2 Kings 7:9-20
"This day is a day of good tidings" (v. 9). Ah! if we know the good news of the gospel, let us not selfishly keep it to ourselves. Let us hasten to spread the happy message to those who are still in distress and do not know about the divine means of deliverance. "Behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Would we not be guilty if we kept silent? (see Ezekiel 33:6). That is how their conscience speaks to the four lepers. And, without waiting for the morning, they hurry off to herald the news to the porters of the city. But listen to the arguments which greet them! The king and his servants hold a discussion, and review all possible explanations before accepting the simplest and most marvellous one: this deliverance is that which the prophet had previously foretold – it comes from the LORD. "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" the Lord Jesus could say in astonishment (Luke 24:25). Salvation was truly at the gate. But judgment was also there for the unbelieving captain. He alone did not taste of the plentiful spoil. The Word of the LORD was fulfilled to the letter. It is always so!