Leave The Past Behind

We all make mistakes. Romans 3:10-12, says, “…There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one”. Since we have all missed the mark, there is still hope for our future if we repent and turn from our sins. The Lord never wanted us burdened with guilt, shame, or condemnation. He wants us to repent and leave our past behind!

2 Kings 5:1 reveals a man named Gehazi. Gehazi was the personal servant to Elisha. He served Elisha and was witness to all the miraculous works that God did through Elisha. It must have been an amazing sight to see. Even though he saw the power of the Almighty, he was still human.

In 2 Kings 5:1-27, there was a miracle the Lord did through Elisha. Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram. But he had one major problem; leprosy. Naaman received prompting to seek out Elisha. Naaman followed through with that prompting and was miraculously healed of leprosy. What a amazing miracle! And Gehazi had the Birdseye view of the entire event!
Naaman was so elated that he offered gifts to Elisha. But Elisha refused. In 2 Kings 5:18, Naaman confesses to Elisha that he worshiped other gods. He repented and asked for forgiveness for his sins. Elisha did not judge him but offered forgiveness ( 2 King 5:19).

Gehazi judged Naaman for his sins. However, Gehazi’s story is not over. 2 Kings 8:4 describes a monumental event of a woman who left her land for 7 years and returned asking for restoration. Not only did the woman get restored, but Gehazi was restored as well! “The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and said, ‘Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done” (2 Kings 8:4 says).

Stop here! Gehazi was speaking to the king face to face? Wasn’t he put outside the camp because of his disease? Better yet, he is still called the servant of the man of God! Which means he did not lose his place of authority, influence, or calling. God was still using Gehazi in his calling in spite of his past mistakes!

Gehazi stood before the King on behalf of a woman, and will be remembered forever. He was not cast away nor forgotten. Gehazi continued to operate in his calling. He didn’t give up even though he had leprosy, and neither should we!

Our gifts and calling are without repentance (Romans 11:29). This is not a time to give up, but a time to push ahead. What is our testimony? God is merciful and kind. Do as Gehazi did. Walk in your calling and leave your past where it belongs; behind us!