“Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine meal will sell for a shekel and 12 quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.’ ” 2 Kings 7:1 HCSB
During the Siege the famine was so great that a donkey’s head sold for 80 shekels of silver, and pigeon poop sold for 5 shekels of silver. The situation in Samaria was dire. The king sent a messenger to Elisha to kill him, because the king believed God caused this disaster. Elisha knew the intentions of the messenger and delivered the word God had spoken. Elisha made a declaration that the siege would be over by tomorrow when six quarts of fine meal and 12 quarts of barley would only cost a shekel. The message seemed impossible and the King’s messenger doubted God’s word. So Elisha told him he would not eat any of it.
“Then the captain, the king’s right-hand man, responded to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen? ” Elisha announced, “You will in fact see it with your own eyes, but you won’t eat any of it.”” 2 Kings 7:2 HCSB
We are under siege. There are so many reports about the magnitude of this pandemic, and each new day the message gets worse. People are testing positive for the virus, people are dying, businesses are closing, and fear has gripped the people. You may be experiencing your own difficulty and this pandemic has made your situation go from bad to worse. There is fear and confusion. What are we supposed to do? When and how will this end?
Listen to the word of the Lord: “About this time tomorrow…”. God did not just say the siege would end but He announced what the result would be. As far as we can ascertain the famine was so severe there was no grain or barley. In order to make fine meal and have barley you have to plant and wait for the seeds to grow. How is it that Samaria has no grain, but suddenly the next day be selling fine meal and barley for only a shekel of silver? The siege and famine is over. That is why the Captain responded that even if God opened the heavens could this word actually happen. If we use human logic you would have to plant seeds of wheat and barley, wait for the harvest before you could sell any of that. Also they are surrounded by Aram’s entire military. How is this all going to work out by tomorrow? It seemed impossible, but that is what God said.
What is God saying about our situation? It is very important to listen to the prophets who have spoken and even listen to God’s voice. Do not give into the reports of doom or gloom. My experience is God speaks to us even before tragedy strikes to prepare us for what is to come and to look to Him. Also, what has God said about your situation? Believe what God is saying.
“So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”” II Chronicles 20:20 NKJV
Finally, we have to contend for God’s word. We cannot allow doubt and unbelief rob us of God’s promises. Elisha told the Captain he would see the word manifest but not eat any of the food. Do not miss God’s blessings, hold onto His word. Be convinced God will do as He said. The Siege is over.
To be continued…God’s Word is Manifested
Reflections 