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Tarried by the Stuff

Updated: Apr 24, 2022

How often have we grizzled and grumped that someone else didn't pull their own weight?

Or we've complained that others got to go somewhere and do something fantastic, and we got left behind with the stuff.


In 1 Samuel 30, the city Ziklag, given to David while he dwelt with the Philistines, was raided. When David and his men came back to find all their wives, children, and possessions gone, he and 600 men raced to pursue the invaders. However, 200 men were so faint they couldn't continue and tarried by the creek Besor.

After a fantastic victory in which David and the remaining 400 men recovered everything that was lost, the 200 men left behind came to meet David. The wicked men (and that is how the Bible describes them) grumbled saying,

"Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart." 1 Sam. 30:22

Do you know what David said in reply? "Ye shall not do so, my brethren." Then David made a new ordinance in Israel that day. Those that tarried by the stuff were given equal measure to those who went to battle, for neither job was more important than the other.


It reminded me of something the Apostle Paul once said,

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor. 3:6

How many of us have grumbled because we thought we were the only ones working? That we'd done the lion's share and ought to be so rewarded?


Or we've complained that someone else got to do the best part, and we got stuck with the thankless, boring bit?


What do you see in this picture? Do you see someone left behind or someone lazing about?

What you see is probably dependant on how you feel in this moment. I'm so thankful God isn't blinded by our prejudices. That we are all equal in His eyes. God is no respecter of persons, and that includes the jobs we do.


Don't be bitter towards those left to tarry by the stuff, and don't be jealous of those who went to battle.

"...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
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