A Generous Savior for the Weak

1 Samuel 30:23–24 (ESV) But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”

This passage seems pointless to the reader longing for a resolution to David's plight in running from Saul. He has recovered his wives, children and possessions. He has secured a great victory for his men. Yet upon return from the battle, some men the Bible calls, "worthless fellows" in David's army suggested that not everyone was worthy of a share in the spoils of war. They are referring to the 200 men who are described as "too exhausted to cross the brook Besor" in verse 10 of the chapter. They stayed behind while David and his 400 men went after the Amalekite raiders.

David totally rejects the suggestion of the worthless fellows and emphatically declares that all will receive his share of the spoils. This is a picture of God's attitude toward all who work in the kingdom. Every part of God's mission matters and every part will be rewarded.

There are some who suggest that only vocational Christian workers are truly deserving of being rewarded. This is not true. A passage straight from the mouth of Jesus demands us to consider those who help and support Christian missionaries and leaders worthy of the same kind of rewards.
Matthew 10:41 (ESV) The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 

Or consider Paul's attitude about the mission of the Gospel regarding himself, Apollos and others.

1 Corinthians 3:8 (ESV) He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

And how Paul regards the body of Christ as a whole:

1 Corinthians 12:21–22 (ESV) The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable...

Every part of God's work is meaningful and valuable. Every part. Those who pray for the minister share in the minister's reward. Those who give to the missionary share in that missionary's reward. This is the mindset of God. In David's case, the men who were too exhausted to cross the brook did something less tiresome yet also important - they stayed with the baggage ready to defend it from further raids. 

This is what it means to work in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian should embed this truth in their heart. For our motivation to serve and give and pray should be at least partly based on the fact that every effort matters and every effort is rewarded. Otherwise, the Bible would not be so clear about these truths. Remember, later in that passage above, Jesus talked about a cup of cold water given in His name being rewarded (Matthew 10:42). God is good with you working for the heavenly rewards. It's encouraged.

So the question is simply this: are you doing ANYTHING to help the cause of Christ? Because this is where I see many self-professed Christians failing. They consider that since the "real work" is in the mission field or vocational ministry, their efforts are meaningless. Such belief undercuts what could be much valuable help in the cause of Christ. 

You see, like David here Christ is coming with His reward to give to each one according to his works. None will be missed, all will be accounted. Even those who are too weak for the bigger efforts are considered worthy of reward in the heart of Christ. How blessed is that! So get busy storing treasure where no thief will ever steal.