and grow through this privilege. He was familiar with sacred things, yet a stranger to their power. Gehazi was irreligious amid religion. He lived with good men and had a knowledge of God, yet succumbed to the hardening influence of spiritual things.

From this we can learn that opportunity and privilege are no guarantee of success. We must take advantage of the opportunities God gives us or we lose the blessings and impact of those opportunities. Just being around the Word and godly examples never guarantees the communication of biblical truth, spiritual growth, and personal godliness.

Are you making use of the opportunities that God has given you to live a holy life or does it have no impact on your life?

Quote: Holiness has never been the driving force of the majority. It is, however, mandatory for anyone who wants to enter the kingdom. - Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that You have saved me that I may be conformed to the image of Your Son. Let me not waste any opportunities today to be changed into Your likeness. Amen