QT 4/17/2023 2 Sam 19:31-37, The gift of giving

2 Samuel 19:31–37 (ESV) —

31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.”

 

NOTE: I suppose as I approach retirement, passages of "old men" appeal to me. Barzillai was 80, aged, and of immense service to David in his time of need. He was a wealthy man and funded David's staff and army while David was over the Jordan. There is no single rule when it comes to wealth. Barzillai's wealth allowed him to be useful in God's plan, but I don't believe God would have used him if he was just collecting funds and not already giving. Those people are rarely generous. The truly generous are those who have made a lifetime of giving to others.

 

Most of the verses in the new testament when they deal with rich men are negative. Riches are a great danger. And true riches are found in eternal things, not temporal. One of the few positive verses is found in one of Paul's last letter written to his spiritual son, Timothy.

 

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

 

There is a lot in this passage. There are principles for wealth in this and the story of Barzillai.

1. Proper handling of wealth requires a lifetime of generosity (inferred from Barzillai)
2. Wealth can lead to haughtiness and pride. The wealthy need to take active steps to remain humble, to see themselves as no more deserving than anyone else
3. Wealth can cause us to put our hope in our riches and not in God. The wealthy need to pray, more than anyone, because it is not their riches which gives them confidence, but God
4. Wealth can cause us to live for ourselves. The wealthy need always be thinking on new ways to use their wealth for good works
5. The desire for riches can cause us to be selfish. The wealthy need to be generous and always ready to share. This takes a lifetime of practice, and is not just money, but time
6. The wealthy need to store up treasure in heaven. Every use of the funds God has given stores up an even greater treasure in heaven

 

Today, I would have to admit, that I am wealthy. But will I be wealthy tomorrow? If I am, then I must never forget the principles that have brought me where I am today.

 

PONDER:

1. Which of the six principles is a weakness in my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I do enjoy giving; but my retirement will seemingly reduce my giving. I know that if you provide more, that is just more to give. And if you don't, there is still much that I can give. I would love to be a Barzillai who refreshes the saints. And I will be, as much as I can be.