THURSDAY, JULY 1
“The king has offered a huge reward to anyone who kills him. He will give that man one of his daughters for a wife, and the man’s entire family will be exempted from paying taxes!” David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”
1 Samuel 17:25-26 (NLT2)
WHAT IS THE TRADE-OFF OF MY GOD-GIVEN BURDEN?
One morning R. C. Chapman, a devout Christian, was asked how he was feeling. “I’m burdened this morning! was his reply. But his happy countenance contradicted his words. So the questioner exclaimed in surprise, “Are you really burdened, Mr. Chapman?” “Yes, but it’s a wonderful burden, it’s an overabundance of blessings for which I cannot find enough time or words to express my gratitude!” Seeing the puzzled look on the face of his friend, Chapman added with a smile, “I am referring to Psalm 68:19, which fully describes my condition. In that verse the Father in heaven reminds us that He ‘daily loads us with benefits.’”
In 1 Samuel 17, the entire army of Israel had decided the risk of fighting Golaith was not worth the reward of no taxes and marrying into royalty. David decided the cost of letting Goliath continue was not worth doing nothing.
Reflection
Jesus made it clear there was a cost and a risk involved in following Him. But He also made it clear that the rewards of losing your life for Him were far greater than trying to hold on and live for yourself. Is God asking you to step out in faith in any area of your life? What’s the cost of disobedience and what’s the reward of obedience?
Praise
Thank God for the promise of heavenly rewards that will last for eternity.
