The term gatekeeper, in a business-sense, is someone who serves to guard or block the flow of information or one whom controls access to someone or something. If you have ever tried to make an appointment with a senior executive or business owner, they often have a gatekeeper to serve as a filter for them to protect their time. It’s no fun being on the outside because we think we lack the ability to advance our situation so we strive to become insiders.
“Elisha said, “Listen! God’s word! The famine’s over. This time tomorrow food will be plentiful—a handful of meal for a shekel; two handfuls of grain for a shekel. The market at the city gate will be buzzing.” The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man, “You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?” “You’ll watch it with your own eyes,” said Elisha, “but you will not eat so much as a mouthful!” It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate.” — 2 Kings 7:1-3
Israel was in a severe famine because they gated their boundaries to protect themselves from being taken over by the Arameans. As a result, they were running out of food, cannibalism had started, and there appeared to be no hope in sight. However, the Prophet Elisha boldly tells the King that within 24 hours there will be food and enough for all– Hang on! The gatekeeper to the king doesn’t believe him and his poor attitude influences the others inside the gated community not to act on the promise except four men who were living outside the gates. They were on the outside– they were lepers– who many believed had nothing to contribute to society because of their condition. However it was these four who had a seed of belief inside who approached the enemy camp looking for food in exchange for their lives. To their surprise, when they arrived at the Aramean camp, no one was there, so they took possession of the spoils and food. Despite being outsiders in their own country, they went back to tell the king they had food. The prophecy was fulfilled by the unlikely in a manner that no one thought possible.
Funny how God works, isn’t it? When I want to use something, I find something that works, something that doesn’t need fixing. But when God wants to use something, He doesn’t look for something that is fixed but looks to the broken.
Sometimes our greatest challenges in life are really God’s way of pushing us down a different path to align where we are suppose to be at the right time. These lepers were used by God to save a country and accomplish His purposes.
What is the leprosy pushing you outside the gate today?
- A DUI from your past can be a bridge to speak into teens
- A divorce can be a bridge into reconnecting with Jesus
- An eating disorder can be a bridge to speak life into others
- Growing up fatherless can be a bridge to mentor others
You may be looking at what’s broken in your life as a handicap but may be, just may be, its an asset frozen. God often positions our condition for a greater purpose to help someone else.
Reflection |
How can you look at your situation differently today?