What witnessing principles can Christians learn from the lepers' response in 2 Kings 7:3–9?
In 2 Kings 7:9, the four lepers discover the abandoned Aramean camp during a time of great famine in Samaria. After taking food, silver, and clothes, they come to a realization and say:
"We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us..." (2 Kings 7:9, ESV)
This moment feels like a strong parallel to Christian responsibility in sharing the gospel. Like the lepers, we too have found “good news” and must decide whether we will keep it to ourselves or share it with others.
What principles about witnessing for Christ can be drawn from their actions and their change of heart?
How does this story challenge us today when we’re tempted to remain silent?
2 Kings 7:1 - 20
ESV - 1 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. 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, "If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?" But he said, "You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
The very word "gospel" means "good news", and we as Christians should be motivated to share it whenever possible, both because of our desire that others hear that good news, and because Christ specifically commands us to in passages such as Matthew 9:37-38, Matthew 28:18-20, and Mark 16:15.
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