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Speaking about the end times, Paul wrote to his young son in the ministry that there will be those “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power” (2Timothy 3:5). Interestingly, Gehazi would not have denied God’s power, having witnessed miracle after miracle. Yet, for reasons made apparent, he “was denied” God’s power. On one occasion during His ministry, Jesus’s disciples failed in their attempt to cast a demon out of a young man. After chastising them for their lack of faith, the Lord said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Thankfully, the disciples got it, though it strongly appears Gehazi never did. The situation became worse, in fact, as we’ll see in a later chapter. Elisha, under the influence of a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, stayed strong in the faith. Instead of going through the motions, he was “thriving in the mission,” as indicated by the following. Sympathetic- It was after Gehazi pushed the woman away that the prophet said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress” (2 Kings 4:27),which brings to mind Jesus's response when Judas questioned Mary’s act of devotion. “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). Jesus could speak with such authority, having modeled sympathy and compassion throughout His public ministry. “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them.” Later, standing before a needy crowd of 5000 beside the Sea of Galilee, He “felt compassion for them and healed their sick.” Again, in Jericho, just days before His crucifixion, Christ encountered two blind men. “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him” (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 20:34).

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