A day of glad tidings!

By George Jesze, 10th July 2015

„Now thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph in Christ…“

2 Corinthians 2, 14 King James Version

In 2 Kings 6 and 7, we read how the nation of Israel was attacked by the Syrians. The city of Samaria was surrounded and there was a great famine. When it got so bad that mothers were boiling and eating their children, the king tore his clothes in grief and despair. Then he accused the prophet Elisha about this terrible situation and sent him death threats.

But God saved Elisha and gave him divine directions. He prophesied that tomorrow the famine would be ended and everyone would be able to eat their fill. The royal officer on whose hand the king was leaning, mocked and said that God would need to make windows in heaven and send food down that way, before something like that could happen. Elisha merely answered: „You will see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it!“

Then the scene changes and we read about four lepers sitting outside the city gates. They said to each other: Why are we sitting here until we die? If we go into the city, we will die of famine. Let’s go to the Syrians, perhaps they will let us live! So up they got and went to the Syrians, but there was not a single person to be seen in the camp. They did not know that God had made the Syrian army to hear a great noise. God’s sound-effects were better than Hollywood, and it sounded as if chariots, horses and a great marching army were coming against them. The Syrians thought that Israel had fetched their allies to help them, and the whole of their army fled in terror! The lepers ate and drank, took gold and silver and beautiful clothes, then hid their spoils.

Suddenly they said to each other: It’s not right what we’re doing! This is a day of good news! Let’s go and tell the king!

They quickly returned and told their exciting story. At first the king thought this was a Syrian trick to entice everyone out of the city. So he sent men to see if their report was true. The men rode as far as the river Jordan and saw clothes and vessels strewn all over the ground, which the terrified Syrians had thrown away in their haste. The good tidings spread throughout the city. The gates were opened wide and the people streamed joyfully out to the Syrian camp. There they found an abundance of food, so they ate their fill and without any military action, plundered all the riches of the enemy. This is how Elisha’s first prophetic word was fulfilled.

The king commanded the officer who had not believed Elisha’s word to stand at the gate of the city, and the people were in such a hurry that they trampled him underfoot. So was fulfilled Elisha’s second prophetic word that he should see the miracle, but would not eat of it!

The nation of Israel was in a hopeless situation, but God had an answer. Who would have thought that he would use four lepers?! They took the risk of being immediately killed and went courageously to the Syrian camp. As they began to go, God began His part of the miracle by magnifying the noise of their four pairs of feet, making it sound like a great army. He saw their faith and sent out a heavenly army to chase off the enemy! God often uses unusual methods and people to help us. He is the Lord of Hosts who will fight for His people.

God is also saying to us today: Why are you sitting here? Why are you hiding in the corner and crying? It is time to stand up and go forward in faith! Then you will see wonderful things happen! March towards the enemy! I will give you the victory!

Yes, it is truly a day of good tidings! Let us continue to broadcast them with even greater zeal in the coming days!

See yourself a winner while still living in defeat,
See yourself a winner before you smell the victory sweet.
See yourself a winner when it seems you’re going down,
See yourself a winner before you wear the victor’s crown.
See yourself a winner before Life’s storms have ceased.
See yourself a living winner, not as one already deceased.
See yourself a winner, why linger in despair?
See yourself a winner for JESUS is always there!