(1 Sam 30:24) “For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.”
When we think of a missionary we think of supreme sacrifice. They’ve left all to follow the call. We tell ourselves that their reward will be great at the Gate. And ourselves? What have we done for the Lord? We surmise that our reward will be so dwarfed in comparison to the movers and shakers of the Christian faith. But did you know that if you support those who serve the Lord you will receive an equal reward? I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true!
In David’s absence the Philistines had plundered Ziklag of persons and property. So David gathered six-hundred men to pursue the Philistines. Along the way two-hundred of them were so weary they couldn’t continue. David put them in charge of staying by the supplies and went on with the four-hundred. The Philistines were attacked and defeated and their camp was plundered. After the victory march back some in the crowd of soldiers suggested they keep all the goods for themselves. They reasoned that the two-hundred who stayed behind didn’t deserve any reward because all they did was protect the supplies while the four-hundred did all the hands-on work. This is how the story continues:
(1 Sam 30:23-25) But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. {24} “For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” {25} So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
Well that’s not only a policy that was adopted for the Israelite army. It’s also a policy for us today in God’s army in Christ! Listen to the New Testament speak:
(Rom 10:13-15) For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” {14} How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
It is often been quoted that it takes from up to 10 support people to keep one fighting soldier in the field. And why would it be different in God’s army? If the missionary didn’t have your support then just imagine that missionary not being there winning people to Christ and making a difference for all of eternity.
So you see you are needed. Up in heaven you might try to hide on the back row but I guarantee you will be called up with the missionary to share in an equal reward!
Louie