2 King’s chapter 7 verses 8-9 (NIV)
The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp, entered one of the tents and ate and drank. Then they took silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also. Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”
Bit of a theme here I think, following on from the last few days. Leper were outcasts, cut off from everyone because of their skin disease. Yet they were the first ones who discovered that the opposing army had fled. As outcasts, who could blame them for helping themselves to the plunder. They would normally be overlooked and not given a look in. Yet they quickly realised they couldn’t keep this quiet. People had been holed up in the city, and been under siege. They were starving. So they put past hurts aside, and went to share the good news. They chose not to hold a grudge when some would have said they had a right to.
As Christians how do we react when we are mistreated? Holding on to a grudge and not letting go of our feelings doesn’t do us any good. In fact, it eats a way at us in a manner like leprosy destroys flesh. God expects us to do the right thing, ane emulate Jesus. After all, almost His final words were, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” As we have been forgiven, then we must put personal feelings aside, even if it means doing good to those who have hurt us.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that these men acted on what their conscience told them and did the right thing. Help me to do the same. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.