“Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul… the mighty men who helped him in war.”
“These are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom… Jashobeam was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.
“Next to him was Eleazar… He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great victory.
“Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley… David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem!’ The three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, ‘Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.'” 1 Chronicles 12:1, 11:10-19
In his early days when fleeing the vitriolic king Saul, anointed-but-not-yet-installed king David had taken in destitute stragglers. They were drawn, perhaps by his magnetic boldness and bravery, perhaps by the promise of who he would become. Time spent with him and under him and following him emboldened them. They came needy, depressed, and bitter; they became strong, courageous, and self-giving. Always the leader who trusted the Lord in impossible situations, David set an example they gradually learned to live out themselves. The encouragement they’d received and applied they became able to exhibit and return in great measure. (1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Chronicles 12:1-2,8,14-18,21-22)
Isn’t this so in our lives? There are seasons when we flee, needy and weak, to mentors and the more experienced from whom we draw wisdom, guidance, and strength. As we mature and encounter life ourselves, we become not only more able to handle things, but to set an example for others. We can return the same truth in exhortation, the same reminders of God’s faithfulness, the same loyalty and encouragement, to those who’ve poured so much into us.
Who are some individuals in whom we have taken time to invest spiritual sustenance? How well do we care for them, pray for specific needs, put aside our own agenda to become part of theirs? What growth has God given us both?
When was the last time we thanked someone who came alongside us at a pivotal time and made a difference? How have we blessed them back? Where can we pay their gift forward to another? Mutual support and the sharing of lives reap rich benefits for all.
Lord, in gratitude for all who’ve helped me, make me a bold, generous, loving helper to others so You are trusted and exalted.
As the rain and snow 