Selfless Service
…serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13b
In his book Double Blessing, Mark Batterson notes that while the Old Testament is headlined by heroes such as Moses and David, it’s the supporting actors who can perhaps inspire us the most.
For example, without Aaron and Hur, Moses wouldn’t have had the perseverance to prevail in prayer and secure the victory against the Amalekites.
Without Jonathan, David wouldn’t have survived the murderous efforts of King Saul. And David wouldn’t have assumed the throne if it wasn’t for his thirty-seven mighty men.
Then there’s Barzillai. If you haven’t heard of him, you’re not alone. Yet he stands as one of the unsung heroes in David’s life.
Let me tell you his story.
Barzi-who?
When King David’s son, Absalom, sought to trigger a coup against his father, David fled Jerusalem. Once again, he found himself on the run and with limited resources. Then who should show up but a man from Gilead named Barzillai.
Scripture tells us two things about Barzillai. He was “very old” and “very wealthy” (2 Samuel 19:32). Barzillai supplied David (who had left the capital in haste) with sleeping mats, cooking pots, and serving bowls. He then served David and his escape party a smorgasbord of wheat, barley, lentils, honey, meat, and cheese.
Barzillai’s generosity probably saved David’s life. And David did not forget.
When the rebellion was quashed and David returned to Jerusalem to take back his throne, it was Barzillai who escorted the king across the Jordan River. David expressed his gratitude by actually inviting the old man to come and live with him.
However, Barzillai refused the offer, saying in effect, “Just to go across the Jordan River with the king is all the honor I need” (2 Samuel 19:36).
David’s response to the man was to “kiss him” and “bless him” (2 Samuel 19:38).
What a story of generosity! What an example a servant’s heart!
All the Honor I Need
Here’s something to contemplate as it relates to Barzillai. What if the joy of blessing others was the only honor we sought? What if all we desired was to add value to others? What if our chief goal in life was to help others cross the Jordan River?
At a time when so many simply look out for themselves or help out when there’s the promise of monetary reward, there’s something quite refreshing about the selfless example of Barzillai.
What if we would follow his lead? What if we would be more diligent to look for those who are struggling in a season of life? What if we were less calculating as it relates to recognition or reward?
The story of Barzillai is so inspiring to me. And perhaps it’s inspiring to you. Let’s not simply applaud it. Let’s emulate it.
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