This scripture tells how four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate realized they would die of starvation. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army. The army was so filled with fear they ran for their lives, leaving everything behind.
Seeing food, the leper ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes. They felt guilty keeping it to themselves while the city was in such dire need. So, they went to the king’s palace and reported what they saw. Then the people went out and gathered food and goods from the camp of the Arameans. It was plenty. “So a seah of flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, as the LORD had said.”(verse 16)
This reflects the remarkable salvation of us all and the importance of sharing the good news. The lepers were rejected and diseased, hopeless and helpless in their situation. They were driven to go to make the discovery because they felt that they could not be any worse off than they were. God wanted to use this evil nation to show Israel His own glory and power and God caused them to retreat.
Salvation is of the Lord. The mercy of God was seen as He worked to eliminate the power of evil and make provisions for salvation both for the lepers who are diseased and helpless, and for the city of Samaria which had no place to turn. God granted mercy to those who were most conscious of their need and their depravity.
God's salvation isn't for people who deserve it. His mercy is for the hopeless, to those undeserving. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He accomplished the work of salvation and did the fighting overcoming our enemy Satan and his forces.
The good news is available. It was the responsibility of the lepers to share the good news. They went and the told how the enemy has been conquered because of God. The supply was so plentiful that even the poorest could partake in the goodness.
Evangelism is one beggar telling another where to find food. There are people dying without Jesus. We believers have experienced the blessing. We are called to share it. Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good?
It seems unfair that this life in Christ should be confined to people who have heard of Christ and been able to believe in Him while others have not heard this good news. There will be a time when it will be too late to choose your side for eternal life or forever lost and the chance to choose will not last forever.
We have received the goodness of God by faith. There are others who need to know what we know. Pray for God’s leading to share this good news to those who are lost and dying.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8
