Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Kings 8 and Psalm 125

After Gehazi’s greed in 2 Kings 5 it appears that he and Elisha went their separate ways. 2 Kings 8 is the first time he is named again, and he is seen in the courts of the king, entertaining him with stories about the great things Elisha had done. He seems to have been resting on the laurels of his past association with Elisha. Meanwhile, Elisha was in Syria bringing a prophetic word about King Ben-Hadad and his successor Hazael.

Gehazi appears purely focussed on looking after his own interests in the king’s courts. But, in a miracle of timing, Gehazi “happened to be” telling the king about the Shunammite widow and her son at the very moment they walked into the room. God used the story to move the king’s heart to be generous to the Shunammite widow. Through this account we see how God can even use something done in a selfish way (like Gehazi’s storytelling) to further His own purposes.

In complete contrast, not long after the Syrian king has tried to assassinate him Elisha risked everything to go to the Syrian capital of Damascus in obedience to the LORD. He put his own interests aside to serve God. Despite the painful nature of the word he had to bring (in which he foresaw the terrible suffering of God’s people) the Lord’s prophet would not be bought off by an expensive gift and delivered the word exactly as he was given it by God.

This chapter speaks to us as disciples, reminding us of God’s sovereignty to accomplish His purposes through us. It also invites us to choose to be like Elisha and deliberately position ourselves (through obedience) to be used by God, rather than to be “accidental instruments” like Gehazi was.

Holy Spirit, guide and empower me today, so that I may be a willing instrument in the hand of the LORD. Father, fulfill Your purposes and glorify Your Name through me, I pray. Amen.