LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR OCTOBER 1, 2022 : THE AGED BARZILLAI
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Saturday, October 1, 2022.
World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day, International Day of Older Persons; Nigeria’s Independence Day.
THE AGED BARZILLAI
Read: 2 Samuel 19:31-39
[31]And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
[32]Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
[33]And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
[34]And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
[35]I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
[36]Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
[37]Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
[38]And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
[39]And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
MEMORISE: The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31).
EXPOSITION
Discussing the Aged Barzillai on today which tallies as World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day, International Day of Older Persons and NIgeria’s National Day is not out of place. No matter what you may be passing through i in life, there would be some people that you can still count on. Even when the whole world is turning around against you, there would be someone ready to stand by you. Barzillai was a person in David’s life, when David was battling with Absalom’s rebellion that made him to abdicate the throne for the wilderness. When the likes of Mephiboseth waited in Jerusalem for when his grandfather’s kingdom would be restored to him (2 Sam. 16:3,4), and Ahithophel giving Absalom support (2 Sam. 15:12; 16:15-23), Barzillai was with King David, as a burden-bearer. What a loyal subject he was! You need this kind of people around you, who wouldnt desert you when needed most. They don’t add salt to injuries. Like the Samaritan in Luke chapter 10, they are ready to spend and be spent to meet your needs.
The hallmark of Barzillai’s benevolence to David came when it was time for David to return to the city when the crisis was over. David asked him to go with him to Jerusalem so as to return his favour. He Objected on the ground of old age. What a wise old man Barzillai was! Very considerate, unlike the foolish Nabal (1 Sam. 25:2ff)
Check your heart: Who are you; a pillar of support or caterpillar to pull others down? It is glaring that this man showed character because the fear of God and loyalty to the king. After all, he wasnt the only aged man there. Learn from Barzillai, who donated a younger person to enjoy the life in the palace, instead of himself. May God help you to demonstrate godly virtues, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Please Lord, don’t let good people, who are encouragers, be scarce around me.
2. Make me like the kind-hearted and supportive Barzillai for many people who need to be cared for around me.
3. Those who are shattered by one life challenge or the other, O Lord, come to their aid and give them succour and pernanent solution.
HYMN FOR TODAY: CAC GHB 694
1. Blest be the tie that binds
Our heart in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
2. Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
3. We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
4. When we asunder part.
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Matthew 11 – 13