a cool story

in 2 kings 7 is a real cool story – first of all it mirrors so much what is going on today – also, there is the attitude of four dying men

but first, look at these four areas of comparison:

1. there was spiritual confusion – the king mentions God twice but no one knows what to do –sound like today to you?
2. feeding on filth – read the story – they were literally buying and selling – and eating – filth! – ditto today – buying, selling, reading, watching, ingesting – filth!
3. their children had become chattel – merely possessions to be disposed of when no longer of use – or need – instead of parents sacrificing for their kids – parents were sacrificing their kids – sacrificing their innocence – their very childhoods
4. emptiness within though abundance lies without – our nation is a place of abundance – yes, even during these tough economic times – we still have more than we need – but we're spiritually empty

those four dying men i mentioned earlier – look at what they did to provide plenty in time of lack – victory in time of defeat – fullness in a time of emptiness

1. they did what they could – they didn’t try to do the job of the king – (even though somebody needed to!) – too many want to be the king – and if they can't be king they won’t do anything – maybe the reason we don’t get where we want is that we’re going in the wrong direction on the ladder! – these four dying men made an awesome determination – they reasoned 'why do we sit here until we die?' – so they didn't – they did what they could!
2. they did what God laid on their heart – it may be small, silly, or insignificant – God told noah to build biggest boat ever built, nowhere near the water – He told moses to throw down his walking stick – no problem – but then pick it up when it became a snake!
3. they did it in the timing and in context with God’s overall plan – if you look – really look at what happened you'll see God was working behind the scenes – and He is for you, too – like surfing – you first have to be moving ahead – then the swell picks you up and propels you – thousands of pounds of water and energy are now behind you – and you ride high atop all this power – just going along for the ride – watching everything happen!
4. lastly – they did right! – they didn't keep the loot to themselves – they shared with the whole city – so if you want to be blessed then be a blessing! God does not give abundance and extra without purpose!