Unguarded Words

2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalms 142; Matthew 14

“David longed for water and said, ‘Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!’ So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord.”

1 Chronicles 11:17, 18

David recognized that his personal wants were not worthy of the sacrifice of his men’s lives. In an age where spiritual leaders are attracting a large following, the temptation to misuse authority for personal gain is significant. David’s unguarded musing was interpreted by his men as an assignment worthy of their lives. The fault lay with David, not his men, to accept responsibility for this foolish effort. The only one worthy of the sacrifice of our lives is the Lord Jesus. David’s drink offering redeemed a situation that could have ended as badly as his impulsive counting of Israel’s fighting men. 

In what ways have we robbed God of honor and glory through our influence and authority?

“Lord Jesus, you are worthy of my worship and sacrifice, for your glory.”