Hello,
Recovered from Mothers Day as yet? That’s not my excuse for the lateness – I think I’m still adjusting to Spring. Today’s Holy Nougat is a Threefer – three points of encouragement from one verse. It is based on the larger narrative of the children of Israel (not Judah) undergoing starvation while under siege by the Syrians aka Arameans. [Read the exciting saga in 2 Kings 6-8]
So at twilight they set out for the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 2 Kings 7:5 NLT
Each time I read this, I’m blown away by the action of the lepers! Totally.
In ancient Hebrew culture, they lived on the outskirts of town, not quite quarantined, as their disease was considered contagious. But there they were in the midst of the famine making their way to the enemy’s camp ready to entreat them for food! Did they not expect to be thrown out of that community? Would they be perceived as biochemical warfare? Yet, in desperate hunger they soldiered on. Hmmm.
Or maybe, they were subconsciously following the Holy Spirit’s leading. Which then moves me to another exclamation – lepers! God saved an entire nation through the obedience of lepers! Wo-o-o-o-ow!
So no matter what folks think, God can work through and with each of us. For no matter how weak, ill, or insignificant others may wish to brand us, God sees and ascribes precious value. Of course, it helps if we are open to the move of the Holy Spirit.
Now if each of us carries significance in God’s eyes, it ought to shift our outlook on how we treat each other, shouldn’t it? For the social/spiritual/educational leper we ostracize today may be God’s choice for the redemption of a people tomorrow – ask Jesus (He had no form or comeliness, yet He IS the Saviour of our souls).
And lastly, we recognize the miracle of provision while under siege. If God doesn’t change, and God hasn’t, then this miracle can easily be replicated when WE are undergoing severe attack from the enemy. God’s power has not diminished! So no matter our circumstance today, God’s got purpose for us (even if it means we lose our food to those we try to punish). Let us choose to avail ourselves to God’s purpose and plans.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
