15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant." 17 "If you will not," said Naaman, "please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD. 18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I bow there also-- when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant for this." 19 "Go in peace," Elisha said.
23 "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi.
Naaman was grateful to Elisha for being the instrument God used for his healing. He wanted to express his thanksgiving by giving money and clothes and fine gifts. God got Naaman's heart. His thanksgiving and gratitude were real. He was sincere. Part of giving is not only worship, but a heart of gratitude to the Lord and others who help in teaching and ministering.
Elisha saw himself as a go-between and a voice of the Lord. He didn't even go out to meet Naaman, he only passed the message that God had given to him. To Elisha Naaman was only a leper needing the grace of God. Elisha was only the servant. He got his material rewards elsewhere.
Now don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Elisha and Elijah did receive gifts from people who offered them to the Lord. We saw that in the stories of the widow and the Shunamite woman, so it wasn't out of character for Elisha to accept a gift. Only it was important to realize that the acts of God and man are separate. God's gifts are free.
It is my conviction that the handling of money and gifts be carefully done in ministry.
I appreciated the practices such of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that have strict record keeping requirements when it comes to money. It might seem to be a waste to have expensive audits by outside firms, but if it assures integrity and openness then it's worth it.
If gratitude is sincere, it will show itself in wanting to give. I believe each person touched by grace should give to the Lord as a means of worship and to carry on the work of ministry. Many Bible verses talk about that clearly, but let us not confuse receiving grace for payment.
In giving his life to God, Naaman did not have any more desire to worship the false idols and pagan deities. He wanted to worship and offer sacrifice to the God of Israel. He wanted the privilege of taking back some dirt from Israel so he could have a spot that represented the soil that belonged to God.
Naaman shared with Elisha the awkwardness of being in the service of the King of Syria, when the old king leaned on Naaman as he worshiped the gods of Syria and showed respect to the culture of the kingdom by having to bow before the pagan god when in the presence of the King. He asked for forgiveness in advance. Elisha told him to go in peace.
Personally, I am more impressed with the commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego. They were in keeping with the faith of Daniel that refused to compromise even before kings they served, but they had a spiritual maturity and lived as the people of God in Israel before their captivity. Naaman was a new believer. God knew his heart.
God is gracious. His spirit will work on areas of my life also because, God isn't finished working with me yet. That too is exciting.
Prayer: Lord, purify my heart that my giving be only motivated by my love for You.
