Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.” 2 Kings 7:9 NIV
This is a most beautiful story of God’s provision and faithfulness that leads to outward sharing of thankfulness.
During the ministry of the prophet Elisha, the king of Israel was besieged by Syria during a famine. The lack of food was so severe that they were eating their horses and eventually even their own children for food. The king was so frustrated and knew that somehow Elisha was to blame. So he went to kill Elisha.
During their meeting, Elisha prophesied that on the next day, abundance of food would be found that would alter everyone’s situation for the better. One man said in disbelief, The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!” 2 Kings 7:2 NLT
That same night four leprous men had a conversation outside the gate. Listen to their conversation from the message Bible, 3-4 It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. They said to one another, “What are we doing sitting here at death’s door? If we enter the famine-struck city we’ll die; if we stay here we’ll die. So let’s take our chances in the camp of Aram and throw ourselves on their mercy. If they receive us we’ll live, if they kill us we’ll die. We’ve got nothing to lose.”
Before arriving at the camp, the army had fled leaving behind all of their food and possession of gold, jewelry and clothing. God had sent confusion in the camp and fear arose that they were being attacked, so the army had fled in haste. Upon arriving at the deserted camp, the lepers were going from tent to tent, eating food and hiding their new found wealth.
At this point, they realize that they must go back and share the good news with those in the city. At first, the king feels like it is a trap. Eventually they test the story of provision, and determine that it is true. The city was saved in one day without any fighting.
What a beautiful picture of the gospel story.
We are all lepers, except ours is a sickly heart marred with the effects of sinful choices. God has already removed the power of the enemy through Jesus death on the cross on our behalf. As the lepers experienced the provisions from the Lord, we too have entered into the joy of our salvation receiving hope, joy, peace, grace, and loving acceptance in abundance.
Gratitude leads to sharing. They leprous men shared two things on this day. They shared the physical blessings that they were enjoying, and they shared the “good news” of the provision.
During this holiday season, let the gratitude of God’s blessings overwhelm your heart. May you get the privilege of sharing with someone where to find the abundance of spiritual bread that they have been starving for. May you experience the joy of going with friends to share the good news that Peace, the prince of Peace, has come to earth.
Have a most wonderful Thanksgiving Day. May the windows of heaven fall upon you in abundance. God is already working on your behalf.
Blessings, Love y’all