Hugh's News & Commentary

One of the most intriguing stories in the Bible is about when the City of Samaria was besieged by the Syrian Army. The people in the city were starving, there was no hope. But God sent His prophet Elisha to deliver a good word that things were about to change. He began his prophecy by declaring, "Hear the Word of the Lord . . . " (2 Kings 7:1, KJV). These are not the prophet's words but God's Words, and that makes a difference. This prophecy was by direct inspiration and revelation. It came from Almighty God through the prophet who had faith and courage to deliver the Word God had given him.

The message that Elisha gave the people was one of hope. The fulfillment was just at the right time, almost at the last minute. Life within the walled city of Samaria was desperate. Mothers were boiling their children for food, the citizens were eating dung. The king was in a rage and ready to kill everyone if necessary. All hope was gone. In the midst of impeding destruction and loss of lives God promises deliverance and hope for the people who had their backs against the wall.

I dare say that the prophet had no idea how God would bring about the miracle of deliverance. He was the messenger with God's message. The people had no clue of how God would do it . . . they only had to believe the prophecy. The Bible says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

Our response to the Word of God should be one of trust in His unfailing promises. We do that not knowing how it will happen. It reminds me of the Greyhound Bus slogan, "Sit back and leave the driving to us."

I love the great old hymn of the church, "Trust and Obey."  The third stanza goes like this:

"But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey."

The prophet's optimistic prediction was so incredible that the king's executive officer refused to believe, and went so far as to scoff and ridicule the message. As a punishment for his unbelief, Elisha predicated that this officer would not live to enjoy the the deliverance that God would give His people. And his prediction came true.

Living just outside the city gates were four leprous men. One rabbi has identified them as Gehazi, the greedy servant of Elisha, and his three sons. They knew that if they stayed where they were they would die. So, they decided to entrust themselves to the the mercy of the Syrians, and take their chances. So, just before dark, they left the capital city, crossed over into the enemy's land, and entered their camp, only to find it empty.

The Syrians hearing the supernaturally generated noise of approaching armies, they were filled with fear and terror. Rumors spread rapidly throughout the army and the soldiers fled in horor. They were in such a hurry they left behind all their provisions, their horses and donkeys. The Bible says,"The wicked flee when no one pursues" (Proverbs 28:1).

As the Syrian army fled through the back door the Lepers came through the front door of their camp. These diseased me at first ate until they could eat no more, gathered the loot and hid it. But, then they came to themselves, and realized they had an obligation and a solelmn duty to share the good news with the Samaritans who were starving to death. They knew deep inside they could not hid this good news from those people who would eventually die.

So, they returned to the gates of the city while it was still night and shared the good news with the gatekeepers. They relayed the news on in the chain of communications until it finally reached the king. Although he was paranoid because he believed it must be an ambush or a plot of the Syrians to set up a trap, he was willing to send out two chariots to investigate. These men went out and verified what the lepers had told them.

To discover great wealth including food and clothing and not share it with starving people is a crime. Knowing of good things and using them without regard for the needs of others is a sin. James, a half brother of our Lord, wrote, "James 4:17-5:1, " . . . to him that knoweth to do good , and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (KJV).

I have said all of this to let you inform you that if Hugh's News is good for you and your family, and you are benefiting from it, then isn't it wrong to hide it from others who may enjoy it too.

I remember that when Joe and Susan Swails lived in Franklin Springs Susan would print out Hugh's News for her father-in-law, Brother John Swails. John often told me how much he enjoyed reading Hugh's News because of the people that are mentioned in the news. After they moved to South Carolina, Coach Jim Ganey took up that responsibility and joyfully printed it and took it to John Swails as a ministry to this aged servant of God. What a tremendous blessing it was to Brother John.

If you will share the good word about Hugh's News with another person, you will be a blessing to them. Why not invite a friend, relative, an associate, or a neighbor to subscribe to Hugh's News today. It is so easy. Just go to www.hughsnews.com and register. We only ask for your name and e-mail address. Then, you submit it and it is done before you can blink an eye.

You will be glad you did.

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35. KJV).