Recurrent Thought: Right thinking is the cornerstone of right living. It is the essential first step toward becoming and embodying the persons God desires us to be.

Texts: 2 Kings 6:24-31; 7:1-20

Introduction

The story of the siege of Samaria by Syria, as recorded in 2 Kings 6 and 7, is a powerful yet often overlooked narrative that holds profound lessons. Within this account, two interconnected stories unfold. First, there is the devastating famine that grips the city — so severe that even a donkey’s head becomes a valued delicacy, and dove’s dung is sought after as nourishment. The famine reaches such an extreme that a mother pleads with the king, recounting how her friend had hidden her son, despite agreeing to eating him as they had previously eaten her own son the previous day.

Second, we see the unlikely heroes: four leprous men who, despite their condition, become the catalysts for a miraculous deliverance. Their decision to venture into the enemy camp ultimately leads to the city’s salvation.

This setting offers us many lessons. However, in relation to our topic today, we will focus on a fundamental question: “Is this Thinking Right?” because our being is ultimately the sum of our thoughts. We live out what resides within us, shaping our actions and our destiny.

A Spotlight on Some Characters

In the story of the siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6-7), the characters' thinking reflects their perspectives and reactions to the unfolding events:

• The King of Israel –quick to blame others (like Elisha) for the crisis. (6:31)
• Elisha – Confident in God's power, trusting that God will provide a solution even when the situation seems hopeless. (7:1)
• The King’s Trusted Captain – Blinded by logic (7:2)
• The Syrian Army (Arameans) – A shift from overconfidence and complacency, to panic and despair.
• The Citizens of Samaria – Their thinking is characterized by desperation, fear, and suspicion. They are overwhelmed by famine and siege, leading to panic and irrational decisions and actions.
• The Leprous Men at the City Gate – Initially motivated by self-interest and survival, they reason that they have nothing to lose by seeking help from the enemy. Their thinking shifts from selfishness to a sense of hope and action when they discover the opportunity for rescue. (7:3-10)

An Examination of Why This is "Right Thinking":

Each statement captures the core mental shifts in the story:

• Honest Assessment (v. 3-4): Right thinking starts with a brutally honest evaluation of your situation. "If we stay here, we will die." It refuses denial and wishful thinking.
• Faith-Filled Initiative (v. 5): It then moves to action based on a glimmer of hope. It's the decision to "get up" and "go" rather than stay in a place of certain death.
• Responsible Stewardship (v. 9): Ultimately, it is defined by a sense of responsibility. The right thought process concludes, "We are not doing right. This is a day of good news, and we are keeping it to ourselves."

Thinking Right is the first step to right action and right living – therefore we must check our thoughts and thought processes.

This progression—from honesty to initiative to generosity—provides a powerful Biblical model for right thinking, especially in a crisis.

Am I Thinking Right?

• Jesus is calling us to salvation from sin and its consequences. Will you think right and come to Him just as you are, right now?
• If you are saved and eager to share the good news, will you think right and yield to the infilling of the Holy Spirit, empowering you to boldly share the message?