A Full Share

Never underestimate the Bible. We find truth and wisdom on every page. I was reminded of this recently in talking about the aftermath of a battle that David had with the Amalekites. In this battle there was a group of soldiers that did not go out to the front line, but rather stayed behind with the baggage. Following the battle, those who went to the front line wanted a larger share of the spoils than those who stayed behind. But David was having none of it. Listen to what he says,

“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.” And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day (1 Samuel 30:24–25.)

What an encouragement that there are no little roles, and by extension no little people in the kingdom of God. Those who stay with the baggage receive the same share as those on the front line. There are so many roles in the service of the kingdom. Some we see regularly, those who preach, teach, or lead music. Others labor in obscurity; back in the hallways of the nursery, or tucked away in an office paying bills and balancing budgets. Some personalities stand out, while others prefer to operate in the shadows. But all are judged equally in the kingdom of our God.

So what role are you carrying out for the kingdom? It may be your time and place to shine, smack dab in the middle of the front line. Terrific! Those roles are needed. On the other hand your station in life, gifts or personality may have you tucked away; a necessary support role for the active mission of Christ. Know this, in the Lord’s army all receive a full share.

See you on the dance floor.

Tonight as the Big Band plays, I expect we will see some really young kids out on the dance floor. Maybe we will also see some folks out there who danced to those tunes back in the 1940’s when they were first popular. Some of those guys could probably teach us some moves!

What a delightful image of the church -- gathering together, enjoying good music, out on the same dance floor -- the tiniest of tinies together with the oldest folks in our church family.

Isn’t it marvelous?

When we gather together to worship this Sunday, look around you. Find some kids. They’re the ones standing on their chairs during the songs so they can see the worship leaders. They’re the ones crinkling packages of fruit snacks during the sermon. They’re the ones waving the colorful flags during the closing song.

This is just as it should be.

This is the church. This is the body of Christ.

Each Sunday morning as a church body all the generations gather together, worshipping and soaking in God’s word. Some of us are still and quiet, some of us wiggle and ask questions. And all of us are on the same dance floor together.

~ Debbie Bukovietski