Seeing in the Valley
Seeing in the ‘Valley of Vision’
Elisha’s servant Gehazi was corrupt deceitful, secretive, dishonest, greedy and untruthful. Despite being the servant of Elisha, he was ungodly in his character and actions. Gehazi lived in the midst of witnessing the power of God miraculously moving in and through the life of the prophet Elisha to benefit individuals and a nation, yet it failed to impact him for good. He did not have a righteous fear or reverence towards God. He did not have a desire to worship or to honour the Name of God.
Gehazi means ‘Valley of Vision’, and yet he walked around like a blind man stumbling and groping in darkness. He did not see or perceive, or value or understand the presence of God, even when surrounded by the manifestation of His power. Gehazi did not have a heavenly perspective. His focus was firmly rooted in his ‘present’ and he was easily captivated by earthly riches.
In 2 Kings 5 we read the account of how Naaman (the commander of the army of the King of Aram) went to see Elisha and received a miracle of healing for his leprosy. As a token of his gratitude Naaman wanted to give Elisha a gift. Elisha declined! It was not just that Gehazi lusted after the riches of Naaman but that he was happy to steal and conceal what was the rightful wages and reward of another man – a man more honourable than himself.
“Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 2 Kings 5 v 20
He was happy to take what did not belong to him, even if it meant lying:
“Everything is alright. My master has sent me to say “I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.” 2 Kings 5 v 22
A talent of silver weighs 33 kilogrammes and is estimated to be worth over £1.2 million pounds in today’s money.
“But Naaman replied “Please take two talents” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Them he tied up the two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men and they departed.”
2 Kings 5 v 22 – 23
In spite, of what Gehazi had done God was to later show His grace and mercy towards him because of his proximity and association with Elisha – a man of God. In 2 Kings 6 we read that the King of Aram wanted to capture Elisha because he kept informing the King of Israel of his every strategic, tactical, military move. He was ruining his plans for attack, so he sent his troops to pursue and capture Elisha.
“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So, he asked Elisha “Oh my master, what are we to do?” “Do not be afraid” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6 v 15 – 17
At last, Gehazi came into the fullness of his name ‘Valley of Vision’. God opened his spiritual eyes so that he could have a bigger perspective of God, in what would seem in the natural to be a dismal situation with no future prospect. For the first time in his life he was seeing through the filter of God’s eyes – the supernatural! It is ironic that when faced with a vast army, all the talents of silver, all the millions in money, all the riches of this life – all the things that Gehazi had previously held dear suddenly had no intrinsic value in the face of possible death or captivity. Suddenly the reality of their temporal insignificance was felt. He learnt in that moment that you can neither trust, put your faith or strength in riches – only in the presence and shelter of God. That lesson has not changed. It is an age-old message that still applies today.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6 v 20
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3 v 2
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have; because God has said “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13 v 5
In a time of trouble King David prayed a prayer that would have been very appropriate for Gehazi. It is a prayer that is also very appropriate for today:
“Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O Lord.” Psalm 25 v 6 – 7
Speaking from personal experience, the apostle Paul tells us that King David, Gehazi and a whole myriad of other people throughout the Bible shared this commonality with us:
“For everyone has sinned, we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3 v 23
I am glad that we serve a gracious and forgiving God. Our Father God has no favourites. He loves us all and forgives us all with equal measure. God hears and he responds to the cries of a sincere heart:
“It is just as the Scripture says “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord of all and gives richly to all who all on Him for “EVERYONE who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10 v 11 – 13
Elisha prayed for Gehazi’s eyes to be opened. We should continue to stand in the gap and pray this same prayer for others:
“O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” 2 Kings 6 v 17
We are living in a season when people, whether they think they are good or know they are bad, need to be calling on the Name of the Lord in prayer and repentance, for His grace, His mercy and His salvation to be extended towards them. In this season we need to:
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55 v 6
God’s promise to us through the prophet Jeremiah is this:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future. You will seek Me and find Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with ALL of your heart.”
Jeremiah 29 v 11 – 13 Amen xxx