From Splendor to Shadow

Elisha's Servant Has the Spirit of Judas

Gehazi, Elisha's servant, had had opportunity to develop the spirit of self-denial characterizing his master's lifework. The best gifts of Heaven had long been within his reach; yet, turning from these, he had coveted instead worldly wealth. And now the hidden longings of his avaricious spirit led him to yield to an overmastering temptation. “My master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: ... I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.” In secrecy “Gehazi followed after Naaman.” SS 134.5

“When Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well.” Then Gehazi uttered a deliberate lie. “My master,” he said, “hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from Mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.” To the request Naaman gladly acceded, pressing upon Gehazi two talents of silver instead of one, “with two changes of garments,” and commissioning servants to bear the treasure back. SS 135.1

As Gehazi neared Elisha's home, he dismissed the servants and placed the silver and the garments in hiding. This accomplished, “he went in, and stood before his master.” In response to the inquiry, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” he answered, “Your servant went nowhere.” RSV. SS 135.2

Elisha knew all. “Did I not go with you in spirit,” he asked, “when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cleave to you, and to your descendants forever.” Swift was the retribution that overtook the guilty man. He went out from Elisha's presence, “a leper, as white as snow.” RSV. SS 135.3

Solemn are the lessons taught by this experience. Gehazi placed a stumbling block in the pathway of Naaman, upon whose mind had broken a wonderful light and who was favorably disposed toward the service of the living God. For the deception practiced, there could be no excuse. To the day of his death Gehazi remained a leper. SS 135.4

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5. “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13. God revealed to His prophet every detail of the scene between Gehazi and Naaman. SS 135.5

Truth is of God; deception in all its forms is of Satan, and whoever in any way departs from the straight line of truth is betraying himself into the power of the wicked one. Those who have learned of Christ will be straightforward and true, for they are preparing for the fellowship of those holy ones in whose mouth is found no guile. See Revelation 14:5. SS 136.1

Naaman's wonderful faith was commended by the Saviour as an object lesson. “There were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha,” the Saviour declared; “and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” Luke 4:27, RSV. God passed over many lepers in Israel because their unbelief closed the door to them. A heathen nobleman who had been true to his convictions of right was in the sight of God more worthy of His blessing than the afflicted in Israel who had despised their God-given privileges. God works for those who appreciate His favors and respond to the light given them from heaven. SS 136.2

If those who are honest in heart follow what they understand to be duty, they will be given increased light, until, like Naaman, they will acknowledge that “there is no God in all the earth,” save the living God, the Creator. SS 136.3