Daily Devotional | Unlike All Others

Naaman stepped out of the Jordan River a changed man. His leprosy was gone, and he immediately understood who was responsible. It was Yahweh, the god of Israel. This miracle convinced him that there was only one God worthy of worship. He declared, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel” (v. 15). He would return home with a changed heart committed to worship in truth. “Your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD” (v. 17).

When Naaman offered a gift, payment for Elisha’s work, the prophet declined because God had offered his gracious healing free of charge through the ministry of Elisha. He would not take credit for what God had done even if it meant a loss of riches. But Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, reacted differently.

Perhaps the prophet’s lifestyle was too modest for his ambitions. Perhaps it was his proximity to a man of power like Naaman. Maybe he had genuine needs. Whatever the reason, Gehazi concluded that Elisha should have charged more for his services (v. 20). So, he made up a story and convinced Naaman to pay up (vv. 22–23). But in doing so he implied that the Lord could be bought. Elisha later confronted his servant with the charge: “Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes?” (v. 26). What was special about this time? Through the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, God was demonstrating to Israel and their neighbors that He was not like other gods. He was different entirely! But Gehazi’s request had suggested the opposite, that God’s grace could be bought. For this misrepresentation, Gehazi paid a terrible price (v. 27).