Our lives are either kept or given. Are you pouring your life out?
13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless, he would not drink it but poured it out to the Lord. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it.
These things were done by the three mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:13-17 NKJV
THIRSTING
The Bible relays the setting at the cave of Adullam where three of David’s mighty men of valor come down to meet with David, Meanwhile, the enemy Philistine army is encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. Scripture tells that David is in the stronghold while the Philistine garrison is at Bethlehem, David’s boyhood home.
David must be thinking of those simpler, long-ago days. The musing becomes audible as he mutters, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” It wasn’t a request, but a longing expressed. Likely rolling through David’s exhausted mind, was the desire for a taste of the pure, cold water of his boyhood. Those times instead of these times of battle perhaps were longed for, as much as the water.
RISKING LIVES
However, the three brave men leave, break through the Philistine lines and draw water from the very well of David’s musings!
THE REALIZATION
Scripture says they presented David with the water they fetched. It could have cost them their lives to retrieve water from that spot secured as it was by the enemy. David recognizes instantly the risk, the bravery, the cost of this priceless gift.
POURING OUT TO GOD
David is humbled and instead of accepting it for himself and quenching his thirst, he pours the water out to the Lord.
The first time I read this passage, I was shocked, but now, as an older Christian, I realize exactly David’s purpose.
He tells God he can’t drink it for this water was gotten at risk of three lives.
The passage reveals that David feels undeserving and overwhelmed.
ONLY GOD
He knows only God is worthy of such homage and so David pours it out as an offering to God.
NOW AS THEN
Perhaps, it is why in part, we dedicate our children to God at birth.
All we ever wanted was to have a child, yet we are aware of our unworthiness.
Thus, we give the child to God.
Our hearts also tell us to give the work of our hands, and our most cherished accomplishments to God.
Like David’s outpouring of water, Mary poured perfume on the feet of Jesus that cost a year’s wages. Knowing Christ alone deserved her best.
History reminds us that missionaries through the ages pour their lives out on the mission field. Pastors and evangelists and Bible teachers pour out their life’s work sharing the gospel of Jesus.
WHAT ARE YOU POURING OUT?
Our very lives cry out to be poured before God in dedication and humble adoration and to be used as He chooses.
When the realization of His greatness and our unworthiness touches our soul and spirit, we understand with all of our being that we too must pour out our very best to God.