Gehazi had served Elisha. He was there when the Shunammite woman was given a child, though previously barren. Furthermore, he was present when the child’s life was restored by God through Elisha. During a famine, he watched how Elisha fed the student prophets and his generosity in giving them all that he had. When Elisha healed Naaman of leprosy, it was most likely Gehazi he sent to tell Naaman to wash in the Jordan seven times. Gehazi had been so close to God’s prophet and had served him for all these years faithfully. Then how was it that someone so close to God’s spokesman for the time, not know God? Yet, Gehazi seeing the money and garments that Naaman had brought went after them, lied, and even believed that God had not seen his heart. And so, it is, he was cast out with leprosy.
Is that the case we find all too often today? We live in a society that teaches cheap grace. One in which all we must do is say I believe in Jesus Christ; but, never accept Him as redeemer, Sovereign Lord of our lives. Instead we have the prosperity gospel putting God as an overindulgent Father enslaved to meeting the selfish demands of an ungrateful, rebellious child. Too often in our society and our churches we teach a cheap grace that fails to reveal the truth of God’s love, righteousness, justice; much less His true Glory. It is no wonder so many say that they are Christians and yet being so close do not know God at all! How is it we fail to remember the cost of salvation? Or that a truly loving God would never leave us to wallow in the filthy rags in which He found us?
So Close; yet, so far.
It was with great love and compassion that Jesus Christ addressed the rich young man.
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” And he was sad at that saying and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22).
Jesus pointed out that this young man believed that Jesus was who He professed to be. He was God and he held the keys to eternal life. Yes, the young man believed this. Furthermore, the young man believed in living a moral life by fulfilling the law; but, he lacked one thing. He was not willing to place Jesus as Sovereign Lord of his heart. Instead, he wanted a cheap salvation that at least was in part on his own terms. He was not willing to face hardship, pain or suffering for the sake of Christ; although, that was what was needed to transform his heart. Having come so close, he did not know God.
Another So Close, but did not Know God
No greater example can there be than Judas. After all, Judas was one of the apostles. He had walked beside Jesus Christ. Witness to so many miracles, Judas remained by Jesus side hoping to be a part of some rich earthly kingdom. But alas when he realized there would not be an imminent earthly kingdom, he betrayed Christ. How could he have been so close to Jesus and yet, not know God at all?
Judas was not willing to take up his cross and follow Jesus to receive eternal life and find his treasure one day in heaven. He wanted his treasure here and now! How many who call themselves Christians believe the same. So, the question is: “Do you really know God?” Furthermore, are you willing to lay aside every earthly desire to know Him more? What is the cross you must carry? Do you really know God and trust Him to transform you into the likeness of Jesus Christ, whatever trials, pains or sorrows that may take? Are you willing to face a life of suffering, if that is the only way you will come to know Him fully?
He is the treasure that will satisfy your heart’s desires. Yet, to find the sweetness of that truth; you must lay aside all those human desires which cannot satisfy the thirst within your parched soul. However, once you die daily to those human longings and embrace Him then you will find that there is abiding steadfast joy that overflows into your heart even amid pain and suffering. He is the strength that carries your weak, weary heart to victory moment by moment.
Gehazi, so close-did not know God
After Elisha refused to accept any gifts from Naaman so as not to cheapen God’s gift of healing, Gehazi ran after Naaman. He asked of him silver and two garments in the name of God to provide for new prophets or so was the lie he told. Then, after hiding them away, he lied to Elisha when asked where he had been. Therefore, he was struck with leprosy. Now as an outcast what good would his silver and garments gain him? But that is not the last time we will here of Gehazi. He enters the scene once more in 2 Kings 8 when we arrive there. The sorrow of the years, I believe transformed him to be able to know God and to see Him. But that we will address another day when we arrive at 2 Kings 7 and 8.
Today, let us look at the truth of salvation and the truth of the Gospel message. We must not teach a cheap grace that all who say they believe are saved. The question is much deeper. It is a question of the heart.
The Cost of Grace
When I worked the jail ministry, many would say “yes, I accept Christ”. But they only wanted a Christ who would forgive them, free them from the jail and give them gifts. They did not want a Christ who would become Lord and Master of their life.
Often, I would ask them. “If there was no such thing as heaven or hell. And if Jesus never offered you anything in earthly gain, would you desire Him and love Him just because of who He is? Would you be willing to give up everything your heart desires on earth just to know Him? Well, if you can say yes to that; then, come and accept freely His gift of salvation. Our redemption comes at a very high cost to Jesus; but it was a cost He freely paid that we might know His love, His joy, and His glory.
We must not cheapen the grace of the gospel; but proclaim its truth. Jesus Christ died that all who truly believe in Him, repenting of their sin, acknowledging the price he paid should have been theirs are justified before a Holy, Righteous, and Just God. Then, believing that He rose from the grave victorious over sin and death, we abide in that truth. Clinging to His promises we bring our dreams, desires, and frailties to the foot of the cross daily, that we might rise to a new life in Him.
Final Thoughts
Whatever it takes, God will transform through sanctification each and everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. If you see no transformation of your own heart and do not feel the sting of guilt from your sin against Him, then I would ask you to come just as you are to the cross of Jesus Christ. Ask Him in as Redeemer, Lord and Master of your life.
TWITTER able Quotes
[bctt tweet=”Some want God to be an overindulgent Father enslaved to meeting the selfish demands of an ungrateful, rebellious child.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]The Cost of God’s Grace was too great for us to sell it as cheap[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”God is the treasure that will satisfy your heart’s desires. Lay aside all other desires which cannot satisfy the thirst within your parched soul” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Whatever it takes, trust God to complete the work He began in you[/tweetthis]
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Previous Post in This Series:
Can a Missed Opportunity Leave a Nation to Fall?
One Unlikely Believer and the Grace of God
Do You Trust God in the Famine?
Is Love Really Worth the Heartbreak?
Are you Really Seeking God in All You Do?
Do You Believe God is Your Provider?
What Can One God Fearing Man Do?
What Happens When We Fail to Teach Our Children?
How to Revive Barren Lands with Living Waters
Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?
What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
Portrait used by permission of RoninRon’s pencil art. You can learn more about his art by clicking on the link.