sieged Samaria. Verse 25 tells us of the tremendous famine. The sit uation was so critical that mothers actually cooked their own children for food. Imagine, canibalism with in the walls of civilized Samaria? The king, seeing the terrible con dition among his people was first sorrowful and then angry at Elisha (vrs. 31). He was ordering God's servant to be beheaded. The sol diers who had come to capture Elisha earlier had now besieged Samaria. Because of his bitterness the king himself had decided to follow up on the assignment he had given to kill Elisha. What a po sition to be in! Here was a man of God who believed the impossible. Elisha declared, "Hear ye the word of the Lord." Then, what a message, "Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gates of Samaria." Imagine, God not only told Elisha what was going to happen, He also told him when it would happen. How good it is of God to reveal some of His plans to us today. There are some things He has chosen to conceal until His own good time. Elisha believed what God had said. That is faith! Beginning at verse 3 we discov ered that there were four leprous men at the gate. They knew they could not go inside or they would starve to death. There was no food in Samaria. At the same time if they sat where they were they would eventually starve to death, too. So the lepers decided to go to the camp of the Syrians to give themselves up. They could not be in any worse situation. They needed help from above. And God gave it
to them. God performed a miracle (II Kings 7:6). The soldiers heard the noise of chariots, horses and a great host. They reasoned that the king of Israel had hired soldiers from other countries to wipe out the Syrians. They thought all they could do was to run for their lives. They left everything behind in or der to make haste. When the lepers reached the camp of the Syrians they discov ered everyone was gone. They went from tent to tent helping themselves to food, drink, clothes and silver and gold. They took the bounty and hid it. Then they came to the realization that they were being selfish. They had all they needed while the people in Samar ia were starving. Verse 16 shows that the prophecy fulfilled which Elisha had spoken. Everything God says in His Word will come to pass. This was a miracle, impos sible on a human plane. Elisha be lieved the impossible. The most impossible thing that has ever happened actually took place 2000 years ago. God took the form of a man. Thirty-three years later He went to the cross with our sins upon Him. He died there as that Lamb of God. Three days later He arose again. Now all those who put their simple faith in the crucified, resurrected Son of God can have the gift of life eter nal. If you will not believe this then, liek the unnamed captain in II Kings 7, you will die in your sins. Trust the Lord as Saviour. You must believe the impossible. Like Elisha, however, you can put your faith in the promise of God. May He help you this day as you consider the most important decision you will ever make! Page 39
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker