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.