The three mighty men loved David enough to risk their lives
to obtain that which he desired, water from the well at Bethlehem. David inspired great love and great risk
among his intimates. Jonathan was
willing to lay aside his claim to the kingship of Israel in favor of David and
other men were willing to do extraordinary things not to win his favor but,
seemingly, simply because of love for him.
David was always willing to risk greatly as well and this inspired those
around him to take great risks. David recognizes
their love and their risk and pours out the water he so desired and for which
they risked their lives. Does he dishonor
their sacrifice? No, he wants to
dissuade them from taking such risks on his behalf. He recognizes that he is unworthy of such
love that anyone would lay down his life for David’s sake. That should be our attitude towards Jesus’
sacrifice on our behalf and yet He has done so therefore we should humbly
accept it, thank Him and take up our own cross and follow Him.
John records the first “sign” that Jesus performed as the
changing of water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. It was a private affair, only the disciples,
Mary, and those who had drawn the water were aware of this act. Mary prevails upon Jesus to do something to
avoid the embarrassment of the hosts of the wedding feast, perhaps partially
caused by Jesus bringing the disciples along to the feast. Initially, Jesus responds that it is not His responsibility
but then decides that this is an opportunity to show this new group of
disciples He has gathered something of His greatness. This would have produced an enormous volume of
wine and of the best quality. John tells
us that the result was the disciples believed in Him. What did they believe? For John, belief is a continuum, they believe
more and more as they see more signs. It
is true of us as well, our faith should grow as we walk with Him.
How can a child show love for a parent? They can bring gifts, display affection, or
they can obey. I can show love for my
wife by being faithful to her, doing those things that please her, and
refraining from things that hurt or displease her. John says that we show love for Jesus by keeping
his commandments, including loving one another.
Our obedience to His commandments shows that we value His sacrifice and
love Him and want to please Him rather than causing Him grief over us. John says that, in fact, those who don’t keep
His teaching aren’t from Him because if they were their one desire would be to,
as Paul wrote, walk worthy. The best way
to acknowledge our unworthiness to receive His sacrifice is to begin to do our
best, in the power of the Spirit, to walk worthy from henceforth. A good New Year’s resolution if I ever heard
one.
O come, all ye
faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye,
to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore
Him,
O come, let us adore
Him,
O come, let us adore
Him,
Christ the Lord.
True God of true God,
Light from Light Eternal,
Lo, He shuns not the
Virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father,
begotten, not created;
Refrain
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