Consumption is a Malefic Master

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:8

When these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they entered one tent and ate and drank, and carried from there silver and gold and clothes, and went and hid them; and they returned and entered another tent and carried from there also, and went and hid them.

Insights:   Today’s Thoughts by Scott is titled Consumption is a Malefic Master.  The word malefic is the root word by which Disney created one of their most diabolical villains.  Her name was Maleficent.  Malefic literally means: causing or capable of causing harm or destruction.  I prepose to you today that these four lepers were being malefic in their response to God’s mighty move to perform a miracle for the city of Samaria.  Two times in this verse we are told these lepers hid the spoils of God’s victory.  Their self-centered actions perpetuated the pain and suffering of those in the city of Samaria.  Beloved, I would purport that when we come to church each week and hear the words of life and then go home and do nothing with it, we are being just as malefic as those four lepers were.  How is it possible to have such a life saving gift and refuse to extend it to those in need?  Tomorrow we will learn the proper response to the Lord’s amazing grace which we receive.  Do not be a hoarder of the Lord’s gift of life.  Don’t cause harm or destruction to those without Christ Jesus.  Spread His word and let Him do the miraculous in their lives as well.

Questions:

1.  Are you hoarding all the good the Lord has given to you?

2. Do you recognize that your selfishness is actually causing harm or destruction to those around you?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for my selfish ways.  Help me to become a generous person.  I desire to be a type of person that reflects Your mercy and grace to those around me.  That kind of transformation is not possible if I remain self-centered.  Change my heart, O’ Lord.  Amen.