The King's Spoil
Good morning, Immanuel. By grace alone, we share in the victory and accomplishments of Christ our King.
“Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, ‘Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.’ But David said, ‘You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike” (1 Samuel 30:24).
After David and his men returned from rescuing their families and possessions from the Amalekites, division arose in the camp. Some of the men who had fought with David did not want to share the spoils of war with those who were too exhausted to fight. David's response, however, is instructive. He reminded them that any spoils they had acquired were truly gifts from the Lord, not rewards for their labor. They had not obligated God to reward them through their actions; rather, God had generously given them victory and the spoils of war. Therefore, those who engaged in battle and those who stayed by the baggage would equally share in the blessings.
David's wise response points to the greater and better King and His gracious dealings with us. When Jesus triumphed on our behalf through His crucifixion and resurrection, He intended to share the spoils with all of us. Whether we were distant or near, black or white, rich or poor, He is pleased to share the riches of His victory with us! Indeed, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, and this is not based on anything we have done but solely on grace.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). In Christ, the basis of our hope is not what we merit through deeds but what we receive through grace. Brothers and sisters, by grace alone, we have the honor of sharing in the King’s spoils. Praise the risen Christ!