four lepers

four lepers were the first to hear the good news.

And they say one unto another, `We are not doing right this day; a day of tidings it is, and we are keeping silent.. 2Kings 7:9

the story The above posted verse is taken from the story that happened in the days of the prophet Elisha. The city of Samaria was besieged by hostile Arameans causing the city to suffer a great famine. There were four lepers, who were living outside the gate and realized that they, certainly like their fellow citizens, would die of hunger. They decided to take the risk of walking into the army camp of the Arameans. Perhaps they would keep them alive. When the lepers went there that night, they saw that there was nobody there, anymore. All the troops, apparently, had fled, in great haste, leaving behind tents, horses, clothes, gold, silver, food and drinks, etc. The four lepers indulged in food and drinks, and each took many precious items for himself. Suddenly they realized that it was not good what they were doing. They kept the good news to themselves, while the inhabitants of the city were perishing of hunger! Did not everyone need to know that the army of the enemy had fled? Could they get away with keeping all these riches to themselves and not sharing them with others? the message Individuals, whom God calls, today, are rated as “lepers”. They do not belong in the world, and are not even regarded by it (cp. Heb.13:13). But in God’s sight, they are the firstfruits! While the city remained in utter ignorance, they already knew of the victory which God had achieved. They had knowledge of the abundance, while others were threatened to die of hunger. Is not that a wonderful portrayal of believers in our time? They know that the victory is already won. They know the unlimited wealth that God freely gives. But how can it be defended to keep such great news to oneself? How can one justify it, not to share such joy with others? It is true, as it was with the lepers, good news will encounter disbelief at the royal palace (2Kings 7:12). The Evangel simply is a stumbling block to the Jew (the religious world) and for the others, it is foolishness. It does not make you popular. But it remains a good-news message! And that is why we share it.

23 … we are heralding Christ crucified, to Jews, indeed, a snare, yet to the nations stupidity, 24 yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1Corinthians 1

  ——————————— translation: Peter Feddema

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