freeimages.com – by iron_db – Cup Water
Israel was weak. So weak the Philistines had taken over Bethlehem, the home of David. David had fled to a cave stronghold just west of Bethlehem. While in this cave, David longs for the peace, comfort, and blessings of home. He states he wishes he could drink from the well by the gate of Bethlehem.
Three of his mighty men take him literally, or at least want to impress David. They break through the Philistines lines and get David water from the well. David is floored by this act. But, he does not drink the water. Instead he pours the water on the ground in an sacrifice, or libation, unto the Lord. He believed for him to drink the water, would be comparable to drinking the blood of the men who risked their life for him. So he uses the water for the most precious thing he could do with the water, he offers it in worship. He dedicates it to the Lord.¹
David understood that worship involves offering our treasures unto God. Worship is the highest act we can do with our earthly possessions. It is the most worthy expression of our love, devotion, and loyalty to God. In a day and age that neglects worship or wants to make worship about performance and entertainment we must remember that worship is about us offering our treasures to God.
When the plate is passed and we contribute we should offer our best unto the Lord. This is the greatest use of money, like this water from Bethlehem poured on the ground of the cave, so our common money is offered to the Lord. It reaches its highest potential! We have been given time each Lord’s day. When we choose to offer this time to the Lord, we make the most of it and use it for its highest purpose. We have been given voices, when we use them to sing praises to God, our voices reach their highest potential. When we focus our hearts and minds on the sacrifice of Jesus, the message from God’s word, and petitions in prayer our hearts and minds are reaching their highest purpose.
Do we give our treasures? Do we see our valuable possessions; things like money, time, voices, and hearts as treasures that should be offered to God in worship. Worship is their highest potential and the most precious act they can do. Worship is special and holy. David had no greater purpose for this water than to offer it to God. For him to drink would have been selfish, but to offer it to God was honoring of the men and God.
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¹ 2 Samuel 23:14-17
