Mighty Devotion

I am always impressed with the devotion of David’s mighty men. They stuck with him through the highs and lows of his life, often at great risk to themselves. They were willing to give their lives to defend and protect David. One act in particular demonstrates their devotion to David’s well being.

2 Samuel 23:13-17 recounts how David had a craving for a “drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate (NASB)!” The problem was that the “garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.” Verse 16 tells us, “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.”

What impressed me about this act is that it was only to benefit David. It demonstrated their total devotion to David — a willingness to sacrifice their lives to give him water from the well of his hometown. It was an act that showed their total devotion to David and his desires. David was so overwhelmed by this act that he told them, “Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives (17)?” Verse 16 tells us he, “poured it (the water) out to the LORD.”

It reminds me of God’s dedication to us and our salvation. His desire to give us eternal life is so strong that he sent his son Jesus to this earth to show us the way to eternal life. Jesus sacrificed his life to give us eternal life. He emptied himself to give us a taste of living water. God desires to satisfy that deep longing we have in our heart for a taste of the hope he gives. May we have the same heart for God and a desire to do what pleases Him.

© 2021, CGThelen