“And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” (2Kings 7:3)
In other words, they had nothing to lose. Staying at the gate they would surely die of hunger. Their choices were all grim. To go to the city, they would also die. There was a famine in the city. The Syrians had the city hostage. Another option they considered was to give themselves up to the Syrians who might let them live. But if they were killed, in any other option, they were going to die anyway. (2 Kings 7:4)
In this kind of situation, you might as well try something because the outcome in all your options is dire. Go for the gold. Like the lepers you might live. Things may go well, although they look bleak. What are we talking about here? It’s about taking an option that has a measure of hope against all others that are certainly hopeless. There are times when we need to make a decision, but none of the choices look good, much like the options the lepers had. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) Only the Lord knows which is the best option. Without His help, we will not be able to pick the right option of the bleak choices before us.
The lepers decided to give themselves up to the Syrians, but coming into the Syrian camp, they found it abandoned and all their treasures, food, raiment, were abandoned for their taking. (2 Kings 7:6-8) It’s a great thing to give ourselves to God’s choice, even if it does look bleak. We don’t know what God will do. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Many times, we agonize over what option to take. Believe God that He will direct you to the right decision, the right way. It’s okay to make our plans and look at all things from every angle but be open to the Lord’s leading. “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Many times our minds are flooded with all kinds of thoughts and ideas. But only those that God has purposed for us will prosper. “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
When we’re in such situations, it’s hard to look at things from God’s perspective or to look at the big picture. It’s human nature to just look at how things are affecting us. In the lepers’ situation, they were ecstatic that that the Syrians had left, but more so that they’d left all their food. As they were gorging themselves, one of them thought of the starving people in the city. They told the porters who told the king who sent out two chariot horses to see if it was true. And the city came out and feasted and spoiled the Syrian camp. (2Kings 7:9-16) And it was so that the city was saved.
How many of us are gorging at the Savior’s table and keeping quiet. We have the Good News for the world. (John 3:16) Many have not heard the Good News of the Gospel, of Jesus, of salvation, of God’s mercy and God’s love and God’s grace for living daily in this world. Jesus has given us His command. “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Again God has sent deliverance. This time once and for all and for eternity. He has provided the riches of His Promises for us, spiritual nourishment and the raiment of righteousness for those who will believe. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
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