Closer Day By Day

Today’s reading is from…

Bible Passage:  1 Chronicles 10-14

Here’s a story adapted from 1 Chronicles 11:15-19

They went through the entire strategic plan once again. It was going to be a hit and run event. This incursion into the enemy territory was fraught with danger, as it would always have been. Yet, this was inconsequential.

What mattered most was their leader, their country, their sovereignty.

A: “Comrades, this is what we’ll do. For the last time, among the 3 of us, this shouldn’t take too long.”

B: “Yea, remember, we’ve only got a 10 minute window when the enemy changes its guard”

C: “Affirmative. We did the reconnaissance previously. Those guys make their change at 1840Hrs everyday. We’ve got this one chance, and we’re going to make the best of it.”

A: “Guys, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you all. I’ve never said this enough, but it is enough that we’re doing this together, for our rightful leader and chosen king.”

B & C: “Aye! May God guide us!”

The sunbeams crept steadily into the west. Dusk was beginning to take its place on stage. The 3 men laid in wait. Beyond the borders of the city, the enemy was stirring in its position.

—

Back at Adullam, David was tending to his daily routine. He hadn’t gone astray from what Jehovah God had instructed him. He kept his sanity, he kept his spirituality. He was not going to lay a finger on Saul. Saul was still the Lord’s anointed.

David had the slightest clue that some of his closest friends were risking their lives, neck in neck, all for the sake of him.

“Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water… from the well of Bethlehem!” he had mentioned a few days back.

And that was the motivating factor, the impulsion by which David’s 3 friends were now encamped 22.5km away, at the boundary of Bethlehem, anticipating the opportune moment for their incursion.

—

A: “Now! Let’s do it!”

B & C: “Let’s do it! For David! For God’s chosen one!”

They sprinted, full battle attire from head to toe, along with their swords and shields, a sizeable 20kg in excess burden. That didn’t matter. They sprinted, fully fixed upon their intent and goal. Nothing should stop them, nothing would.

Past the first guard post, a haze of dust that kicked up behind their heels. Inching towards the second, a cloud of hope secured their vision. And then… the well.

B drew the water while C held the pitcher. A and B took turns to draw out the precious cargo. In 2 minutes, their task was final. It was time to leave. Pronto.

They were sure, that their friend, David, would be pleased. They were his loyal friends. They were his mighty warriors.

—-

“I’m at a loss for words! This is far beyond me… How could I? How could I drink your blood?” proclaimed David, tears welling up in his eyes, voice cracking with emotions.

“You all have risked your life for my sake, nothing else can compare with such loyalty, my dear friends. I thank God for you all.”

“You all are good and faithful servants! I’ll make you mighty men to be ruler over many other things! Enter into my joy!”

The 3 bowed their heads in silent glory. They knew that this was a man they could trust. This was a man after the heart of God. And to be his friend, that was an honour beyond all else.

David’s mighty men had proven their courage, integrity, honour, and faithfulness.

—

He proclaimed in a momentous hush “Follow Me.” (Jn 21:19b)

The mighty men of Jesus read the call clearly, and turning around, they made their decision ……