This past weekend, I taught at a local conference of Christian leaders. I spoke about some amazing lessons God taught me about grace a few years back. The message still warms my heart.
This is a Bible story that you’ve probably read, but rarely heard taught at church — I never had. It’s the story of David, of his Mighty men, of agonizing defeat, and ultimately of God’s amazing and surprising grace. The story takes place by a little stream in the desert of Israel called …the “Brook Besor”.
Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of it. Few have.
But, as author Max Lacado says, “This story deserves shelf space in the library of the ‘well worn’. It’s a story that speaks tender words to tired hearts.” This narrative needs to be told again and again.
David was returning to the Brook Besor after defeating a group of bandits who had raided and looted his home town and his own family. 1 Samuel 30:21 tells us, “Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them.”
David didn’t berate his tired men. He didn’t belittle them or charge them with being quitters, as some thought he should. No, David extended grace to those tired souls. He “greeted” them, affirmed them and encouraged them. What a wonderful picture of God’s heart of mercy.
Did you know that God treats you with the same unmerited favor? Some define “grace” as getting what you don’t deserve. The good news today is that sometimes it’s OK to rest. God loves you and is for you. He understands. If you feel weak — take time to rest. If you feel strong, remember, there will be a day when you will need to dip your sore feet in the cool waters of the Brook Besor. And that’s OK.
By the way, did you know that “Besor” means “Good News”?
I’ll see you at the Brook!
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor