2 Samuel 19:32-33(KJV)
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. And the king said to Barzillai, “Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem.
Barzillai, a wealthy man from Rogelim in Gilead during the reign of King David, is remembered for his unwavering loyalty to David when his son Absalom forced him to flee Jerusalem during a revolt. During David’s exile, Barzillai was among the few individuals who provided for the needs of his household. When the rebellion ended, Barzillai accompanied David and his followers to the shore of the Jordan River, where they crossed back into Judah on their way to Jerusalem. Despite being 80 years old, David invited Barzillai to return to Jerusalem with him. However, Barzillai respectfully declined and requested that his servant Chimham accompany the king. David granted Barzillai’s request and even blessed him when they parted. His kindness was further recognized after his death when David instructed his son Solomon to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. In addition to living a simple life, Barzillai used his wealth and influence to benefit others. He made a positive impact on others. Using his legacy, we can see how a person’s deep love for God and service to others can leave a lasting impression.
In a confusing world where love has grown cold and consideration for others has altered into cruel aggression, there is an increasing need for us to do good. Doing good deeds is evidence of our Christian faith. When we do good, we exhibit the character of God, for God continually does good. It is a blessing to do good. Indeed, God rewards the good works of those who persistently do good to others. Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” We must understand that life is essentially a seed-time and harvest-time adventure. No one ever gets out of life more than what he is willing to put into it. In this life, it takes love to impact people, so let everyone around us feel the impact of our lives. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” It is God’s expectation that we take advantage of any opportunity to do good and serve others according to our ability. Aaron Burr said, “Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.”
Beloved, never miss any opportunity that comes your way to do good, for in doing good, you are standing in the stead of God to supply the needs of people, and it pleases Him. Learn to do good, for you exhibit the character of God on earth when you do good. Doing good to individuals in your home, work, church, and community is carrying out duties to the Lord. During intense service to others, even amid others’ disappointment or disapproval, you can find joy in your motivation to serve the Lord first. God is not partial; He is a perfect and just Judge. Even if a man forgets, He will not forget. Therefore, whatever you do for His sake, expect to get considerable rewards from Him alone, and don’t look to a man. Start planting one good seed after another, and eventually, you’ll enjoy a good harvest. As Jesus went about doing good, stand up for Him, you soldier of the Cross, and lift high, His royal banner of goodness, for it must not suffer loss. Give value to others, for it is in your giving that your growth comes, for you cannot love without giving. Make life better for others today by loving and helping them. Be more interested in lifting people to greater heights. Remember that whatever you’ve been casting out there is always what you find down the road. Kindness isn’t so much what you do for yourself but what you do for others. Have a determination to show someone kindness which only God can repay. As you start this new day, the love of God shall overshadow your life. Today, receive the GRACE to make a mark on somebody’s life in Jesus’ Name!
O Lord, help me to do good unto all men in Jesus’ Precious Name.