2nd Kings 7 GOD CAN DO ANYTHING In response to Jehoram's angry frustrated comment against Elisha and the Lord, Elisha answered with a prophecy that not only would the siege be lifted, but there would be plenty to eat. The king knew the siege was against the city because Elisha lived there. Elisha knew the king had determined to kill him. The elders of the people were with Elisha rather than the king when he sent someone to murder him. The answer Elisha gave was not believed because it was not what fits normal human experience. Out of the ordinary living goes along with faith in our Lord. We need to set our hope in God when we are tempted to be preoccupied with problems rather than maintain our fellowship with God. An obstacle to us may be an opportunity to Him.
It is normal human response to focus our attention on the negative and the difficulties we face in life, instead of waiting with our faith in God for the results He has planned. If we can have, or form, an attitude of trust and expectancy in the sovereign acts of God, we will be strengthened in faith rather than frustrated and angry. No situation is impossible with God. No need we have is beyond His ability to meet. No person is able to make happen or stop from happening the events the Lord plans by His sovereign will.
The laws of Israel prevented lepers from living inside a city. That was to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases. It was a naturally impossible situation in which the hungry four lepers were found. To go into the city meant they would die from starvation even if they broke the law. To stay where they were meant death because there was nothing there for them to eat. The decision to cast themselves on the mercy of the Syrians was the only option they could see. People often wait with a fatalistic attitude for something to happen instead of considering what they could or should do to change the situation. "Why sit we here until we die" should be the attitude of those who have been waiting for God to do more for them than He already has. Even the smallest movement of faith has a positive result.
Once a person takes the first step of faith, the second one is opened up before them. God's grace provides an abundant supply that lies just before those who respond in faith to a known need, or an invitation given. The four leprous men did not wait until morning, but acted on the decision they had made. They found that God had worked on their behalf before they even got to the camp of the Syrians. There was full provision for them that was way beyond what they "could ask or think." Elisha's servant had seen the host of heaven and the chariots of fire. The Syrians had heard the sound of the host and it made them panic and flee in terror leaving everything behind.
To hear of the power and work of God, opens the mind to pay attention and perhaps act in faith. But a premature response to what one hears without understanding, may lead one to act only in fear. What we see by the eyes of faith and understanding, is what leads us to trust in the living God and do what He says. Fear is a legitimate emotion, but to act only in fear may mislead us and make our condition even worse than before. When we can see "by the word of God," that which is true and put our trust in Him, then we can experience the blessings that come by grace. "By grace ye are saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Open before the four needy men was all they could want - and more. It is a natural response to one who has experienced the blessings of God's grace, to want to pass that on to others who are in need. The "fullness of God" makes provision for all who avail themselves of it. For the man who mocked Elisha's prophecy, and in so doing mocked God, there was no hope. To question what God says is not only dangerous, but can be fatal. To accept what God provides is to experience God's grace. To reject God's provision brings judgment.
When we have received that which God provided for us, there is no reason to "wait for daylight' or "a more convenient season" to tell others the good news. It is possible for us to be so preoccupied with our own blessings that we forget there are others with whom we should share our faith. That which God has provided for us is available to others. Our faith may be small but our God is great. Our resources may be low and our doubts strong, but God can open the doors of heaven to us and pour us out a blessing from His great abundance.
2Kings 7:9. “Then they said one to another, we do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the kings household.”
A DAY OF GOOD TIDINGS. Things don’t always happen in the way we expect. Life-events may not be predictable like a train on its track. One day may seem tedious like it will never end - The next day’s so busy, it seems like it is over before we begin. But any day can be good if we stop to count our blessings – Even if the losses are great, we know who allowed them. If we hunger and thirst, we know we are alive. We may have to trust God to send us a basic supply, But when He does that it seems to make us more thankful – Whether our needs are met by the bushel, or a simple handful. If we allow God to work things out in and for His way – Whether we admit it or not, it is a very good day. The results are not all in by the time the sun goes down – What God has accomplished today may continue to abound.
Good tidings come in different forms – it may be a Gospel message - Or an expected phone call from someone who had a safe passage. It may be a doctor’s report after a loved one who was ill Has learned that recovery is on the way, though effects are felt still. To a child it is good news when they win or get a good grade. To an older person it is a promise a loved one is coming to stay. When God changes a situation where something bad brings good, The result that we hear of later, is far better that we thought it could. Grace that brings salvation is always good tidings to hear – For going through trying times, it is good news to know God is near. A believer on their dying bed finds comfort that they’ll soon be home. For all those who are saved it’s good tidings that the Lord will come.
“Father, may I always look for evidence of Thy hand working whenever something seems to be bad. I want to see Thy purposes being fulfilled when the normal disappointments in life come. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”