Right Not to Remain Silent
2 Kings 7:3-16a
People seldom hesitate to broadcast news of a work promotion, a new grandchild, an upcoming wedding, or a prestigious award. However, many are not as quick to tell others the good news of what God has done.
Why? The reasons vary. Some fail to recognize that God is involved in the things that happen to them. Others hesitate because they think people around them would be offended or would not be interested in hearing about what God has done. Still others decide it is not their responsibility to tell others about God and what He has done for them.
Four principles from this lesson guide us in sharing the good news as we look at the Lord’s deliverance of Samaria during a time of siege and famine.
As outcasts from their own besieged and famine-stricken city, four unnamed, diseased men decided to seek food in the invaders’ camp. To their surprise, they found it full of supplies and empty of enemies! No matter how desperate our circumstances appear, we can know that the Lord is always at work to help His people. The first principle of learning the good news: Realize God is always at work (2 Kings 7:3-7).
Standing amid the plentiful food and wealth in the enemies’ camp, the four men agreed their right course of action was to tell immediately the news to the people in the besieged city. When the Lord provides help for His people, those who find that help are right to tell others about it. The second principle of the good news: Tell the good news of God’s work to others (2 Kings 7:8-9).
When the king of Israel suspected the invaders’ deserted camp was a trap, a servant recommended sending some messengers to check out the four men’s report. Those who doubt that the Lord can or will help them may need encouragement to check out what the Lord has done to help them. The third principle in sharing the good news: Urge others to check it out (2 Kings 7:12-13).
After confirming the four men’s report, the people of Samaria went to the invaders’ camp and collected all the food and supplies. When we tell what God has done for us, others can have the opportunity to share in it too. The fourth principle in sharing the good news: Share the joy with others (2 Kings 7:15-16a).
God’s people have such good news to tell, especially the news about God’s provision of salvation in Jesus Christ. Christians are to assist gladly others coming to know this good news. In other words, we have the right not to remain silent.
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.