The Benefits Of Showing Appreciation

Appreciation Banquet

Sermon - The Benefits of Showing Appreciation

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23: 1-5, 13-17 “These are the last words of David: “David, the son of Jesse, speaks—David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel. “The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue. The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: ‘The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’ “Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success.”

13-17 “Once during the harvest, when David was at the cave of Adullam, the Philistine army was camped in the valley of Rephaim. The Three (who were among the Thirty—an elite group among David’s fighting men) went down to meet him there. David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem. David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” So, the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord. “The Lord forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So, David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.”

I want you to consider the benefits of showing appreciation. The ministry of appreciation is lifted throughout the biblical record. Abraham purchased a slave girl companion for Sarah when she was barren just to show his appreciation and love. Elkanah had two wives. The Bible contrasts Peninnah, who had children, and Hannah, who was barren. The Rabbis state that Hannah was Elkanah's first wife; after they had been married for ten years, and he saw that Hannah bore him no children, he also took Peninnah as a wife. Elkanah showered Hannah with many gifts during her barrenness. Those special gifts made Hannah’s life more bearable.

One of the most unique examples in the Old Testament is related to us as King David is writing his memoirs listing the names of his mighty men. Memoirs allow us to see perspective outside of our own and teach us empathy and compassion. This helps to broaden our general knowledge of the world, different cultures and human experiences. Memoirs are inspiring and empowering. Directed by God, David records the actions of three of his mighty men who went above and beyond the call of duty. Their act of devotion paints a beautiful picture of the high level of appreciation they showed to David. Their gift came at the perfect time. In a moment of despair, when David heard that the Philistines were coming, he went down to the stronghold. The stronghold represents the place of prayer. Every time David encountered a battle, he got down on his knees and sought God's guidance. Now in this hold, God seemed to be silent, and David’s patience was wearing thin. David longed for a refreshing drink from the well of his hometown, Bethlehem. Despite overwhelming obstacles, the mighty three overcame the enemy and brought the water to David. They were not commanded to do this, but they acted out of love and appreciation for David! Similarly, when we show appreciation, it is an act of devotion and gratitude because we love the person! Showing appreciation involves preparation, labor, time, effort, and sacrifice, and sometimes overcoming barriers that are thrown in our path by the enemy. Have you ever noticed how many interruptions and diversions seem to present themselves when you are getting ready for appreciation events? Sometimes personal difficulties may arise, inner conflicts may occur, disagreements develop and even a lack of interest in the event, all because Satan does not want believers to celebrate each other.

David refused to drink this water for his personal use, he chose to pour out this water as an offering before the Lord! It might seem like these three men had wasted their time and effort. But no, David considered their act to be so significant that he honored their gift by using it as a special precious offering to the Lord and recorded this deed in his memoirs. Many would have been ready to risk their lives in carrying out some service for the benefit of the kingdom; but these mighty men were ready to face death in order to do something that was wholly for the gratification and the desire of David. They broke through the host of the Philistines, drew water from the well, and brought it to David. This act of devotion delighted the heart of David, and he sees in it a sacrifice of which the Lord alone is worthy. So, refusing to drink the water, he pours it out before the Lord.