GIVE IT TO THEM
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 17-19

In reading verses 31through 40 of 2 Samuel 19, I'm amazed at the love exhibited by Barzillai for his son.

If you will recall from 2 Samuel 17:17:27-29, Barzillai was one of the men who helped David when David had to escape Jerusalem for his life when Absalom was intent upon killing him.

When this threat was over, David went back to find Barzillai and reward him for his kindness. He offered to take Barzillai with him to Jerusalem and set him up in a home and care for him there.

Barzillai kindly passed on the offer, stating he was too old--but he asked David to convey this blessing upon Barzillai's son, Kimham.

What a gift!

Barzillai loved his son that much.

Barzillai realized the scope of the offer David was presenting and in a fleeting moment knew it would best suit his son and his future, so he passed it on to him.

It reminds me of a poem by Ruth Bell Graham. It's one she wrote as she was praying and waiting for her prodigal to return from the far country. A poem in which she speaks of giving up her place in heaven just to know her son would be there.

IF I COULD STAND ASIDE
If I could stand aside
and see
him walking through
Those Splendor'd Gates
thrown wide
instead of me--
If I could yield my place
to this, my boy,
the tears upon my upturned face
would be
of joy!

My heart is full this morning as I read this passage and recall this poem to know that all God offers me is more than enough for me--and all those I love! I don't have to choose whether I get it or they get it, we can both have it. I don't have to determine if God has enough to go around, He has more than enough. I don't have to portion out God's love and mercy and grace, it is abundantly flowing into my life and into the lives of those I love!