“Then they said to one another, ‘We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king’s household.’” (2 Kings 7:9)
It was 1983 when Anne Murray released what would become a sort of anthem entitled A Little Good News Today. It was not just another one-hit song, but one that so many in that day and since could identify with and eventually becoming her 7th Number One song.
A brief overview of this song reflects the degree of despair that existed in the world with all of its violence and suffering. It seemed that media coverage in various venues were informing their viewers and readers about so much that was so discouraging and that very little of any good thing was mentioned.
Sounds familiar doesn’t it!
This particular time in our world with its threatening world wars, unrest throughout the nations, division and anger in our own country, it is enough for anyone, even the unbelieving in God to say, “Sure could use a little good news today!”
Found in an obscure portion of Scripture is the description of a time during the days of Elisha that a king of Syria was besieging the city of Samaria. It was a time without doubt of famine and despair.
There were four starving lepers sitting by the gate that led to the city. As we listen in to their conversation (2 Kings 7:3-12), we hear them decide to just go to the camp of the Syrians where they expected to be captured or killed at any moment.
When they acted on their decision and approached the enemies encampment expecting to be confronted … all they encountered was silence! Unbeknownst to them the Lord took things into His own hands, disrupting the enemy and sending them into chaos followed by flight!
These four lepers discovered that the enemy had in fact left leaving food and other provisions behind. Passing from one end of the camp to the other, they came to the realization they needed to go back to the city and share the good news with the king and others!
What does this story have to do with us? It’s actually very simple: you see, those of us who have made the choice to love, obey and serve the Lord have so much good news in our hearts, minds and lives that we just must not only hold on to, but share!
We serve a risen Savior! God in on His throne and He is in complete control of this world we live in! He is greater than the evil one who promotes all that is evil, sinister and wrong!
We have the “good news” of the gospel and there are so many with “good and honest hearts” that need to hear a little good news today!
Will these truths do away with the violence, selfishness, unkindness, meanness and death at the hands of others or from disease? NO! But these truths will enable us to “be strong and courageous” in the face of these misfortunes and calamities!
Two things to remember:
God says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
God says through the inspired writing of the apostle John: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
May each one of us learn to focus less on the world and its troubles and more on the God who made us, provides for us, cares for us and who wants each of us to spend eternity with Him.
This is not just a little good news … it is the best of any good news we could ever hear!
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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