“A Hard to Believe Story” Pt 4:
The famine in Samaria had been predicted in Deuteronomy 28:49-57. It’s believed this famine lasted several years and people were doing everything they could to survive. Surrounded by the Aramean army by order of King Ben-Hadad, the Israelites would be taken captive or killed and their city lost if they went out seeking food. Outside the walls were four lepers (2 Kings 7:1-3) that were not allowed around anyone not having leprosy.
The four lepers were also dying of starvation, and one says to other three, “Why should we sit here until we die?” (v 4). We’ll die if we stay here and we’ll starve if we go into the city. Let’s surrender to Aramean army, maybe they will help us and if they kill us, we’re going to die anyway. That evening they went out and God caused the Army of Aram to hear a loud noise sounding like chariots and horses, so they fled their camp thinking a large army was coming to attack them.
As the lepers entered the Aramean camp, they found food, wine, silver, gold, and clothing. Finally, they said to each other, “This isn’t right. We have wonderful news and need to share it with others. If we don’t something bad may happen to us” (vs 8-11). Returning to the city they informed the gatekeepers what they had discovered. The lepers were sharing an unbelievable story, but scouts went to look and reported the lepers’ story was true. What can we learn from this story?
- The lepers had an UNBELIEVABLE MESSAGE – there are people in our world who do not believe that the Christian message of salvation is for all people. It isn’t our responsibility to make people believe the message, but it is our responsibility to tell people the “Bread of Life” is available for them and it’s free.
- The lepers were the most UNLIKELY MESSENGERS - they were outcasts and not accepted by society. These guys were the most least likely to bring a message of hope to anyone.
- They were UNTRAINED – these men didn’t have a church to attend, or knowledge of the 4 spiritual laws. All they knew was they had found and tasted the bread. They believed starving people could be saved if they too found the bread.
- Their message was FOOD in the midst of FAMINE – hungry people will eat. Our country, even people in the communities where we live are spiritually starving. And we can tell them their life can be spared in Jesus..
- Their message was Peace amidst War – when one comes to Christ, he is no longer their enemy for they are on the Lord’s side. Peace not only can be gained with those where conflict exists, but a peace that passes all understanding will be secured within. No one cares for you like Jesus!
- They offered LIFE in place of DEATH – the lepers cried out, “Hey – wait, don’t eat that dung or donkey’s head. Don’t kill any more children, we’ve found the answer to everyone’s need. You can life and not die!”
- Folks, as followers of Christ, WE HAVE A MESSAGE to share that will mean the difference between life and death for people we hang out with. You may feel intimidated, untrained, unworthy, and the most unlikely source, but God wants you to tell your loved ones and friends, where they can find HOPE for their life.
One more thing: yesterday 2:Kings 7: 1-2 was shared stating Elisha told the king of Aram and his officer,” by this time tomorrow, you’ll see with your own eyes a plentiful supply of flour and barley, but you will not eat any of it.” In verses 19 and 20 we read, the king’s officer replied, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of Heaven!” Elisha said, “You’ll see it happen, but you won’t be able to eat any of it.” “And so it was, for the people trampled him to death.” God never goes back on His word!
Pastor Carnes
