IS THIS THE TIME?
II Kings 5:26-27
"Then [Elisha] said to [Gehazi], 'Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? It is time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.' And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow."
Gehazi was not content with the spiritual rewards of ministry – he wanted material rewards also. So he used his position for financial gain. But he ended up with more than he bargained for. It is sad when people who are called to service in God's kingdom get their eyes off of spiritual ministry and onto material reward. Many end up losing their ministry. There is a time of sacrifice and there is a time of reward, but it is all in God's timing. Peter left all to follow Jesus. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you there is no one who has left house or parents, or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the ages to come eternal life" (Luke 18:29-30). I can testify as a former pastor who ministered in small congregations that there were sacrifices, but in later years God has blessed us materially beyond our imaginations. God is faithful, but His reward will be in His time, not ours. And the real reward is heaven.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The blessings of ministry are not always material, but God will reward sacrifices made for the Kingdom in His time.
[end]
Have a rewarding day. Love you.
www.wordpress.com
II Kings 5:26-27
"Then [Elisha] said to [Gehazi], 'Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? It is time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.' And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow."
Gehazi was not content with the spiritual rewards of ministry – he wanted material rewards also. So he used his position for financial gain. But he ended up with more than he bargained for. It is sad when people who are called to service in God's kingdom get their eyes off of spiritual ministry and onto material reward. Many end up losing their ministry. There is a time of sacrifice and there is a time of reward, but it is all in God's timing. Peter left all to follow Jesus. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you there is no one who has left house or parents, or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the ages to come eternal life" (Luke 18:29-30). I can testify as a former pastor who ministered in small congregations that there were sacrifices, but in later years God has blessed us materially beyond our imaginations. God is faithful, but His reward will be in His time, not ours. And the real reward is heaven.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The blessings of ministry are not always material, but God will reward sacrifices made for the Kingdom in His time.
[end]
Have a rewarding day. Love you.
www.wordpress.com
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