O Selfless King David

King David, is one of my favorites in the bible. His life as a shepherd, musician, and reign as King of Israel can be found in the books of first and second Samuel. Surely, King David had his own share of flaws, as we all, but he kept a repentance, faithful heart unto God,"I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." (Acts 13:22) A short reflection on some of the characteristics of David, he was courageous. He defeated Goliath. He was devoted, he served Saul, even when Saul attempted to end his life. He was merciful, he continually blessed his enemies, when his enemies cursed and persecuted him. Compassionate, he honored his late friend Jonathan, son, Mephibosheth, by restoring to him land of his grandfather, Saul and giving him a seat in the Kingdom, "Don't be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." (2 Samuel 9:7). He went as far as to spare Mephibosheth life when the rest of his siblings were executed by the Gibeonites on account of their grandfathers sin. Talking about loyal.

But he was also Selfless ...

"And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate." (2 Samuel 23:15) Ishbaal, Eleazar, and Shammah took their lords wish as a command and fought through the Philistines camp to obtain water from Bethlehem's well. "Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and bought it to David." (2 Samuel 23:16) Mind you, the Philistines were enemies of Israel and it was such a great risk to execute this wish of Davids. All for the hope of satisfying the thirst of their King, these men did such an admirable and honorable thing in his sight. However, I marveled at this last verse. "But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to the Lord."

Wait, wait. He did what?! So, these men just literally risked their whole life to get a cup of water, and instead of drinking it in their face, (even they thought he would've gulped it down) he use it as a sacrifice? Oh my! The common thing for me would've been to slurp every little bit, not leaving a drop, let alone pouring it onto the ground. The fact that they worked so hard to get it, would've made it taste so much sweeter. Yet instead, David showed a great deal of selflessness and sacrifices it. The bible states that he couldn't dare drink of the water in which his men jeopardize their lives to obtain for him.

After reading that particular story of David, I began to ask myself in what ways can I become more selfless in my home, on my job, at church, even with enemies by blessing them in prayer. Especially in a state of this world today, where many have became lovers of themselves. "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." ( 2 Timothy 1-5)

I ask, in what ways can you become more selfless, compassionate, reverent, forgiving, meek, patient and loving?

Jesus Is That Good,

Pamelia Walker