In the late 1700s, a young man discovered a mysterious depression on Nova Scotia’s Oak Island. Guessing that pirates had buried treasure there, he and a couple of companions started digging. They never found any treasure, but the rumour took on a life of its own. Over the centuries, others continued digging at the site—expending a great amount of time and expense. The hole is now more than one hundred feet (thirty metres) deep.
Such obsessions betray the emptiness in the human heart. A story in the Bible shows how one man’s behaviour revealed just such a void in his heart. Gehazi had long been a reliable servant of the great prophet Elisha. But when Elisha declined the lavish gifts of a military commander whom God had healed of leprosy, Gehazi concocted a story to get some of the loot (2 Kings 5:22). When Gehazi returned home, he lied to the prophet (v. 25). But Elisha knew. He asked him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you?” (v. 26 ). In the end, Gehazi got what he wanted, but lost what was important (v. 27).
Jesus taught us not to pursue this world’s treasures and to instead “store up . . . treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).
Beware of any shortcuts to your heart’s desires. Following Jesus is the way to fill the emptiness with something real.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you long for the most? What pursuits and obsessions have left you feeling empty?
Dear God, I give my desires over to You. Please help me crave the treasures that You value.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The king of Aram offered a reward to anyone who could heal Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5:5–6). After God used Elisha to heal Naaman, Elisha refused to take any reward. However, Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, was greedy and abused his trusted position. He deceitfully solicited 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing from Naaman (vv. 22–24 NLT). For his greed and deceit, Gehazi was severely disciplined (v. 27).
