“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure your hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12
The Old Testament story of ‘Dying At The Gate of Plenty’ found in 2 Kings 7:1-20 is a remarkable tale of faith and abundance. This ancient tale follows four lepers who, challenged by famine, find the courage to investigate the Syrian camp and discover an astonishing truth. Much to their surprise, they find the camp abandoned with all its resources intact. Though initially apprehensive, these brave lepers decide to take the risk and share this news with their people in Samaria, who have been suffering from hunger for so long.
In a miraculous turn of events, their decision greatly rewards them and everyone living in Samaria. After hearing the news brought by these brave lepers at the gate of plenty, everyone rejoices in God’s abundant blessings that saved them from death caused by starvation. However, a man, an officer of the King, raised doubtful words in 2 Kings 7:2, saying, “Look, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” have become a timeless reminder of the power of faith. In this passage, one unbeliever speaks about whether God can help them escape their desperate situation.
2 Kings 7:17 says, “Now the King had appointed the officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. But the people trampled him in the gate, and he died, just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the King came down to him.”
Of course, he had seen God work miracles before and knew that he was powerful enough to help them, but he still doubted his ability to do so, and because of this, he died due to unbelief. These stories have resonated with many people throughout history who are doubting or struggling with faith. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it can be hard to maintain a strong faith and trust in God’s plan for us. Yet, no matter how much we may have or acquire in this world, our ultimate destiny is determined by the Lord.
The Bible tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6), so our beliefs determine how we experience life. Unbelief is like a fortress, blocking your entry to God’s promises, but with faith, no gate can keep you from them. Remember, we can never truly be free until we allow unbelief to die and open ourselves up to the possibility of a life lived in faith. Unbelief may be strong, but it will never be powerful enough to withstand the power of faith. Amen. Isaiah 66:2 says, “All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Amen.
Prayer:
1. Oh Lord, let every spirit of doubt and unbelief behind my present predicaments lose its hold in my mind.
2. I pray, may the blood of Jesus erases your name from failure, disappointment, and sudden death, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
