Go Get the Chocolate bar yourself!!“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 nuts. She could have waited until the morning or settled for a kitchen cookie. Or if she wanted one that bad she could have gone and got it herself!” Sounds like your love for her is not very deep.
King Saul’s jealous hatred towards David intensified. He wanted to do David in – rub him out. 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 totally ticked with life. 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 grew to 400. Outside the cave things were dangerous and hostile. Someone 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
.” (1 Chron.11) But
Bethlehem
was surrounded and occupied by more enemies – the Philistines. It was a no-go zone. But three of those 400 men 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 he did not.
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines,
and drew water out of the well of
Bethlehem
, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David:
nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?
therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
(2Samuel 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 anymore than you understood the chocolate bar story. Their motivation was simply: “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, he didn’t dare drink the precious water – he poured it out 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 did to please him? As they watched 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 honor 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.
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.
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Be sure to enjoy the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
Who Is A REAL Christian? Check it out at: www.heaven4sure.com
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