THE COMPANY WE KEEP

1 Samuel 30:26-31
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

David Destroys the Amalekites

26 When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies,” he said.

27 The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, 28 Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, 29 Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, 30 Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, 31 Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.

Today’s devotion is not a test of pronouncing these towns in various parts of Israel. Rather the focus is on the building of healthy alliances.

By distributing part of the plunder of war to the elders in various parts of Israel, David wisely promoted goodwill with potential allies. He understood the importance of planning for the future and of building relationships based upon trust and mutual benefits that would serve him well in the years ahead. Believers who look for and participate in strong alliances build a store of relational resources that can be of immeasurable value in times of change or crisis.

All of us have a need for fellowship, encouragement and accountability. Given a choice, few people would opt for the years of isolation experienced by Robinson Crusoe as over against the family ties enjoyed by the Swiss Family Robinson. The body of Christ provides a network of personal and group alliances that are critical to our physical and spiritual well-being.