A Word For The Weary
Let me tell you a little-known story about King David. It is recorded in the 30th chapter of I Samuel. It goes like this: David and his men had just returned home from a battle. Upon arriving to their hometown, they found the village in ruins. The Amalekites had raided, burned and carried off all the women and children. As David and his men looked at the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept till they could weep no more.
After consulting with the priest, David and six hundred men set out after the Amalekites. When they reached Besor Brook, two hundred of the men were too exhausted to go on. David and the other four hundred kept going. Along the way they met a young Egyptian boy who had not eaten or drank for three days. David gave him food and water, and the young man told him where the Amalekites were camping. David and his men planned a surprise attack, rescued the women and children, and took all the herds and flocks as spoils of victory.
Meanwhile back at Besor Brook two hundred weary men were waiting. David greeted them joyfully because of the great victory the Lord had given. But some ruffians among the four hundred who had gone to battle did not want to share the loot. They told David to tell those men to take their wives and children and go home. How would David respond?
He gave credit to the Lord for keeping them safe and giving victory. He said, “Do you think anyone will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike; those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”
There are many lessons contained in this story. Not the least of which is a reminder that the church is a place for the tired and weary to renew and recover their strength. And they are not to be considered the less for it.
-Terry Morrison