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The Gehazi Syndrome: Suffering Familiarity with the Holy

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The Gehazi Syndrome: Suffering Familiarity with the Holy Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Faculty Publications 5-2010 The Gehazi Syndrome: Suffering Familiarity With the Holy Gerald A. Klingbeil Andrews University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs Recommended Citation Klingbeil, Gerald A., "The Gehazi Syndrome: Suffering Familiarity With the Holy" (2010). Faculty Publications. 3234. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs/3234 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. G ERALD A . KLINGB EIL Gerald A. Klingbeil, DLitt, is an associate editor of the Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines. He is also research professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States. The Gehazi syndrome: Suffering familiarity with the Holy udolf Otto, professor of close quarters the ministry of one of Aramean courtier—facing not only a systematic theology in the most amazing prophets of Israel. medical emergency but even more different German universi- Yes, Elisha had received a double so, social isolation and oblivion—to Rties at the beginning of portion of God’s Spirit (2 Kings 2:9), the prophet in Israel. Gehazi must the twentieth century, published a and the rabbis were quick to point have also been present when the landmark volume discussing the out that Elisha performed twice the Aramean general, Naaman, knocked basic notion of the Holy in all reli- number of miracles of his predeces- on Elisha’s door, even though the gions.1 While I do not agree with sor Elijah.2 Clearly, by requesting biblical text does not mention him many of the ideas of Otto’s volume, a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, by name until we reach the sad the notion of the Holy as a unique Elisha invoked Deuteronomy 21:17, anticlimax of the narrative in 2 Kings category of religion is important. which details that the firstborn son 5:20. Perhaps he was the messenger God-talk is talking about the Holy, would inherit the double portion of Elisha sent out with the simple order because God is the truly “Other” that the other sons’ inheritance. We rec- for Naaman to go to the Jordan and cannot be compared to anything on ognize this request as another quick wash in it seven times (2 Kings 5:10). this planet (Isa. 46:5). He is beyond glimpse into the character of Elisha, He must have been impressed by our constructs and ideas and bigger the servant of Elijah.3 Humble and, I the fact that Elisha’s ministry was than our biggest thought. imagine, somewhat overwhelmed by about to move to a higher level. In this article, I will look at a bibli- the task ahead, Elisha realized that a More visibility and prime time action cal account of someone who, by all double portion of the Elijah-spirit was appeared to lie just ahead. The knock accounts, was in close contact with needed to face the challenge. on Elisha’s door that day meant that the Holy and lived day-by-day in the Gehazi’s relationship to Elisha Elisha was not just another local presence of a divinely appointed was similar to the previous relation- player anymore but had moved on messenger. Unfortunately, the story ship Elisha had with his master Elijah. to become an international celebrity. that we will look at does not contain He was a wandering apprentice. Naaman’s initial reaction to all the lessons that can be learned by He was there when Elisha visibly Elisha’s messenger was not favor- busy pastors, church administrators, demonstrated that the God of Israel able. He was upset—and rightly so. Bible teachers, and theology profes- was the completely Other and not Here came, as it were, the national sors. This story is, after all, just a story to be compared to Baal, Moloch, or security advisor of the powerful that describes real life. Nonetheless, it Asherah. Actually, Gehazi suggested Syrian king, and he was shown no leaves us with a question that speaks to Elisha that one of the greatest special courtesies. He did not even directly to the heart of the issue and needs of the Shunamite woman get a face-to-face conversation with challenges those of us who spend was a child as she was barren the miracle healer. A simple one- most of our time in the presence of (2 Kings 4:14), and it was also Gehazi sentence message was all he got. the Holy and may be in danger of who later ran ahead of Elisha to lay Naaman did not like the looks of “suffering” familiarity with the Holy. his master’s staff on the face of the the muddy Jordan (which, outside dead boy. Gehazi was close to the the rainy season, is not a very impres- Front-seat ministry action, showed initiative, had been sive river) and was ready to return I imagine that Gehazi could not trained by one of the best, and was home, angry, upset, and frustrated. believe his eyes when he saw a con- seemingly ready to move forward. Fortunately, he had a loyal crew of firmed dead person walk among the staff members who encouraged him living or participated in miraculously Naaman’s story to try—and try he did. Seven times feeding hundreds of people, but he A young Israelite girl, nameless he plunged himself under the water. had a front seat, observing from as she remains, pointed the powerful Six times, as he looked at his hands MINISTRY 16 MAY 2010 and arms, his hopes were dashed. to worry about food for tomorrow. clothes, olive groves, vineyards, But the seventh time was different. Returning to Elisha’s home, Gehazi flocks, herds, or menservants and He was healed—wonderfully made sought to cover his tracks. I imagine maidservants?’ ” (2 Kings 5:26, NIV). whole again. Immediately he set he went into the house whistling and It was not, and the divine judgment out to pay tribute (and some hard- looking particularly innocent as he upon Gehazi was immediate and earned riches) to Elisha and confess reported back for duty. far-reaching. His greed attracted his newfound faith. This time, he Elisha asked only one pointed Naaman’s leprosy and cost him his finally met the prophet personally question: “ ‘Where have you been, privileged front-row seat in God’s and Elisha guided him gently and Gehazi?’ ” (2 Kings 5:25, NIV), and as wonderful demonstration of signs patiently into further truth. No, he did Gehazi continued to spin his distorted and wonders. not want (or need) any of Naaman’s view of reality (we may also safely call wealth. He was content to see God’s this a lie), Elisha confronted him with Our story initial plan for Israel working: being reality. How could he have hoped I am an ordained minister, have a light to the nations that would that his master would not be aware been a professor of Old Testament attract so much interest and cause of this—a master who had intimate and ancient Near Eastern studies, individuals and people to come in communion with the Creator and and now work as an editor of a order to find out about this God who Sustainer of the universe, raised the religious magazine. Over the last resided in Zion. dead, fed the hungry and poor, and decades I have, at times, noticed that knew what a gentile king whispered familiarity with the Holy can lead to Gehazi’s story in his bedroom suite (2 Kings 6:12)? Gehazilike attitudes (and sometimes Gehazi, however, was not con- Even if he had thought that he could actions). I confess, I have never tent. Secretly he followed Naaman, trick Elisha, how could he have hoped witnessed a response as immediate running to catch up with the thank- to sidestep the Lord, the One in as that of 2 Kings 5 but would argue ful Aramean. A story was quickly whose name Elisha performed all that this misguided familiarity with fabricated and—to his delight—he these miraculous acts? God’s holiness often leads us away received two talents (roughly 150 Elisha asked Gehazi a pointed from the focus of our ministry. pounds, or 68 kg) of silver and two question that has been asked many We pray all the time, publicly and sets of clothing. Life was good. times over the centuries: “ ‘Is this privately, and it may be that prayer He would never, ever again have the time to take money, or to accept has lost its mystery. MINISTRY 17 MAY 2010 G ERALD A . KLINGB EIL We open Scripture (in order to to the Creator of the universe and planning and plotting. Judging from preach or teach) all the time, publicly our personal Savior, our mouths Gehazi’s careful action after returning and privately, and it may be that God’s must drop open in awe and won- with the gold and clothing, he must Word has lost its wonder and power. der. He truly cares—even about have been quite a gifted planner and We witness (or hear about) God’s wayward, tired servants who may plotter—perhaps too much so. transforming power all the time, have momentarily lost their way. and it may be that we have become Writing our prayer journeys helps Wrapping it up sarcastic or even cynical.
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