Daily EncouragementSample

The supreme characteristic of David’s mighty men was their devotion to the king himself. The devotion was very evident in this remarkable incident in which “the Three” brought him water from Bethlehem’s well.

Their devotion was sensitive: “David longed for water, and said, ‘Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!’” (1 Chron. 11:17). The king’s desire was their command. “I thirst” (John 19:28) was a word uttered by the heavenly King on the cross, and its deepest meaning was desire for the souls of men. His servants respond to that desire, and bring men to him.

Their devotion was spontaneous: “So the Three broke through the Philistine lines.” There was no debate and no delay - in a moment they were away. “After Paul had seen the vision,” writes Luke, “we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:10).

Their devotion was sacrificial: “should I drink the blood of those men who went at the risk of their lives?” (1 Chron. 11:19). Mighty men of New Testament times are spoken of in similar terms: “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26).

Devotion to the King is till the mark of the mighty!