THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

Genesis 42:11-16; Luke 17:11-19; 2 Kings 7:3-20

Introduction

Moments occur in life's fabric when the absence of others becomes a resounding echo, confronting us to take stock of our place within the lives of others. This is poignantly seen in Biblical narratives that invite us to answer the question of where the "others" are. It speaks to the nature of gratitude, socialization, and responsibility.

In this sermonette, we have three passages that are radically different in context and characters, but from each of which the same basic question arises. Let us go into the Word to see what God has for us to learn about being grateful in our lives, our relationship with others, and our responsibilities.

Where Are the Others in the Story of Joseph? (Genesis 42:11-16)

There was Joseph in the book of Genesis: the man who had been betrayed and sold into slavery, put in prison, and was elevated by God to a very influential position in Egypt. In due time, through a strong famine, his brothers, who had sold him into slavery, went to Egypt seeking food. "So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain [from Egypt], for there was famine in the land of Canaan also." (Genesis 42:5). Little did they know that they were standing before their brother, whom they thought is forever lost to his slave masters.

In the text, Joseph accused them of being spies, demanding that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to testify to their honesty. The fundamental question was: "Where are the others?" Joseph told them, "And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here." (Genesis 42:15) Joseph's inquiry wasn't about the absence of Benjamin but was a probe into the hearts of his brothers. It was an opportunity to look back at what they had done, ascertain if there has been repentance from their evil act, and consider how responsible they are now.

Let me share with you two major things from this episode of Joseph and his brothers;

i. We need repentance toward our past. Have you truly repented of your past errors? God has called us to be upright and blameless, without cover-up in the hope that the wrongs will never be mentioned again.

ii. We ought to be responsible toward others. In the shoes of Joseph's brothers, at times we find ourselves being called upon to account for others. God asked Cain, "Where is your Abel, your brother?" Are we our sister's/brother's keeper? Whom have we harmed, ignored, or forgotten? Where are the others whom we should be looking after, praying for, reaching out to?

It is only in the Christian army that when a soldier is wounded, he is shot at, hit to death, and thrown into a pit to die. Are we responsible for each other? We excommunicate brethren who fall to "special" sin [ntusen] - severe association, disgrace, neglect, and stigmatize such victims to Satan. All in the name of bringing sanity to God's church. The question today is, "Where are the others?" 

Where Are the Others in the Healing of the Ten Lepers? Luke 17:11-19

The Gospel of Luke brings us Jesus, who encountered ten lepers crying out to Him for mercy. He told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and while still on their way to the priests, they got cleansed. Only one of the ten, a Samaritan, turned back to thank Jesus and give glory to God.

Jesus said, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" This is a telling question that leads us to a very important truth concerning human nature, - men and women often receive God's blessings without their recognition of the Giver. When your tank is full, be thankful.

A heart of gratitude is led to greener pastures. How often do we turn back to God to offer our thanks for what He has done? Ten lepers were healed physically, but nine of them lost their deeper spiritual blessing with Christ because they didn't return to show gratitude. We must practice gratitude in our hearts, not only when great miracles happen in our lives but also the abundant mercies that we enjoy day in and day out.

Giving offering and tithe is an expression of gratitude to Christ. When you begin to argue about the 10% and the money you give for God's work, remember the question, "Where are the others?" When God gave all fruits to Adam and Eve, the only one they were asked not to eat became the desired one. In the same way, when God has given us 90%, it is the 10% that is so desired. Be grateful and appreciative by going back to God to say THANK YOU by offering to His work.

Acknowledge God's Work. God's hand in our lives should be acknowledged, or, else we take His blessings for granted. Listen to Jesus, "Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” The Jewish lepers were the nine who failed to acknowledge what God did in their lives. 

Familiarity breeds contempt - if you know a person very well, you can easily lose respect for that person. Do not be too familiar with the works of the Holy Spirit in your life to disregard Him in any way. Beloved, where are the others in your community who need to hear your testimony of God's goodness? Acknowledging God's goodness and showing gratitude needs to result in witness to lead others to Christ.

Where Are the Others in the Story of the Four Lepers? (2 Kings 7:3-20)

There is another story involving lepers and famine in 2 Kings. So, Samaria was under siege by the Arameans, and they were in great famine. The four lepers decided to surrender themselves to the camp of the enemy because they felt, 'all die be die.' "If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.” (2 Kings 7:4). And to their surprise, it was an abandoned camp, full of food.

Then, having had their fill, their conscience began to prick them, and they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.” (2 Kings 7:9). They remembered that there were others. They considered the great work of God to be grateful, they remembered the social life - being the other's keeper, and realized their responsibility in the judgment.

Good News is worth sharing with the others. But where are the rest that need to be given this good news? The lepers could not keep the blessing to themselves; neither can we, who have tasted the goodness of God's grace. We have the obligation not to hoard it in our pockets, but to take the good news of salvation, hope, and life in Christ to where the others are.

We have a responsibility to our society. The lepers were rejects by society - made to stay outside the gates, but they had a sense of responsibility toward their city. Sometimes we may feel unworthy or unqualified to share God's message, but, for the record, God can take anyone regardless of one's status or even past failures and use them to accomplish His purpose. Where are the others who need your attention-your testimony-your kindness-your outreach?

Conclusion

The question is, therefore, "Where are the others?" presses us to take a hard look at our lives in light of God's Word. Are we being responsible for those around us, as Joseph's brothers were challenged? Are we developing grateful spirits like that one leper who turned around to say "thank you" to Jesus? Are we willing to share the good news, just like those four lepers who could not keep the blessing to themselves?

Let us keep asking ourselves the question, "Where are the others?" and commit to seek them out in repentance, in gratitude, or in sharing the good news of Christ. May God give us the grace to answer this question in our lives reflecting on His love and purpose.

Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...