“Oh, that someone would give me water to drink,” sighed King David, “from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!” When three soldiers overheard his wishful musing they reached for their swords and disappeared into the night. They had not been commanded to act and were under no obligation to do so, but driven by a force more compelling then any duty call – love for their King – they broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew out the water and brought it to David.
David was so touched by this exploit that he could not bring himself to drink the water…instead he poured it out before the Lord. It wasn’t the risk they had taken that impressed him. Soldiers were all required to risk their lives, but this was different. They did not do this for Israel, for Judah, for the war or even for the battle. This was a personal offering for David and certainly the most costly gift he had ever been given.
Someone told me, “I don’t have a burden for any particular nation.” In their minds this disqualified (or excused) them from evangelistic ministry. But do you have a love for Jesus? That is the real question. And that is enough to drive us to pour out our lives in service before our King. There is ambition that reigns supreme over all others, including the desire to advance the Kingdom of God or edify the people of God or even to reach the lost and the dying world. The first and finest motivation that anyone can have is just love. Love for the One who loved us so much that He poured out His tears, blood and life. When we receive this gift of life, which cost Him everything, how can we consume it in the pursuit of our own ambitions, lusts and gratification? God forbid. Instead, in reverent awe and profound love, we pour it back out before Him like a drink offering. Make no mistake – this is not a waste. It’s the only appropriately extravagant offering we can bring to the One Who already has everything.
~ By Daniel Kolenda (www.DanielKolenda.com)
