Merry Christmas! Take a moment and think about this, what is God’s kingdom about? Many things, and one of those things is the King. When David was fleeing from persecution from Saul, he went to hide in a cave. 2 Samuel 22:12-15 tells us, “13 Then three of the thirty chief men went down and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam…David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!”
When I was in Brazil on a mission trip, I can remember having a craving for sweet tea. I couldn’t wait to get home and pour a glass of my Mom’s homemade Texas sweet tea. Similarly, this is what was happening with David.
These three mighty men notices that their King wanted water from a well in Bethlehem. Although David didn’t command them; he was simply talking out loud. What is interesting is what they do next. The Scriptures tell us, “16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David.” (2 Samuel 23:16). Wow how amazing is this! Not only do they do they risk their lives for their King, but they did it for a cup of water! Yet look at his response, “…Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord; 17 and he said, “Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.” (2 Samuel 23:16).
This was so precious to David that he saw it as only worthy for God. These three men had a heart for David. Since we are in the Kingdom of God, we are called to have heart for the things that God desires. The Scripture tell us what God desires. He wants us to, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).
In the same way that these mighty men fought for David, we too are called to serve also. When we seek first God’s kingdom we are keeping first things first. He not only is our king but He is the, “King of Kings” (1 Timothy 6:15).