Stay by the Stuff!

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 30

Scripture Focus: For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage.” (1 Samuel 30.24)

Devotional Thought: Oh, no! Returning from battle, David and his men discovered that their families had been taken as spoils of war. David led his men on a successful campaign to reclaim all that had been taken. There were some men, however, who were simply too exhausted to go on. If they had, they would have been a hindrance and not a help. So, they stayed and guarded the equipment. When the battle was won, those who had pressed the battle to its successful completion were not willing to share the spoils of war with these brothers.

David would have nothing to do with that attitude. He said, “but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff” (KJV). The biographer goes on to note that this became “a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day” (v. 25).

In the church, we are in a battle, too. It is not a physical and military battle, but it is a spiritual battle. There are some who press the battle at the front lines: attacking hell through their prayers, engaging in the political process, working in recovery centers, protecting the unborn, preaching the gospel, teaching children and adults the Word of God, etc. There are others who “stay by the stuff,” doing the things necessary for the efficient and effective work of the church: administering the church, communicating between workers, raising funds, writing books, and other things. We all share alike in the success and the rewards of the Kingdom.

So, whether you press the battle or stay by the stuff, you are doing your part. And remember, “in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6.9).

Prayer: Lord, my labor may go unnoticed, my work may receive no praise, but help me "stay by the stuff" today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 85.8-13

8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.