TELL THE HOUSEHOLD! -- Monday:
"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 king's household." (2 Kings 7:9)
During a grievous famine, after Samaria was besieged, Elisha prophesied, "Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." The whole idea seemed so preposterous that an unbelieving officer on whom the king depended replied to the prophet, "Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?" Elisha was quick to answer, "In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it" (verses 1- 2). Scripture records the fulfillment of this word.
About that time, four lepers talked among themselves. If, they reasoned, they went into the city (Samaria), the famine would be there, and they would die with the rest of the people. Too, they reasoned, if they remained where they were, they would also die. In their minds, there was only one hope. "Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die."
At the break of day, they arose and headed for the Syrian camp. What they did NOT know was that the Lord had been at work while they slept. He "had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses; the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us! Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact; their tents, their horses, and their donkeys; and they fled for their lives." God works, even at night -- YOUR night!
As the morose lepers approached the camp, "to their surprise, no one was there." They entered into one tent, ate and drank, carried out the silver, gold, and clothing, and hid them. Then they returned, did the same in another tent, etc., etc., etc. Finally, they came to their senses and 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" (7:3-9).
I suggest those who have tasted of the Lord, realizing something of the glorious benefits provided those in Christ Jesus, are in a similar situation. There is spiritual famine all about us, and the people of God have been besieged. The enemy is camped all about us, and many are suffering from spiritual malnutrition, on the very verge of death itself. But in the midst of all of this, there is a remnant that has found the supply, the pearl of great price, and the inexhaustible treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Food and spiritual riches have been found that satisfy and rejoice the heart.
And what shall these fortunate souls do? Let them tell "the King's household!" Let them blaze abroad the matter that there IS balm in Gilead, that the great Physician is here, and the health of the people can be recovered! As it is written, "Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?" (Jer 8:22). There is good reason for hope!
PRAYER POINT: Father, thank you in Jesus' name for devastating the citadel of the enemy, so that food and nourishment for the soul can be found.