Would you get your leader a glass of water?
2 Samuel 23: 14-17 (NIV)
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 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 mighty men 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. "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
Let's stay on the theme of being a good follower.
King David is known as one of the greatest leaders in history; his courage, integrity and passion caused "mighty men" to gladly follow his lead. Much is recorded concerning his leadership skills and abilities, but here we see recorded the incredible potential of some of the men who were following him – their follow-ship is nothing short of incredible, and amazes me.
In this account David makes a casual statement about the best glass of water he had ever tasted. I don't believe he was hinting – his surprised reaction later tells us this clearly. It was just a casual statement, that's all, but to his followers it became a mission – even when it was potentially "mission impossible". They then sneak off and risk life and limb to get a glass of water for David their leader, talk about getting carried away! Some may think this was right of them, some may think this was wrong, but the fact is it is an amazing picture of the desire-based commitment that David's followers had to his leadership. Maybe that's why they won so many battles together?
In this account we also see the picture of what made David's leadership so easy and desirable to follow. He sees what they have done, the risk they took not for God but for him, and he chokes up and then uses what they have brought him for an offering to God. He says "Guys, this is too expensive (cost to much) for me to drink".
Sadly, in many churches in our land, there are followers that would not go to the church kitchen to get their pastor a glass of water, and even smirk when he is having a coughing fit! Again I want to put to you, successful church is not just about good leaders but good followers – when there are both in the church any battle can be won.
Hope this challenges you – it does me!
Andy
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