Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 20: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 78:1 to 39; Evening, Psalm 78:40 to 72;
2nd Kings 5:19 to 27; 1 Corinthians 5:1 to 8; Matthew 5:27 to 37:
“Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, ‘My master has let that Aramean Naaman off too lightly by not accepting from him what he offered. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something out of him.” (2nd Kings 5:20)
Instead of leaving the decision of Elisha as it was, regarding payment by Naaman, Gehazi goes after more. He is greedy and he wants to see Naaman pay more dearly. This is sad. And, he doesn’t get away with it. Elisha informs him upon his return, “Did I not go with you in spirit when someone left his chariot to meet you? Is this a time to accept money and to accept clothing, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves?” (2nd Kings 5:26). And therefore, Elisha put the leprosy on Gehazi. It seems that something must be passed on to those who follow us, good or ill.
Gehazi followed a short line of Prophets beginning with Elijah. The spirit was passed on to Elisha. Perhaps with prayer, God would have endowed Gehazi in the same way. But Gehazi was selfish, revengeful and not given to the real care of community or proper godly etiquette.
When we follow worthy mentors, we must examine their conduct very carefully. We should not second guess them if found to be good people. If we don’t agree with their way of life, then perhaps it would be better to move to another mentor.
The power of the prophet is not destroyed, it is passed on. But the recipient must be worthy; that is, loving, understanding, selfless and obedient, given to prayer and real concern for the care of his or her community. These traits are what will enable the protégé to become a mentor one day. That is, they will discipline themselves to live, listen, love, learn, and finally, to lead, as others have done who have gone on before.
Today we remember Thecla of Iconium (70), and her information may be found at:Thecla
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
Heavenly Creator, be with us as we live and learn each day and help us to listen to, and respect the instruction of those whom you have placed before us as mentors and examples of righteous living, as was our Lord Jesus of Nazareth, in whose Name we pray: Amen.
onewhoponders 