From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase

These days, few Christians (indeed, too few preachers) think of the Old Testament as evangelistic material. But the first thirty-nine books of the Bible contain Gospel riches that we must not leave untapped.

A Historic Account

In 2 Kings chapter six we read the account of the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army under Ben-Hadad. The siege brought severe famine in Samaria. Food was so scarce that the head of an unclean donkey was sold for human consumption at the exorbitant price of two pounds of silver (about $420 at today's price).

But then at the beginning of chapter seven, we find the prophet Elisha bringing the word of the Lord, that "by this time tomorrow" food would be available in abundance, and prices would be restored to pre-famine levels. Then beginning in chapter seven, verse two, we read that a senior officer of the king replied to the Lord's prophet in unbelief:

"Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?" And [Elisha] said, "In fact, you shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it." [This would be fulfilled in verse 17.]

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, 'We will enter the city,' the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die."

And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there. For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses-the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!" Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact-their tents, their horses, and their donkeys-and they fled for their lives.

And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing, and went and hid them; then they came back and entered another tent, and carried some from there also, and went and hid it.

Then they said to one another, "We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household." So they went and called to the gatekeepers [porters] of the city, and told them... (2 Kings 7:2-10).

An Evangelistic Illustration

In his typically masterful way, Charles Spurgeon used this passage as an evangelistic illustration, appealing to sinners to receive Christ. The following is taken from his devotional book, Morning and Evening:¹

Dear reader, this little book was mainly intended for the edification of believers, but if you are yet unsaved, our heart yearns over you: and we would fain say a word which may be blessed to you.

Open your Bible, and read the story of the lepers, and mark their position, which was much the same as yours. If you remain where you are you must perish; if you go to Jesus you can but die. "Nothing venture, nothing win," is the old proverb, and in your case the venture is no great one. If you sit still in sullen despair, no one can pity you when your ruin comes; but if you die with mercy sought, if such a thing were possible, you would be the object of universal sympathy.

None escape who refuse to look to Jesus; but you know that, at any rate, some are saved who believe in him, for certain of your own acquaintances have received mercy: then why not you? The Ninevites said, "Who can tell?" [Jonah 3:9] Act upon the same hope, and try the Lord's mercy. To perish is so awful, that if there were but a straw to catch at, the instinct of self-preservation should lead you to stretch out your hand.

We have thus been talking to you on your own unbelieving ground, we would now assure you, as from the Lord, that if you seek Him he will be found of you. Jesus casts out none who come unto him. You shall not perish if you trust Him; on the contrary, you shall find treasure far richer than the poor lepers gathered in Syria's deserted camp.

May the Holy Spirit embolden you to go at once, and you shall not believe in vain. When you are saved yourself, publish the good news to others. Hold not your peace; tell the King's household first, and unite with them in fellowship; let the porter of the city, the minister, be informed of your discovery, and then proclaim the good news in every place. The Lord save thee ere the sun goes down this day.

What About You?

If you need to receive Christ as your Savior, we join in Spurgeon's words to encourage you to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved, right now. If you have questions about receiving Christ or about the Christian life, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.

If you are a believer, think about how you might, as God leads, use such Old Testament passages as this one from 2 Kings in your own witness for Christ. Remember the Holy Spirit's declaration that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable..." Rely on God's promise that "My Word shall not return to me void [empty, or without bearing fruit], but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).

References:

1. "Why Sit We Here Until We Die?" is the morning reading for March 13th, from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening. Daily readings from this devotional classic are available online at our website and via our electronic newsletter, The Profitable Word Daily Edition. The book is also available in our online resource store.

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