We're almost to the end of Sandie Freed's life changing book. Here are my study notes for Chapter 9. Previous notes are in the archives.
Naaman was a military leader with leprosy. He knew people made fun of him and avoided him, and he dreaded returning home. When he finally did, his wife received him and told him about Elisha the prophet. It took awhile to convince Naaman to travel, but Naaman did. Elisha told him to dip in the Jordan 7 times. Naaman wasn't sure about that, dipping in unclean water to heal an unclean disease. But he obeyed and came out healed. Naaman left healed and ready to serve Elisha's God. Before leaving he tried to pay Elisha and Elisha refused. Elisha made a point to serve God in full and not think of it as a job.
Gehazi was Elisha's servant and he heard everything. He thought it would be ok to accept an offering from Naaman for the great work Elisha did, so he took the offering and brought it to Naaman under a cloak of deceit. Elisha knew this wasn't the way Gehazi was trying to present it as a lie and called him on living through Mammon rather than God. Gehazi instantly became a leper.
Both men had flaws. Naaman was proud, not wanting to ask Elisha for help. Naaman was a respected military leader. Seeking help meant he had to admit he needed help, and he had to be public about it. Naaman was a proud man. Gehazi fell to greed and temptation. Both generations ended up cursed.
Ananias and Sapphira
Mammon got a hold of this couple during a time the Holy Spirit was on the move in the early church. The two sold things and gathered a profit. Instead of giving it to the disciples as promised they kept some for themselves. More than that, they lied about it. Mammon and a Babylonian structure literally erected a death structure for both of them.
The chapter ends with a prayer to tear down the altars of the enemy. Again, I just take short notes on what I'm learning. There is so much here. You should purchase the book. Learn more here.
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