Main Texts: Revelation 5:10, Ephesians 4:1, 2 Kings 7:3-11, Acts 1:8
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:10 KJV)
A people chosen by God and made Kings and Priests, predestined to reign and rule the world in the worthiness of their calling, spreading kingdom principles and values. The power given to the church by the Holy Spirit comes with responsibilities. This power must be released to dispel physical and spiritual forces that seek to derail the church’s efforts. The power in the believer, if activated properly, can transform nations and restore godly living.
Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the utmost part of the earth.” With the Holy Ghost baptism, gifts, and fruits of the spirit, the believer is endowed with power to effect positive change in their environment.
THE UNLEASHED FOUR LEPERS
The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-11 is a powerful example of how a small group’s conscious effort caused the transformation of their world through timely intervention and actions. To understand this transformation, we need to examine the context and principles that guided their behaviour.
The Economy of the Four Lepers
The economy of the four lepers refers to the system of exchange and resource allocation that governed their lives. They lived in scarcity and desperation, relying on scraps to survive. However, when they decided to take a united risk, they discovered a new economy of abundance in the abandoned Syrian camp. They found food, drink, and riches, transforming their lives and their nation. According to Haggai 2:8, silver and gold belong to God, who transforms destinies.
Principles of the Transforming Lepers’ Economy
- Risk-taking: The four lepers took risks and ventured into the unknown, leading to their discovery of the abandoned camp. Believers must learn from their bold steps to transform their world. Ephesians 4:1 urges believers to walk worthy of their calling, taking risks that could initiate lasting transformation.
- Resourcefulness: The lepers adapted and made use of the resources they found, turning potential disaster into a blessing. Believers must use available resources and challenges to transform their community and nation.
- Sharing: The lepers shared their discovery with others, leading to the transformation of their community. Believers must rise and do the work of evangelists, sharing the testimony of their salvation (Matthew 28:19).
The Ecology of the Four Lepers
The ecology of the four lepers refers to their relationships and interactions with their environment. They lived in isolation, rejection, and exclusion. However, when they took action and shared their discovery, they transformed their ecology and created new relationships with their community.
PRINCIPLES OF THE ECOLOGY
- Interdependence: The lepers recognised their interdependence with each other and the community, sharing their discovery. Unity of purpose brings transformation.
- Mutual Benefit: The lepers’ actions benefited both themselves and the community, creating a win-win situation. They embodied the ubuntu principle, “I am because You are.”
- Systems Thinking: The lepers adopted a systems-thinking approach, recognising the connections between their actions and the broader community. They did not let their challenges consume them but pursued their lives with faith and action. They moved in faith to the enemy camp and found that God had already won the battle. It is time to move with your faith; victory is assured.
UNLEASH THE POWER VESTED IN YOU
The story of the four lepers offers practical lessons for unleashing the power vested in believers by the Holy Spirit, the surest tool for transforming the world. When the early disciples were empowered by the Holy Ghost, they transformed worldly cultures. If you claim to have the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, now is the hour to impact the world with the power in you. Rise:
- Take Risks: Be willing to take risks and venture into the unknown, like the four lepers.
- Be Resourceful: Adapt and use the resources available to you, like the lepers did in the abandoned camp. You have the Word and the backing power of the Holy Spirit to cause change.
- Share Your Discoveries: Share your discoveries and blessings with others, like the lepers shared their food and riches with the community. You have a testimony to share, strength to intercede, and a voice to declare in faith like Elisha.
- Think Systemically: Recognise the connections between your actions and the broader community, and strive to create win-win situations. Let your conduct reflect your faith to transform the fate of others.
By applying these principles, we can unleash our power to transform our world, just like the four lepers did. We can create a new economy of abundance through faith and hard work and a new ecology of holistic interdependence, where everyone benefits and thrives in the House of God.
As we step out like the lepers to the enemies’ territories, may the infinite God revitalise our energies and faith beyond the natural, granting us wisdom to think outside the box even in adversity to bring solutions to world problems. We may be detached from the worldview because the call to live a life worthy of our calling is one of transformation and separation, not worldly déjà vu. Therefore, be set apart and equipped to transform your world.
Finally, as chosen royals and priests unto God, if we refuse to exert the power within, it will be tamed. Be conscious to unleash it, for power tamed is useless, but when discharged to its rightful proportion, it will become a force for transformation. May the Lord help us release our anointing to transform the world. Amen!
Written by Elder Harrison Kwabena Agyarkwah, Emmanuel Temple, Avenor District, Accra
