WTM JOURNAL
by Yuri Solomon Godly leaders are often admired and served by their very grateful followers. Yet we must take heed to a sobering example of one of the greatest leaders of all times. Yuri Solomon holds degrees from Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute and the College of Biblical Studies. He is author of the book Biblical Masculinity. More info @ www.wordtalkonline.orgDon't Drink the Water
7/18/2007 / Devotionals
In 2 Samuel 23 David said to himself or perhaps in passing, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate." Yet three of his mighty men took David words very seriously, and without question or pause, they broke through the enemy lines and acquired the water of David's desire. The simple fact is they loved David. David was not only a good leader, but he was a good man. He did indeed deserve such loyalty, honor, value, and worth from those around him. However, what makes a good man good is he never counts his own value as high as others do. While David would give his life for any of his mighty men, he would never demand them to do so for him. David was awe-struck at the love of these men. David knew that this water was full of the blood sacrifice of worship. He knew that such devotion was not for his personal consumption. He says, "I can't drink this water! It's like the blood of these three men who risked their lives to get it for me." David was keenly aware that all water was not fit for human consumption. This was not the water to quench a thirst. Nor was it water of survival. For David, it would have been the water of pleasure, of leisure, of luxury. For his mighty men, it was the water of worship.
A leader must never consume the people's sacrifice for personal pleasure. The good godly leader will always be tempted through the love of his followers with personal worship. Know when something is offered to you that exclusively belongs to God. Don't drink the water!!! Pour it out as a drink offering to God.