In 2 Kings 5, Naaman the leper was healed of his leprosy. However, giving into his greedy flesh, Gehazi maneuvers payment from Naaman. He hides his stash, and denies it when Elisha confronts him. However, the Spirit of the Lord is not to be deceived. God had already revealed Gehazi's sin to Elisha. Gehazi's punishment was generations of leprosy.
In 2 Kings 8, we see Gehazi again. He was talking to the king, who was desperate and curious enough about Elisha that he was actually talking to a leper.
Gehazi did something incredibly stupid, and he was punished accordingly. There were consequences for his sin, as there always are, however, does that mean you don't repent and run from God?
I can't say Gehazi's heart in 2 Kings 8. I can't say if he had repented, or even if he was living in shame. I do see that he was miraculously talking with the king, and that God used that conversation to help His servant, the Shunammite woman. Gehazi's spiritual standpoint was so full of questions at this point in the Bible. After we sin, what is our spiritual standpoint? What about in four months? What about in seven years?
The crackle and pops dropped the log's remains into another pile of charred wood. The fire was burning out. There was the smell of raw fish, cooked fish, and the salty sea breeze. Peter breathed in the mixture of smells, trying to calm his frantic heartbeat. Jesus was looking right at him! And although he had been overjoyed to see Him, he had even jumped into the sea and swam to Him, now he was terrified of what He would say.
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Not so bad. "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you."
"Feed my lambs," He said. But then he asked him again. "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Uh-oh. "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you."
"Tend my sheep." But then He asked a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter felt his heart twist.Three times! He asked him three times! The significance of this number was not lost on him. He was being offered redemption for his sin. His denial. This time, there would be no turning back. No hiding. This time, he would follow Jesus to the end. A tear burned it's way down his bearded check. He nodded, "Lord,You know everything," Peter's voice broke, "You know that I love you."
Jesus nodded back. "Feed my sheep." Jesus went on to tell Peter the cost of following Him. It could have been frightening. Probably would be frightening at some points. But he would not run from God. He would follow Jesus.
Based on John 21:15-19.
Peter went on to do some incredible things. (Check out Acts) You knew where he stood with God. You knew he had repented. You knew Peter's life was in God's hands, and that God would use it for His glory.
Don't ever run from God. Repent. Ask His forgiveness, and give yourself into His hands. He can still use you. Look at Peter. Look at Gehazi. God used them both, despite their screw-ups. Difference is we know who was right with God. Don't let spiritual leprosy eat you away. Don't run in shame anymore. Repent and let your heart be known, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."
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