A Day of Good News
II Kings 7: 1-16; 4 Kingdoms 7:1-16
In the previous study, we chronicled the horrible situation in the city of Samaria. It was as though a dark cloud hung over the city and the specter of hopelessness flooded their homes and hearts.
We were also reminded that our great God is not oblivious to the human condition nor is He lacking in mercy and love for His people. “He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). These encouraging words come alive in a special way as we open the Scripture to II Kings 7.
While the enemy forces surrounded the city and the quality of life within was rapidly worsening, the man of God, Elisha, was still standing in the midst. And the word of God sounded forth from his lips: “Thus says the Lord: Tomorrow about this time, a measure (8 gal.) of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel ($7.28) and two measures of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria” (II Kings 7:1). What a contrast to the price of a donkey’s head and a handful of dove droppings!
Such a bold statement was surely hard to believe, so most hearers probably ignored it while some (including an officer of the king) actually scoffed at the idea. However, Elisha, once again, stood firm with an unshakable trust in God.
The fulfillment of Elisha’s prophecy began to unfold in a most unlikely place. Four lepers who had been cast out of the city were discussing their options for survival in the face of the famine. Their choices were few and not very promising: a) sit where they were (do nothing) and die, b) re-enter the city where they would die along with the others, or c) go to the camp of the Syrians and stand some slight chance of being fed or, probably, killed. Only the third option held any hope for them, so they arose near sunset and headed for the camp. Oh, what a surprise lay in store for those four desperate men!
Apparently, just as the lepers began their journey for survival, the Lord God stretched out His hand of might and mercy to intervene in this calamity. He would change horror and grief into hope and gladness.
As the Syrians were bedding down for the night, “The Lord God caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses – the noise of a great army” (vs.6). With this sudden shock wave, the Syrians immediately concluded that the king of Israel had somehow enlisted a great army from the Hittites and Egyptians to attack them. There was nothing to do but run for their lives; and run they did, leaving everything behind!
Sometime later, the lepers arrived at the camp and, much to their surprise, found it deserted. As you would expect, they went from one tent to another finding food, drink, silver, gold, clothing, etc. It was as though a great feast had been spread before them; they began to enjoy it to the fullest. It was so much more than they had ever imagined.
Then, one of them – remembering the plight of those in the city – said, “We are not doing right. This is a day of good news, and we remain silent…Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household” (vs. 9).
What a picture! A man who was willing to share his prosperity with those who brought about his poverty. As he and his companions were reaping the material benefits of God’s merciful intervention, their hearts and minds were likewise filled by God’s merciful inspiration. They thought not only of themselves, but of those in the city – even the king and his household. As Jesus instructed His disciples when He sent them out, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
May we, reflecting on that moment in the camp, be reminded of the numberless blessings the Lord has bestowed upon all of us. May we also be reminded that we too are called to share this good news with those around us who are bound in their “Samaria”. We can certainly pray for the repentance of unholy leaders and the relief of those impounded in sin, self, harm, and hunger. We can likewise be watchful for the opportunities to say, “This is a day of good news”.
God has graciously intervened many times throughout history to bring days of good news to His suffering people. It was a day of good news to those enslaved in Egypt: “I have heard your cries, raised up a leader (Moses) and will lead you to your Promised Land”. It was a day of good news when manna rained from heaven to feed the Israelites in the wilderness; when they crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land of plenty; when Jesus fed the 5000 by the Sea of Galilee with five loaves and two fish; when, on the night of His betrayal, Jesus offered bread and wine saying, “This is My body … This is My blood …. “. You can certainly recall many more instances in which God extended His hand of love to relieve His people from wrath, danger and need. But perhaps there was no clearer example than that holy night when the angel appeared in the skies over Bethlehem and sang to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11).
The four lepers returned to the city carrying the good news. Despite some doubt and apprehension, the king said, “Go and see” (vs. 14). “Then all the people went out and plundered the tents of the Syrians. So, a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord” (vs. 16).
My friends, troublesome times are here, but we serve a God who is loving, merciful and mighty – who rules over all the universe which He made. Even in the darkest hours and difficult circumstances, let us rejoice as we remember, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).
Another day is coming when we, too, will also proclaim, “This is a day of good news”.
Fr. Andrew
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Outstanding & amen.