Share and Share Alike

O. T. #660  "Share and Share Alike"
December 21, 2015
1 Samuel 30-Part 3
We share and share alike -those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment. 
1 Samuel 30:24b NLT

LET IT GLOW

Throughout the years I have attended many local parades. Since they were either football homecoming or Christmas parades, candy was thrown by the riders on floats to the crowd of children. I would share what I received with those around me so the children who lacked had candy to eat. I tried to encourage other children to practice sharing, also. David shared something, which we will encounter today in our reading.

David finally sought the Lord's will after his city was burnt and all the women and children and livestock were taken captive by the Amalekites. "Pursue" was the answer, so David and his 600 men did just that. However, along the way, some 200 became exhausted and did not go all the way with the others, staying at the brook. So David and his 400 men were successful in their attack on the Amalekites. Everything was brought back-all their families and livestock, as well as plunder and animals of the Amalekites. It included what the Amalekites had obtained from there other raids throughout Judah. These were wicked people. (Only 400 escaped on camels.)

On the way back home, David's caravan met up with the 200 men at the brook. A problem arose at the brook, some of the men who fought did not want to share the plunder with those who did not fight.
"Give them their wives and children, and tell them to be gone," the evil troublemakers said to David. David refused the plea because:

• they should not be selfish with what the LORD had given them;
• He kept them safe and helped them defeat the band of raiders;
• who will listen when you talk like this;
• we share and share alike-those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment. (verses 23-24)

  From then on David made this a decree and regulation for Israel, and it is still followed today. (verse 25) Wen David arrived at Ziklag, he sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. The Scriptures list other towns to whom he sent these gifts, towns that had helped him in David's flight from Saul. There must have been lots and lots of stuff to go around.

David's principle that he established his men live by revealed his fairness and justice. We see what kind of man David was.  He was a man that God could use, a man after God's own heart.

The way David took care of his men and their belongings convinced the people They could trust him. David's wisdom in dealing with his men's jealousy is a concrete example of his remarkable leadership skills. He pointed out that all they had recaptured was a gift from God.  (D. Jeremiah)

Are we willing to share and share alike our gifts? Or are we selfish? Do others see our acts of kindness and love? Do we remember the behind-the-scene supporters when others are on the front line, whether it be ministry, military, business or family? Do we show them respect and dignity no matter how insignificant their job? All are vital to getting the job done, aren't they?


LET IT GROW

Looking in 1 Chronicles 12:20-22, we read where 7 captains of 1,000 troops each (totaling 7,000 extra men) joined David's army as they passed through Manasseh on their way to fight the Amalekites and rescue their families and livestock. They stayed with David in his 7 1/2 years at Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:1) (Falwell)

Verse 22 says, Day after day men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God.

Men were drawn to David by the reputation of his great warriors, the news of their victories, and their desire to see God's will done in making David king. If we are brave believers, determined, and faithful, others will be drawn to work with us.

Are we faithful in doing God's work that He has called us to do? Are we brave believers, standing up for God's Word in society? How determined are we to love, forgive, show kindness? Are we encouraging other believers?

LET IT GO

Share and care, live and give to others.

Grow and sow the Word.

Pray for those behind the scenes, faithfully working.