a) What circumstances led to the dismissal of Gehazi? (b) State three lessons that can be learnt from Gehazi's conduct.

(a) The circumstances that led to the dismissal of Gehazi (2 Kings 5:15-27):

• After Naaman the Syrian commander was healed of leprosy by washing seven times in the Jordan, as directed by the prophet Elisha, he returned to offer Elisha a reward.
• Elisha firmly refused to accept any gift, saying, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." He did not want it thought that God's grace could be bought.
• Gehazi, Elisha's servant, was greedy. He said to himself that his master had spared Naaman by not accepting what he brought, and resolved, "As the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him."
• He ran after Naaman and lied, claiming Elisha had sent him because two young prophets had just arrived, and requested a talent of silver and two changes of clothing for them.
• Naaman gladly gave two talents of silver and two festal garments, which Gehazi hid in the house.
• When Gehazi returned and stood before Elisha, the prophet asked where he had been. Gehazi lied again, saying he had gone nowhere.
• Elisha revealed that his spirit had gone with Gehazi and rebuked him: "Was it a time to accept money and garments...?"
• As judgement, the leprosy of Naaman clung to Gehazi and his descendants forever, and Gehazi went out from Elisha's presence a leper, as white as snow.

(b) Three lessons that can be learnt from Gehazi's conduct:

• Greed and covetousness lead to ruin; the love of money brings disgrace and punishment.
• Lying and deceit will be exposed; nothing is hidden from God and His servants.
• The gifts and grace of God must not be commercialised or used for selfish gain.