Will Smith, now famous for “the slap heard around the world” was first famous as “The Fresh Prince” of “Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince” hip-hop duo, then as the TV star of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. But between “the slap” and “The Fresh Prince” he reached international stardom in film. One of his better roles was as the homeless salesman, Chris Gardner, in “The Pursuit of Happyness”. It’s an inspiring story of an extremely intelligent and inventive man who continued pursuing his dream despite constant setbacks, including eviction and living on the street. At one point he spent the last of his cash for a new shirt for what he thought was his last day of work. But, just when he thought it was all over, everything changed as he was hired full time.

In the days of Elisha and the Syrian siege of Samaria there’s an interesting account of four men who, along with the city of Samaria, thought all hope was gone. They too were homeless, but had it worse than Mr. Gardner since they had leprosy. Because of their leprosy they were the ultimate misfits, excluded from all of society they were stuck outside the city gate. Not allowed inside the city and untouched by the Syrians they were truly hopeless. Thinking they would die of starvation whether they tried to enter the city or stayed outside they made a bolder gesture than buying a new shirt for the last day of work. Instead they decided to walk down to the invader’s camp saying: “If they spare us, we will live; and if they kill us, we will but die.” (2 Kings 7:3-4).

Their self-surrender turned them into heroes because they found the camp empty of people. God had sent the sound of an attack that sent the Syrian army running (2 Kings 7:5-7). And they left without packing so the camp was filled with food supplies. At first the four men were shocked and helped themselves to food, but, feeling guilty, they notified the king so the city could share in the bounty (2 Kings 7:8-10). When the news got out the people rushed the camp to end the starvation brought by the siege (2 Kings 7:16).

Few here in America live through such financial extremes, though many more than we may think, but we all hit bottom spiritually. At some point we will be stuck outside the camp, covered with the leprosy of sin, condemned to die as outcasts from God. Sadly some will never recognize it, and many who realize where they are will never admit it to themselves or God. What about you? Are you stuck outside the gate starving to death spiritually because of sin? If you realize it you have another option. You can give up and surrender to Jesus and receive life eternal. You can be saved or you can remain a dying sinner. The choice is yours. Please come to Him for salvation.