In my Bible reading this morning, I couldn't get over their names.
Shobi, son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites.
Machir, son of Ammiel from Lo-debar.
Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim.
I had never heard their names before and I doubt they're ever mentioned again, but there they were.
These three men did something any of us could do, and what every one of us should do.
Did they perform miracles in the name of the Lord? Were they tested by a fiery trial unto the point of death? Did they fight a fierce battle on the side of the Lord?
No. Instead, they did something that, to some of us, is just as frightening. They practiced hospitality.
To set the scene, King David is having to flee from his son, Absalom. His son is pursuing him across the Jordan and he has finally arrived in the desert of Mahanaim. The Scriptures read that these three men " . . . had reasoned, 'The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the desert.'" (2 Samuel 17:29b)
That's it. They had no hidden agenda, no plan to get on King David's "good side," no other motive. They simply reasoned that there was a need and decided to meet it.
What did God think of this?
These men were caring for His anointed, David, and the people with him. God thought highly enough of this to permanently record not only their names and what they did, but each and every item they offered to God's people.
They brought "beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat." (2 Samuel 17:28-29a)
An exhausted, persecuted king went as far as he could into the desert before dropping. Fleeing swiftly from the palace and Jerusalem, he didn't have time to grab even a blanket, much less provisions for all who were coming with him. Suddenly, three men appear with beds, bowls, and food. Once again, the God of David proved His faithful love to His servant, and He did it through three men named Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai.
How amazing would it be to be a confirmation of God's love to someone? How easy would it be to do this through hospitality? To say David was revived is an understatement. The next chapter has him reviewing his troops and sending them out!
I don't know about you, but I'm praying for opportunities to practice hospitality. It's been too long since we've had people in our home.
3 comments:
I was the recipient of your hospitality today. You offered fresh, homemade salad to one who was contemplating eating fast food. It was the perfect nourishment for the day - and I thank you so much! And I thank your Mr. who provided dessert!
And I have Never Seen So Much Stuff at a garage sale!!!! But I'm thankful for every bit - and for all the buyers :-)
sister, this was a TOTAL BLESSING today. I am sending this around. I'm sure you don't mind. It was from the LORD. It definitely should be in the book. :)
D, and YOU feed our teens every Wednesday during Marine Biology! I hope you know how much they love that!
Post a Comment