-July 31, 2023-
Good morning, happy Monday,
“For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike. So it was from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.”
(1 Samuel 30:24-25).
Besides being a godly and great king, David was a wonderful innovator. He established music to praise the Lord; he developed a strong and loyal fighting force; he brought the ark of the covenant to Zion; he provided food to each Israelite to celebrate God’s goodness; and here in our text he established an ordinance in Israel that all those who serve in any way will all share the bounties just the same.
The Amalekites raided the city of Ziklag where David, his mighty men, their wives, and children were living at the time. The enemy came and kidnapped all the wives and children while David and his men were away. All the men wept bitterly and were so discouraged and angry that they even spoke of stoning David. But David strengthened himself in God. He sought the Lord’s guidance and the Lord directed him and assured him that they would recover all. Two hundred of the men were so weary that they stayed behind to guard the supplies. Four hundred men went with David and won a great victory and brought back all the women and children.
When David and his men returned, there were some of them who said that those who stayed behind would get their wives and children back but shouldn’t share in any of the bounties that took from the Amalekites. David inaugurated this policy that all would share in the bounty, both those who fought and those who guarded the supplies.
In the Lord’s work, all share: those who sow, and those who reap; those who preach, and those open the church and set up for the meetings; those who are missionaries, and those who pray for the Lord’s work and servants; those who are pastors and teachers; and those who support them. The Lord sees and knows the heart. There are many different spiritual gifts and ministries. They are all important to the Lord. We shouldn’t underestimate or overestimate the value of those who serve the Lord Jesus.
Paul wrote, “Now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Please read 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. Ask yourself where you fit in, and what your gift or gifts may be. Your part and role is very important. The Lord needs us and we need each other.
I leave on vacation tomorrow morning and will be gone for 10 days. Please pray for my safety on the road. It will be my first vacation in 4 years. I will continue to write and post the devotions daily. Have a blessed day serving the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.
Being supporters and workers for Jesus,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 