Fair Share!

It is easy to view our own "self-determined" significant role we have played in things to allow us to think less of the involvement of others. Certainly not everyone has the same talents or even energy to give in life, but all that is contributed together adds up to make a significant difference. Besides, do we forget GOD'S ROLE in it all? Are we guilty of thinking we deserve or have merited all the blessings we are receiving while others are not? Do we not recognize that even as we do all we have been commanded we are still unworthy servants who have only done our duty? (see Luke 17:10) Yes, we need to be careful of our attitude.

In 1 Samuel 30 where we read of David and his men pursuing the Amalekites who had taken their families and property, there were 200 of his 600 men who were too exhausted to continue. (vss.9-10) Therefore, leaving them behind, David continued the pursuit with 400 men and the Amalekites were defeated with all the families and possessions of David and his men (as well as other spoil of the Amalekites) being retrieved. What a blessing over which to rejoice. However, some took at dim view toward those who had not gone all the way into the battle.

We read. . .
"(21) Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. (22) Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, 'Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.' (23) But David said, 'You shall not do so, my brothers, WITH WHAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN US. HE HAS PRESERVED US AND GIVEN INTO OUR HAND the band that came against us. (24) Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is WHO GOES DOWN INTO THE BATTLE, so shall his share be WHO STAYS BY THE BAGGAGE. They SHALL SHARE ALIKE.' (25) And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day." ( 1 Samuel 30:21-25 ESV)

Those "worthless fellows" with their complaint seemed to have supposed all the credit for victory belonged with themselves and therefore the 200 who had remained behind deserved nothing except to have their families back. After all, they had fought long. (vs.17) However, those who were too exhausted to go further still had a role in watching over the baggage (the supplies). David acknowledged it was what THE LORD HAD GIVEN. It was the LORD Who had preserved them in battle and given back into their hands. (vs.23) Therefore, all would share in the blessings. David even sent some of the spoil to the places where they had been and to the elders of Judah (vss.26-31); an act that may have aided in bringing the kingdom back together following the death of Saul.

Just as Jesus illustrated in His parable of the workers sent into the vineyard ( Matthew 20:1-16), what the Owner (our God) gives for service is according to His desire whether it be having come early, at the third, sixth, ninth, or even eleventh hour. We're all in this together. Let us rejoice in SHARING in the blessings of responding to God and the victory He provides regardless of length of time or of part we've played. It is GOD WHO BRINGS THE BLESSINGS of victory anyway. Let us guard against being guilty of supposing it all depends on us alone! We don't deserve as much as we may think we do. Therefore let us rejoice in what we all share in together because of what GOD CONTINUES TO DO through us and for us.

Have a great day PRAISING GOD FOR BEING MUCH MORE THAN FAIR!
Carl

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