“I’m craving a chocolate bar,” she said. Out of bed, he gets. Pulls on his clothes and out into the wintry night he went. He delivered the bar to his wife. You say: “That’s bizarre. She could have waited until the morning or settled for a kitchen cookie, or if she wanted one that bad, she could have gone to the store herself!” Do I detect a little frustration in your voice – a sense of disbelief that someone would cater to such a request?
King Saul’s jealous hatred towards David intensified. He wanted to end David’s life. David took refuge in Adullum. People were drawn to him, but many who followed him into the cave were derelicts – in distress, over their heads in debt and life-wrecks. What was it that attracted them to David? Did he give them hope? Was it his compassion and integrity that appealed to them? Did his love for the Lord ignite a fire in their own hearts?
The numbers drawn to David grew to 400. Outside the cave, things were very dangerous and hostile. One of the men heard David say: “I would love for somebody to get me a drink of that cool, refreshing, clear water from the well of my childhood in Bethlehem.” (2Samuel 23, 1Chronicles 11) But Bethlehem was surrounded and occupied by brutal and threatening enemies – the Philistines. It was a no-go zone. But three of David’s 400 followers risked everything and went. Flashing swords and armed Philistines were everywhere. How they broke through the line of warriors, we don’t know. But they did, and they made it to the well. They headed back to the cave with some of that water!
David briefly gave ‘The Three’ a nod, brusquely grabbed the flask, threw his head backwards and guzzled down the clear, cool water. No, David did not!
So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless, he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD; and he said, “Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. (2 Samuel 23:16-17)
Why did they risk their lives to get their Commander a drink of that water? Three words: love, loyalty and devotion. Maybe the other 397 didn’t understand the purpose of taking such a risk any more than you understood the chocolate bar story. Quite simply, their motivation was: “This is the least we can do for our Commander. We are willing to give ourselves to please him. David is worthy of nothing less than our total commitment.”
Did David appreciate it? It meant so much to him, that he didn’t dare drink the precious water. He poured it out totally as an offering to the Lord. David was overwhelmed by their devotion. Did the three get teary-eyed as they saw David’s profound appreciation for what they had done to please him? When they saw their Commander’s reaction, do you think they regretted what they did for him?
Dear child of God, have you ever wondered if Christ really appreciates the choices you’re making to honour and please HIM in your life? Being a loyal and devoted disciple of Christ often costs friends, families, pleasures and popularity. You won’t talk like the world, behave like the world or look like the world. You won’t fit in with the world – it’s as simple as that. Yes, there is a price tag to being a faithful, devoted Christian, but the cost of not being one is much higher.
Short Video – Idioms and Metaphors – Lesson #3 – The Elephant in the Room
So, is it worth it? When you stand face to face with your Master, do you think you’ll regret the things you did for Him? Then, and not until then will you understand how much HE appreciates every single sacrifice you are making for Him today and every day of your Christian life.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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