“Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.””
II Kings 7:9 NKJV
I find it interesting that in the midst of a famine, the outcast, diseased ones to discover a miracle. And these men, who were rejected and shunned, became the forerunners of a message of hope to a nation.
How did they not grow bitter? Why is it they wanted to share the good news instead of keeping it to themselves? And, I wonder, did G-d later heal and restore them? I don’t know – but I do know that He can use an outcast like them, He can use me.
It seems the “good news” – the provision of G-d – was strong enough to overcome their fear and their loneliness. They knew they had to tell because remaining silent would result in an even worse calamity.
In dream interpretation, the number 4 is symbolic of G-d’s creative works. In chapter 6, Elisha prayed for his servant who’s eyes were opened to see them surrounded by chariots of fire in the spiritual realm. In chapter 7, G-d opened the ears of the Syrians Army to HEAR the sound of horses and chariots – like the sound of a great army surrounding them, causing the army and to flee for their lives. It’s a pretty out of the box, creative way to provide food, clothes, and finances for His people. And four leper’s led they way.
We should not remain silent about the things G-d does for us – how He heals and how He provides. There is power in personal testimonies and nothing can take my story from me. I lived it. I experienced it. It changed me. I was talking to someone recently who expressed reticence over sharing their story, even saying people might think they are crazy. Well – they might. G-d does wild, unbelievable things – miracles so creative that the only explanation for the “how” is HIM.
Father – thank You for the many things You’ve done for me. Forgive me for being silent. Telling builds faith. Telling glorifies You. What You’ve done in, through, and for me is evidence of Your goodness and power. No one can take that truth from me. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Kings 5-8
July 3, 2022