So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 2 Samuel 23:16
BACKGROUND
2 Samuel 23:8-17 is one of those cool stories in the Old Testament that opens the Bible up as a book of real people for real people. Read the story of how three of King David’s “Mighty Men” served their leader and how he responded to their service. You’ll love it…especially if you’re a man!
MY JOURNAL ENTRY on July 7, 2008
Observations: Alongside every great leader there are others who serve sacrificially and seldom receive the recognition they deserve for their enormous contributions. This passage highlights a few of the great warriors who served under David’s command. They would do anything for David, including risking their lives so that David could have a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem (v.16) – (Sounds like they were adrenaline too—special forces types!). What loyalty and devotion. However, David refused to take advantage of such commitment to himself and turned their act of sacrifice into a sacrificial drink offering to the LORD (v.17).
Application: I have some great servants around me as well, beginning with the three mighty men who serve with me as elders of Hill Country Bible Church Leander. Much of their sacrificial service goes unnoticed by many. However, I see it and benefit from it almost daily. O that I would be on my guard never to take advantage of their loyalty, service, commitment and sacrifice to use it for my own advantage. May I always turn their service to me into an offering of praise to the LORD, thus giving it eternal honor on their behalf.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the men who serve with me these days: Mark Lumpkin, Donn Long, Mark Kincaid. Each deserves to be named alongside any praise that comes my way, and even more. For without them, as without You, I could do nothing. Help me to constantly look for ways to honor their service.
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1 comment:
We can accomplish so much more when we work and serve the Lord together. There are no “Lone Ranger” Christians. I can’t help but think of King Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
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