September 3: The Waters of Satisfaction Scattered

Neat! It is interesting that this particular passage would be used for today's lesson, because when I'm praying, I often refer to Craig, Drew, and Kevin as "The Three" or "The Three Mighty Men." That term of endearment comes from this chapter (II Samuel 23:3-17, esp v.13 and v. 17). "Such were the exploits of the three mighty men."

However, I must issue a warning: This lesson has a high perplexity level! I remember when I first read the story of the bravery of the mighty men, I was appalled that David would just pour out their gift. I had to go back to my concordance and find some passages about offering a drink offering to God and Old Testament ideas of sacrifice before I could even start to understand that kind of mentality.

Yet, unlike Chambers, I did not try to draw a parallel to my own life. Today's lesson makes me squirm, but I have lived long enough to understand the wisdom of his words. It is a wonderful thing to have love, friendship, and spiritual blessings, but when they become more important than a relationship with Jesus, only bad things result.

Jesus, give us the strength to let go of the things that You have given us. May we capture our selfish natures and bind them in the cords of trust that You will always provide for our needs. Let us act on the paradox that by giving away we will become full. When we receive Your blessing, help us "sacrifice it, pour it out, do with it what common sense says is an absurd waste."