Veterans Day provides each of us the opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who have served in any and every way in the United States Armed Services. For you we are grateful. Regardless of your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), you willingly put on a uniform, made an oath, and prepared yourself to protect the freedoms of the rest of your nation.
For those reasons we honor you today.
As I considered Veterans Day today, I remembered a story from the Old Testament that is apropos for today and this week.
David Poured Water Out in Honor of His Military Mighty Men
The Bible catalogs many military battles. In one particular story the Philistines occupy Bethlehem. As David talks to his might men, he says he would love to have a drink from the well there. Three of the greatest of these men broke through the Philistine front and retrieved some water for David. Here are the details.
16 So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. (2 Samuel 23:16-17)
David responded in humility and honor for the water that was brought to him.
Notice Who and What David Honored
David honored the men who risked their lives to bless him and honored God.
The men risked their own blood to fetch David a drink. Their act of valor demonstrated their commitment and bravery. They loved David.
David poured it out on the ground as a drink offering. Essentially he recognized God’s grace in providing him the mighty men who served him and for God’s safety to them.
Today, we stop to do the same. We honor all those men and women of the Armed Services who willingly risked their lives by putting on a uniform. Today we live in freedom as a result of their personal sacrifice. Furthermore, we especially bring honor to God Whose protection, wisdom, and strength have undeservedly blessed us as a nation.
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