Text: 2 Kings 7:1-4
Memory verse:
”Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—“
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In ancient times, one of the most miserable things that could ever happen to anyone was to be a leper. In fact, during the Middle Ages in Europe, people with leprosy were declared dead while still alive. They were made to witness their own funeral and symbolic burial before they were banished out of the city walls.
Similarly, and according to our text, the lepers saw death on every side. Going into the city will mean violating the law, and the implication would be death. Aside from that, they would eventually die by the famine in the city. On the other hand, going into the Syrian camp could mean death, as they could be killed.
Do you know that death was our state before we were saved? It is the state of everyone who does not have Christ. Such a person is physically alive but spiritually dead. He may be moving around like the leper but under the condemnation of death.
Paul refers to them as being “dead in trespasses, and sin! (Eph 2‬:‭1‬).
This death is passed down to everyone. It means no human has a choice in this matter. Just as leprosy spreads, death automatically spreads to everyone born by a woman. ”…As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned..“ ‭‭(Rom‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ GNT‬‬). This is what David also meant when he said, “For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived” (Psa 51:5 NLT).
Lepers were not allowed to live with people but were separated and ostracized. A leper was cut off from the house of God and was excluded from priesthood. Likewise, the sinner is also separated far from God and His people. As believers, we were once far off, but Christ brought us near by His blood. We were strangers and foreigners but now fellow citizens with the saints. ”‭‭(Eph‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬).
Leprosy was a great reproach. Lepers were required by the law to have their outer garments torn as a sign of deep grief. They were to go bareheaded and to cover their heads with mantles as if lamenting at their own virtual death. Lepers warned passers-by to keep away from them by calling out “Unclean ! Unclean! They weren’t allowed to speak to anyone, receive or return any salutation, or to embrace. They lived shameful, segregated, and separated lives. Similarly, sin is a reproach to any people (Prov 14:34). It brings disgrace, and it diminishes. Jesus took away our shame (Heb 12:2).
Friends, are you saved? Thank God for raising you from the dead.

Prayer points
1. Father, thank You for quickening me and raising me up from the dead. Be glorified in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, thank You for bringing me near to Yourself and rolling away my reproach. Be lifted up in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I, who was once dead in trespasses and sins, have been made alive in Christ Jesus.
2. I, who was once far away, have now been brought near, and my reproach rolled away.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng