1. The Story of the Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-7:20)
During the siege of Samaria, the people were starving and desperate for food. Four lepers discovered that the army of the Arameans had fled, leaving behind their tents and food supplies. They ate and took what they needed, but then decided to share the good news with the city. When the people of Samaria heard the good news, they went out and gathered the spoils of the Arameans, including sacks of grain and other food. They were no longer starving, thanks to the garbage left behind by the Arameans.
2. The Story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The prodigal son asked his father for his share of the inheritance and left home to live a wild lifestyle. But soon he found himself in desperate need and took a job feeding pigs. He was so hungry that he longed to eat the pig’s food. This humbled him and he eventually returned to his father, begging for forgiveness. His father welcomed him back, despite his wastefulness and sin.
3. The Story of Gideon (Judges 7:1-23)
Gideon and his army were outnumbered by the Midianites, but God gave them victory. The Midianites panicked and fled, leaving behind their tents and food supplies. Gideon’s army pursued them, gathering the spoils of war. The Israelites had plenty to eat and some even made jewelry from the Midianite booty.
4. The Story of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:11-3:14)
When Nehemiah went to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls, he saw that the city was in ruins and the gates were burned. He also saw that the people were living in garbage and filth. Nehemiah inspired the people to work together to rebuild the walls, despite opposition from their enemies. They worked tirelessly, cleaning up the garbage and building the walls, with everyone pitching in to rebuild the city.
