PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jun
20

For His Glory, Not Our Benefit

John Tilton

Scripture
2 Kings 5:22-24 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left.
Observation
When Gehazi saw an opportunity in the healing of Naaman by Elisha in that although Elisha turned down the gift by Naaman for being healed, Gehazi saw no problem in he himself benefitting personally to seek the gift since it was offered. Gehazi knowing the power of the Lord still saw the situation not as one for God’s glory, but an opportunity for personal benefit and gain. Thus, he sought out Naaman after he left and lied about Elisha wanting the gift and subsequently accepting it for himself. We read later that Elisha although not present physically, knew what transpired by the Spirit of the Lord. Gehazi and his descendants were then cursed with the leprosy that Naaman was healed from.
Application
This is a great caution for those of us serving the Lord and seeing His power and his will working through those He has called to perform or instrument miracles and righteous deeds by His power and for His glory and honor. May we be warned that all glory and honor are the Lord’s and not ours. When people see God’s hand at work, they may and will often link God’s provision and answer to prayer to the people involved. It is so easy to want to accept that accolade and recognition or benefit, which is the Lord’s and not ours. When we are serving Him, when we are successful and recognized, may we be humble to be thankful, but mindful to give all glory and honor to the Lord. May we make Him famous.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I am thankful and grateful to serve you in full time ministry. I am also so thankful and grateful to be used by you in may ways. May I remember and be mindful to give all the glory and honor to you when I am blessed to be the vessel or instrument to fulfill your will and ways in others, in ministry, in work and in my life. May the success I realize and am a part of be for your glory and honor. May I not seek to benefit from the bounty of blessings that you bestow through me to others for your will.

Devotions for June 20

2 Kings 4,5
Psalms 83
1 Timothy 2

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