Bible Chapter: II Kings 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

Who is God willing to help?  Anyone who is open to Him.  Here we find the story of Naaman.  He was a captain to the King of Syria.  Even though the Syrians were enemies of God, when he reached out to God through the prophet Elisha, God miraculously healed him of leprosy.  We learn another important lesson here, this one about lying and greed.  Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, ran after Naaman after God healed him and asked for some of the rewards he had offered Elisha.  He took them, thinking that he could hide them from God and get away with it.  I often think as I rea1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.d stories like this how blinded they were to the things of God.  After God supernaturally healed Naaman, didn’t Gehazi think God would know what he did?  Some people learn the hard way.
One of my favorite verses is 6:16.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NIV)  When the enemy surrounded them, Elisha gave the assurance to his servant that God was around them protecting them.  Then the servant realized that a large number of God’s heavenly host was protecting them.  This is a powerful word of encouragement.  God’s power is greater.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God used Elisha in many amazing ways.  After protecting them from an army that had been sent to kill him, Elisha spoke through the power of the Spirit and the whole army became blind.  Then they obediently followed him to Samaria.  When the king thought God had brought his enemy there so he could kill them all, Elisha responded that he should feed them and then let them go.  God was merciful to them.  While the enemy is all around, it is not God’s desire that we only wish evil or destruction on them.  God will judge when He knows it is right.  It was God’s plan to show His power and mercy to these troops.  We need God’s direction on how to face and deal with the enemy.

3.  How can I help someone?
Learn from the sad fate of Gehazi.  He was greedy and used deception to get what he thought would make him happy.  He spent the rest of his life living the ostracized life of a leper.  If you have to lie and cheat to get stuff, it is never worth it.