In what ways can we apply the lepers' sense of urgency to evangelism today? A Day of Good News at the City Gate 2 Kings 7:9: “Then they said to one another, ‘We are not doing right. Today is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent. If we wait until morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.’” Lessons Carried Forward • Four outcasts discovered life-saving provision and instantly felt responsible to share it. • Their resolve grew out of three convictions: the news was true, it was urgently needed, and silence would be sinful. • The Gospel is likewise true, desperately needed, and never meant to be hoarded. Translating Their Urgency into Evangelism Today • Recognize the moment: we live in “now is the time of God’s favor” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Reject delay: tomorrow is not guaranteed for us or for the hearer (James 4:14). • Replace hesitation with movement: speak, text, write, invite, serve. • Regard silence as disobedience: the lepers equated it with wrongdoing; so does Ezekiel 33:6. • Rejoice in the privilege: like the lepers, we were rescued first, then commissioned. Practical Steps for an Urgent Lifestyle • Start each day by naming one person who still needs the good news and act before day’s end—call, visit, or share a testimony online. • Keep concise Gospel summaries ready (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Carry small, attractive portions of Scripture or digital links to hand out. • Schedule consistent outreach slots just as firmly as work appointments. • Weave salvation narratives into ordinary conversation rather than waiting for ideal settings. • Partner with a fellow believer for shared accountability and encouragement (Luke 10:1). Supporting Passages that Fuel Holy Urgency • John 4:35: “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.” • Romans 10:14-15: good news requires a herald. • Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • 1 Peter 3:15: always ready to give a reason for the hope within us. Living Out the Lepers’ Example The rescued run to the perishing without delay. We have tasted grace far richer than abandoned Syrian rations, and an even shorter window beckons. Moving swiftly, courageously, and consistently, we pass the good news along until the city gates of eternity close. |
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