SCRIPTURE:
'But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.” David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.” David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this. '
1 Samuel 30:22-25
OBSERVATION:
David goes out to fight and a bunch of his guys decide, “nah, we’re just gonna chill. We’re too exhausted.” Does David stop? No. Is there a consequence for those who were too tired and lazy? No. Does it bother David at all? No.
I’d be livid. Mamba mentality means you go til you die. You don’t give up, you don’t quit, you don’t make excuses, and you don’t share the reward with those who do all the aforementioned.
APPLICATION:
But David does otherwise. He goes counter culture. Not surprising from a “man after Godʻs own heart”.
- David understood all victory comes from the Lord. And only God should decide who partakes in the spoils. Soli Deo, God alone.
- David saw value in those who were left behind regardless of their reasonings. He “saw things into a higher state”. Yes, the stayed behind because they were tired, but they also were able to protect the camp and supplies. Davidʻs posture of praise righted his perspective even when the opposite that was the intent of the antagonist. Soli Deo, God alone.
- David understood leadership meant growing the team rather than destroying it. If he cut off those men then potentially the people would live in fear rather than in allegance. Theyʻd live in obligation rather than obedience. But instead, by showing grace, his legend grew as the Lord directed each step. Soli Deo, God alone.
PRAYER:
Jesus, I long to be a man after your heart, but thereʻs years of pride, vengenace and anger still in my heart. I pray for a healing, a transformation. To see things into a higher state and to right perspective even if itʻs not the intent of man. Glory to You alone. Amen
