David Bahn – Reflections

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These devotions are part of the Follow the Word Bible reading program at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. This year we are reading through the Scriptures together, listening for how God speaks through his Word day by day. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Today’s readings are 2 Kings 7-9, Psalm 12.

2 Kings 7:1-15 (selected verses)

But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” But the captain on whose hand the king leaned said, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” Elisha answered, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

Now there were four lepers at the entrance to the gate. They said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we stay here, we die. Let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us, we shall but die.”

So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and horses, the sound of a great army, so that they fled in haste, abandoning their tents, horses, donkeys, and supplies.

When the lepers came to the camp, they ate and drank and carried off silver, gold, and clothing. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news [emphasis added]. If we are silent, punishment will overtake us. Let us go and tell the king’s household.”

The king at first suspected a trap, but messengers went as far as the Jordan and found the way littered with garments and equipment the Syrians had thrown away in their haste. And the messengers returned and told the king.

There is an old joke that is sadly funny. That is often true of humor. But in this case it’s truly sad because it reveals a mentality that is all too subtly real in many church members’ minds.

A small church unexpectedly received a huge financial gift. It was enough money to pay off the mortgage, renovate the building, fund ministry for years, and still leave plenty in reserve.

The church council gathered to discuss what to do with the money.

One member wanted to build a fellowship hall. Another proposed new carpet, padded pews, and upgraded technology. Someone else argued that a large portion should go to missions. One practical soul suggested investing it for long-term stability. And, of course, someone wisely suggested the pastor deserved a raise.

The discussion went on and on until one frustrated member finally stood up and said, “You people don’t understand anything at all.”

The room grew quiet.

He continued, “Let’s lock the doors and throw a party!”

How I wish none of us harbored that mental idea. And before you say, “Not me!” think…if you received a large inheritance what would be your first move? I’ll leave that to you to answer. But be truthful. Do not deceive yourself!

The lepers found a great trove in the Syrian army’s camp. At first they hid it, but later realized, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news [emphasis added]. If we are silent, punishment will overtake us. Let us go and tell the king’s household.”

It may not seem as dramatic as a sudden inheritance, but we too have been given a great inheritance: God’s grace. Keeping it to ourselves might look like refusing to forgive someone who has hurt us, holding back from helping someone in need, or remaining silent when we have an opportunity to share hope with someone who is hurting.

What’s more, we may have the opportunity to give the greatest blessing of all by sharing the gospel itself.

Jesus died for the sins of the world. That includes your grumpy neighbor and your favorite uncle, your best friend at school, your boss, your business partner…and you. We do not need to force these conversations. And when the opportunity comes – a death, a layoff, a frightening diagnosis, a moment of deep discouragement – you do have Good News to share.

Jesus died for the sins of the world. Jesus rose to give us life. Jesus will come again to make all things right and bring us into his glorious presence forever.

That is Good News we must never refuse to share!