In Second Kings, chapter five, verse sixteen, God does not offer His services for a price only to those who can afford it. Therefore, Elisha felt charging money would be inappropriate to profit from what God has done through him, as in Matthew ten, verse eight, and Second Corinthians two, verse seventeen, respectively. Naaman’s healing was a merciful act of God, which no amount of money could repay. He was now under an obligation of grace and a lifetime of worship to God.
Not that Elisha thought it unlawful to receive presents, which he did receive from others. However, because of the circumstances of the case, it is much for the honor of God that the Syrians should see the generous devotion and kindness of his ministers and servants. How much they despised all that worldly wealth and glory that the prophets of the Gentiles so greedily sought after. Just as in the earlier part of his conduct, Elisha had done everything to direct the attention of Naaman to Jehovah alone as the healer of his disease. So now he will have no gift for himself, lest he should mar the effect of the previous lesson.
Heathen priests and prophets are known for the greed with which they received and demanded rewards. As servants of the God of Israel, there could be nothing of this kind. It was not of them, except as instruments, that the help came, and the gratitude must receive a reward to where it was due. Despite much urging, Elisha would receive nothing. He stood before the Lord, and feeling whose servant he was, he must direct all honor offered to his Master.
Today, unfortunately, some leaders charge a price in exchange for healing that God has not condone to do so. God is against pastors’ profiting by taking advantage of people unaware of what His Word declares. Counterfeit leaders charge people for healing when they are not even in charge. God makes it clear in Matthew twenty-one, verse thirteen, Mark eleven, verse seventeen, and Luke nineteen, verse thirty-six, respectively. He also gives the result of what will happen for these thieves in First Corinthians six, verse ten.