Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

SHARE When the Amalekite raiders attacked the city of Ziklag, they took away the people of the city and anything else they could find. David’s wives and children were among those taken by the raiders. Instead of wringing his hands, David prayed before taking 600 men in pursuit of the raiders. While two hundred men were too exhausted to continue the pursuit to the end, David and the rest were triumphant. Yet when it came to sharing the spoil, some of David’s followers were reticent to share with those who dropped out of the pursuit. Sometimes we have a “what’s mine is mine” attitude about our resources. We look at those in need and come up with a list of excuses. Why don’t they get a job like I have? Why should I share my resources with someone who doesn’t work as hard as I do? But David didn’t have that attitude. Share and share alike was his motto. Is it yours? Why do you think David mentioned the protection God offers when David answered those who refused to share the spoils? When have you heard someone rattle off a list of criteria he or she expected people in need to meet before offering help? How is that attitude similar to that of David’s followers in today’s passage? How willing are you to share your resources with others? Consider what God has given you in the past, without your having to be “worthy” first. Then pray about how you can help someone in need this week. Pray: Forgive me, Lord, for any preconceived notions I cherish about my resources. Everything I have comes from you. Everything I have belongs to you.