Pouring out an offering…

Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it.… (1 Chronicles 11:15–19)

Again, another OT narrative stumps me into searching for its meaning. In the above story, my first thought was David didn’t appreciate what his men had done and pouring it on the ground showed contempt for their actions, but that didn’t seem right, particularly because he poured it out to the Lord.

Study showed that this was a libation, and done by many cultures, including Israel. However they were not allowed the same cultic reasons for doing it. 

It was usually a thank offering which fits this, and as has been on my mind, a demonstration of praise to God. Drinking it would be taking the glory of what they had done for himself rather than giving it to the Lord.

In this instance, the libation went beyond being thankful that his men risked their lives to bring him a drink. It also pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was "poured out” to meet our need. 

The Apostle Paul also used this imagery to describe his own life as a sacrifice: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” (Philippians 2:17)

Both David and Paul reveal a passion for Jesus Christ that goes beyond enjoying the sacrifices others make for them. Instead of thanking people or relishing in their goodness, honoring the Lord takes priority.

I notice that other Christians seldom pour out their love for Christ when others serve them. I know in my own life that my ego is warmed by such actions, yet I know that Jesus should be honored, not me. These men could say: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15) And I should be able to say it also.

Lord Jesus, how often have I relished praise or any other blessing when the glory belongs to You. I excuse the doing of it knowing how weak and useless I am without You, yet drink it up to make me feel good when that offering belongs to You alone. While I am grateful for Your forgiveness and patience, teach me to do the right thing when anyone makes a sacrifice that rightly belongs to You. Like David, the man with a heart like Your’s, may I refuse to drink water that had been fought for, choosing to pour it out to give You the glory.

Glory to God, not to me

 

Our family has a big event coming up in a few weeks. It began when God suggested to me through a distant relative’s eager desire that we should have a family reunion. I argued with Him. Knowing the work involved and my inability to organize such an event, I simply did not want to do it. However, He persisted, even waking me up several times very early in the morning with a to-do list of ideas. One of them was to enlist a few helpers.

The plans came together and invites were drafted and sent to everyone that had emails — which took some scrounging. Now, we have a venue near the farms where my parents and Dad’s siblings all grew up, a caterer, music volunteered by family members, and many other perks, plus nearly 100 who said they are coming. I am overwhelmed and excited, but also nervous about the doing of it.

I have imagined people thanking me for all my ‘hard work’ to make this happen and have even patted myself on the back a few times. But how dare I to forget this was God’s idea and the work of His Holy Spirit to guide me and remind me? Today’s reading is a warning again about making ME the center of my life. This Scripture speaks to my heart about the attitude God wants me to have, now, and at this big event, and always…

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:8–11)

It is not a wedding feast yet I was invited to make it happen by the Lord who loves bringing families together. He cares that we see one another and enjoy time talking and sharing our lives. He planned this event and He gave much needed energy and ideas to bring it this far. God needs to be “moved up higher” and I need to take the lowest place and consider how to honor and bless others, as well as giving glory to God. The glory of such a gathering is not mine.

PRAY: Jesus, thank You for reminding me that all of what has happened, is happening, and will happen is because of You. Your hand is in the plan and the working out of that plan. I’ve been amazed at the ideas and help of others. One person even said if someone could not come because of financial needs, he would pay their way. This is a God-thing. Not all of this family knows and lives for You yet those who believe in You have pitched in with enthusiasm. I’m trusting You to bring us together with whatever purpose You have in mind. Certainly You will bless us in surprising ways as You already do, and it is my hope that some will realize Your grace and power and their lives will be transformed. Forgive me for letting the desires of ME to sneak into this. Keep my focus where it should be… loving them because of Your love, and blessing them because I’ve been blessed.