Greed And Its Effects SS2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

GREEDY AHAB I KINGS 21;1-29 

Ahab approached Naboth the Jezreelite, asking for his Vineyard. Naboth refused, saying he could not part with his inheritance. Ahab was so sad that he was unable to eat for days. When asked by Jezebel what the problem was, he told her how Naboth refused to give him his Vineyard. Jezebel then promised to get the land for him at all costs.

Jezebel conspired with some base fellows to accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king. This was to get rid of Naboth. It was eventually carried out. Naboth was accused of blaspheming God and he was taken out of the city and stoned to death.

God sent prophet Elijah who came to Ahab and told him bluntly that God was very displeased with him. He prophesied that Ahab would die where Naboth died. As for his wife Jezebel, the dogs will also eat her flesh by the wall of Jezreel. However, in 1 Kings 21;27-29, God postponed Ahab’s punishment until the days of his children because of his humility and repentance.

GEHAZI’S GREED  2KGS. 5: 1-27

Elisha was a servant of God and prophet in Israel, whose period came immediately after Elijah. Naaman, the Syrian king’s army commander came to Elisha to be cured of his leprosy. Namaan was still at the gate when Elisha sent a servant to tell Namaan to go and wash himself in the River Jordan seven times. The commander was annoyed because he thought  Elisha would perform an instant miracle. But on persuasion by his servant, he went to wash himself and was completely cleansed. He came back with gifts for the prophet to show his appreciation, but Elisha refused to collect anything from him.

This was the point where the devil tempted  Gehazi- the prophet’s servant. He went after Naaman and lied that his master had asked for some of the gifts to entertain some visitors who had just come. Naaman was delighted to part with the gifts. 

Gehazi took possession of the gifts and hid them. His master asked him where he went but he lied to his master who already knew what he had done. Elisha pronounced instant judgment on him. Naaman’s leprosy came upon Gehazi instantly as he left Elisha’s presence as white as snow.

LESSONS TO LEARN

1. The satisfaction derivable from greed is only short-lived, whereas the consequences are bitter and can lead to self–destruction.
2. Greed does not pay at all; in most cases, we pay for greed with our own lives as Ahab did.
3. Let us always be content with what we have.
4. God cannot be silent when the well-to-do try to exploit the needy out of greed as in the case of Ahab.

ASSIGNMENT 

1. Who was Naaman?
2. Narrate the story of Naaman and mention two important lessons which Namaan learnt from his healing.