2 Samuel 23:8-39 – Your Service to the King is not Overlooked
We’re not always good in the church at recognising people’s service for God. The natural human reaction to not receiving any recognition for what we do, or for being criticised but never thanked, is to say: ‘fine then, I’ll not do it anymore’. But of course in the church, we’re not actually doing what we do for other people. At least not primarily. It is true that we have the command: ‘through love serve one another’. But ultimately our service is for God. And as Jesus puts it: “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'” And yet at the same time, all over the Bible we have people who are recognised for their service to God.
If God himself wants to point out the faithful service of some of his people, we should do the same. And if your service to God is – wrongly – overlooked by God’s people, don’t let that consume you. But take comfort that your service isn’t overlooked by God. We have yet another example of that in this second last chapter of second Samuel. This list in front of us contains the names of David’s mighty men, as they’re called in verse 8. Or his chief men as they’re called in verse 13. They’re his most trusted, most valiant warriors. There’s a group of around 30 of them. With three in particular singled out as the most trusted 3. David was God’s covenant king. And so to fight for David was to fight for the kingdom of God in the world. Just like we do today – though not with sword or spear but with the armour of God, as we fight sin, as we take the gospel into the world. And Jesus doesn’t overlook the work of his servants.
One thing we need to realise about the people who served David in this chapter is that they did so at a time when serving him was far from the easy option. We see that here in verse 13. Because where is David there? He’s in the cave of Adullam. And when was David living in the cave of Adullam? Way back in 1st Samuel 22. David had been anointed king by Samuel at that point. He was God’s choice for king. But he wasn’t yet on the throne. He wasn’t yet publicly recognised as king. We’re in a similar position today. Jesus IS King. But most people don’t recognise that. Yet it’s now that we’re called to serve him. One day Jesus will split the skies and return. Every eye will see him. But it will be too late to start serving him then. Rather what will count is whether we served him when his cause wasn’t popular.
Question
- What can we learn from lists of names in the Bible?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God sees all we do for him.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.