Before David became King of Israel, before Saul died, when David was a fugitive warrior, a raiding party of Amalekites burned Ziklag and kidnapped David’s wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, and the wives and children of David’s raiding party. David with 600 warriors pursued them, found them and defeated them, taking much plunder while rescuing their loved ones. During the pursuit 200 of David’s men wearied and could not continue. Upon returning with all the loot the 400 did not think the 200 should receive anything except their wives and children since they had not engaged in the battle. But David would not have it so. The men who stayed behind with the supplies received the same as the fighters. Every fighting force needs a support team if they are to be successful.
Therefore, the principle was set. Each has his or her role to play and each will be rewarded. At times we look at the rock star preachers and evangelists and think they will have so much more reward than the rest of us. Not so. God does not play favorites. Just because someone is up front does not make them more worthy than the ones listening. The ones listening are the ones making it possible for the one up front to speak. Without their offerings and their attendance the big names would only have the shower in which to “sing their songs.” God is an equal opportunity lover. He loves the little old lady in the back as much as the elder in the front.
This is righteous because everyone makes it by grace. No contributions on our part count lest we spend eternity boasting. See Ephesians 2. Scripture is plain. Salvation was God’s idea and His task. We are the blessed ones.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 12, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org