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an impure motivation. Observing the meeting between Elisha and Naaman, Gehazi saw a chance to profit financially. Believing that his master should have taken something for his efforts, “Gehazi said to himself,‘My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accept ing from him what he brought.As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him” (2 Kings 5:20). Recall our discussion of ill-gotten gain from chapter sev en. The spoils of victory over Jericho were just too tempting for Achan to pass up. In chapter 7, Jezebel arranged for Ahab to take Naboth’s vineyard, yet another example of ill-gotten gain. The Lord chastised His people prior to their Babylonian exile, “Like a cage full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and rich” (Jeremiah 5:27). Again, as Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). Gehazi proved that as his behavior sank to despicable deception. Hurriedly tracking down Naaman, he told a pair of lies. Lie #1- “My master sent me to say,‘Two young men from the compa ny of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing” (2 Kings 5:22). Obviously, Elisha said no such thing.Yet a cunning Gehazi caught Naaman at a vulnerable point and tugged at his heartstrings. “‘By all means, take two talents,’ said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, and two sets of clothing” (2 Kings 5:23). It’s been said that “One lie begets another,” and also, “It’s easy to tell one lie, but hard to tell just one.”That was certainly the case with Gehazi, as depicted below. Lie #2- Later, when Gehazi met up with his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” To which Gehazi respond ed, “Your servant didn’t go anywhere” (2 Kings 5:25).

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