A Great Gift From Great Friends

Pastor James C. Ward

August 24, 2025

Sunday Morning

2^nd Samuel 23:15-17

(15) And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! (16) And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord. (17) And he said, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

Introduction

The children of Israel were in battle with the Philistines. There was constant warfare between these two nations. It mimicked the constant battle between good and evil, between right and wrong, and between construction and destruction. Although David’s mighty men wanted to protect him, he would always lead them into battle.

At the time of out text, David and his men were on an offensive campaign. While on this campaign, the enemy had taken control of his hometown of Bethlehem and had built a parameter around it. After this campaign would be successfully completed, there were plans to free Bethlehem and other cities.

David became homesick and was thinking out loud. Allow me to paraphrase: “Boy, I wish I could get a drink of water from one of the wells of my hometown. The well by the gate has some of the best water in the world. It is naturally cooled and so refreshing. Just to get something from my hometown would be emotionally soothing, because I am really feeling homesick.”

Three of his mighty men overheard David as he articulated his thoughts. These mighty men sneaked through the enemy lines at Bethlehem, drew some water from the well by the gate, and returned to their camp with the water. They presented it to David as a pleasant surprise.

David was dumbfounded when the water was presented to him. He realized he was more than their leader; they were friends and comrades. He realized he had more than authority; he also had influence.

David looked at the water and said, “These men risked their lives just so I could get a drink of water from a well in Bethlehem. They went through the battle lines and risked arrows and spears just for me. I can’t drink this water. I have to give it to God. So, I will build an altar, and I will pour it out as an offering to God. God has blessed me with such good friends. God has blessed me with a home that I love.”

This simple story has much profound meaning. As we celebrate Homecoming/Family and Friends Day, let’s look a three of these great truths.

Exposition

1. A Reminiscence Of Home Interpreted As A Call To Action.

(A Relationship That Surpassed Authority.)

(It Did Not Defy Authority – It Augmented Authority.)

2. A Response With Readiness.

(Results Without A Ruckus.)

(They Quietly Went In, Drew The Water, And Returned.)

(This Was Not The Time For Combat.)

3. A Reverence For God.

(A Release Of The Water For Worship.)

(The Water Became Sacred.)

(This Is What Paul Tillich calls “Holy Waste.”)

Closing Thoughts

David’s three mighty men brought him an invaluable gift. Let us think of the many mighty men and wonderful women who have given us so many invaluable gifts. We are the beneficiaries of their legacies. They opened doors that they could not walk through themselves. We are picking the fruit from trees we did not plant. We are supported by friends and family members right now. They pray for us constantly and give us advice and constructive criticism.

Just as David used the water to glorify God, we are obligated to use our gifts to glorify God. David’s physical thirst became subordinate to his thirst to worship God in appreciation for his loyal friends. No matter who brought it, all good gifts received come from our heavenly Father.

These men were genuine friends of David. However, Jesus is the greatest friend one can have. There is no greater friend than one that will give his life for another. Jesus gave His life on the cross of Calvary. “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No, not one! No, not one!”

Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!