25 Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Take the ark of God back into the city. IF I FIND FAVOUR in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling-place again. 2 Samuel 15
We said yesterday that in times of crises are inner natures are often revealed – no time to plan or prepare, we have to react to what’s upon us. David made all the preparations he could, but ultimately his hope rested in God’s Justice and Faithfulness.
David and all with him departed via the Mount of Olives, where another drama would be played out centuries later, when Jesus was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane.
16 When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine. 2 Samuel 16:1
Ziba, the man whom David had appointed to serve Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s lame son, had come out to bring him supplies. David and his followers must have been glad of the support, but he still asked Ziba two interesting questions.
2 The king asked Ziba, ‘Why have you brought these?’
David asked people questions, as did Jesus and sometimes their life depended on their answer. I see what you’ve done and I’m grateful, but WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVE? Man looks on the outside, God looks at the inside. David, who’s own heart had been laid bare wanted to know the motive behind this man’s good deeds.
3 The king then asked, ‘Where is your master’s grandson?’
David’s second question was about the servant Ziba’s master, Mephibosheth. David had charged him to look after Saul’s grandson and he wanted to know where he was in all that was happening. Was Ziba doing something for his Master or was he there on his own?
Those are two good questions in any situation, what’s the Motive and which Master are we serving? I read once that the Lord had told someone that there was a lot of ‘uncommanded work’ being done in the Church. We must never lose our connection with the Head of the Body and Christ is the only head. A recent word by Amanda Grace included the admonition, ‘Do not exalt pastors ABOVE MY NAME (we could add apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers). God alone is our source and our provider, look to Him, not to fallible men.
God bless and keep you today.