It Is Not Time to ‘Hold Our
Peace.’
2 Kings 7:9 –
Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day
of good tidings, and we hold our peace . . .
WHO SAID IT?
4 Leprous Men (2 Kings 7:3).
WHERE WERE THEY WHEN THEY SAID IT?
In the camp of the invading Syrian army (2 Kings 7:5).
WHAT WERE THEY TALKING ABOUT?
1. The Syrians had invaded Samaria and had besieged the city (2
Kings 6:24-25).
2. The conditions were so bad
that the Israelites had begun to engage in cannibalism (2 Kings
6:26-29).
3. In spite of
the terrible siege, Elijah predicted that by the next day,
conditions would be so much better that food would be available
at a reasonable price (2 Kings 7:1).
4. That night God caused the Syrians to hear the
sound of a great army (2 Kings 7:6).
5. In fear the Syrians had all fled, leaving
their horses, their tents, their food, and other belongings (2
Kings 7:7-8).
6. The 4
leprous men had ventured into the camp of the Syrians hoping to
avoid starvation. There they discovered that the Syrians were
all gone (2 Kings 7:4-5).
7. They ate and took silver, gold, and clothing
and hid it (2 Kings 7:8).
8. Then they realized that
this was a day of good tidings and they were not doing a good
thing to hold their peace (2 Kings 7:9).
WHAT DID THEY MEAN?
They meant that the good news should be shared, not kept to
themselves.
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO US?
1. This is a day of good tidings. We live in the Christian age,
the age of the gospel, the good tidings. Paul described it this
way: . . . How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the
gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans
10:15).
2. We who are
Christians have left the terrible conditions of being held
captive by Satan. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants
of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine
which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye
became the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18).
3. In leaving behind the bondage to Satan, we
have discovered great blessings only found in Christ. Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ
(Ephesians 1:3).
4. We have assurances that the
rest of the world does not. For the eyes of the Lord are over
the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the
face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12).
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above
that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose
(Romans 8:28).
5. We
look forward to a glorious destiny. Then shall the King say unto
them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit
the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world
(Matthew 25:34).
6. In
such a time of good tidings, we should be anxious to share the
good news with all those who do not yet share in these
blessings. We do not do well to ‘hold our peace.’ Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen
(Matthew 28:19-20). And he said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16). And the things that thou
hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Timothy
2:2). For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory
of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I
preach not the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Family Bulletin Board
Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls,
or visits those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva
Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis
Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae
Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet.
BIBLE CAMP - begins tomorrow. Remember each of the campers and
staff members in your prayers.
NEXT MONTH - Vacation Bible School, July 21st -25th.
We hope you will plan to be here. Also, begin telling your
friends about it now
PRAYER REQUESTS - Wanda Davis continues to have many health
difficulties and is presently confined to her home.
