Stolen Water

"Then three of the thirty chief men ...came to David at the cave of Adullum...and David said with a longing, oh, that someone would give me a drink from the water which is from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate." (2 Sam. 23:13-17).

On the run and away from home, David wishes for a comforting drink from a well of memory, a spring from childhood, a refreshing from a better time.

That wish falls upon devoted ears. There are three very special and single minded friends who love David's soul. Love him to the bone. Love him more than their own bones or their own skins.

You can read the story for yourselves if you do not know it. It ends well (no pun intended.) The three mighty men steal into the enemy camp and under threat of death, provide curb service to refresh their King.

They bring back the stolen water only to see David pour it out as an offering to his own God and King. David was ever one to lavish praise upon God. This night he gave Him something so dear, so precious, something whose genesis was unselfish love.

As a friend of mine would say, "That is the part with such WONDERFULNESS!"

Such love causes a chain reaction of love and devotion. First a need, then a journey, next the water, then the offering. God, David and the mighty friends all in loving agreement that each should have the best the others can provide.

Some friends and I were looking at this story and I shared with one much loved friend that I would steal water for her even if it was from a place guarded by orks, trolls and the devils of hell. She replied that she would speak my name and pour it out as a praise offering at the feet of Jesus.

Is there someone you need to steal water for? Someone with a thirst? A heart needing such a drink, such love? Whatever encouragement you lavish on that soul drenches the altar of God and runs down into the furrows of your own field.

It is God-love at its finest and...at its quietest. He will show you what will creatively bless best but with no lavish display, no banner headline. No self promotion allowed. No glory on this side of life, but God, whose memory is eternal, will not forget.

There is a voice coming from the cave. "Water. Water."

Will love answer?