1 Samuel 29-30, Jeremiah 30, Luke 17:20-37, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 62: I have read the story of David and his men going back to Ziklag many times. Today as I read it what jumped out to me is how David treated the Egyptian slave they found who had been a part of the party who had invaded Ziklag. The slave had been left to die by the Amalekites who had invaded. He had been sick and they did not have time to tend to him. When David and his men found them they gave him food and water. They gave him time to revive. Then they asked questions about the invading Amalekites. The slave made a deal with them that if they would not kill him he would lead them to the Amalekite camp and that is exactly what he did.
As I pondered this I thought about how we treat those even in the family of faith who may have gotten sick along the way. Do we abandon them because we are on a mission and they are expendable? Do we consider the cost and just leave them behind feeling like to take the time to help them heal is too costly. I think about people who may not be physically ill but have emotional illnesses. I have heard it said that Christians are often guilty of shooting their wounded. I don’t know if we shoot them or we just treat them like this slave and leave them behind. This Egyptian man still had value and with a little time, taking care of his physical needs and listening to him he was able to provide for David and his men the information to retrieve their family members and possessions.
I wonder who in your family of faith could use a listening ear? Who could use and invitation to come back to church? Who would benefit from a meal you provide? Who is a wounded soldier that is valuable enough for you to just see and recognize? May we all spend a few minutes in prayer today for the wounded in our family of faith and when God prompts us call, text, invite, encourage or just be there with that wounded one. May we see their true value and be willing to help. As the military says, We leave no one behind.