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CARING FOR THE SHEEP (1 SAMUEL 25:2-8)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Caring for the sheep.” To care for the sheep means to look after and provide for their needs. We shall reflect on the fact that we have the responsibility of stewardship to care for the properties of others as believers.

Dear friend, one of the remarkable signs of a true believer and a steward is the ability to care for the property of others. David provided security for Nabal’s sheep and shepherds in the wilderness and out of that kind gesture he asked Nabal who was wealthy to provide refreshment for his men. “While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours! 7 “‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you…” (1 Samuel 25:4-8) It is important to remember that David cared for Nabal’s sheep at a time when his own life was in danger. It was the same time King Saul was after his life. Irrespective of that perilous and challenging moment of David’s life in the wilderness, he took care of the sheep of Nabal by providing them security. This a good example for us to follow. It is a good example of good neighbourliness. We must show concern or take care of the properties of other people as part of our Christian stewardship. When we come across children or animals neighbours in distress, we must do everything within our power to help them. In some instances, it may be a person’s house, shop or car that may be in danger of being burnt or destroyed. We are called upon to do the needful by offering assistance to secure the said property. Jesus’s profound statement sums up today’s lesson when he said “…in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Beloved in the Lord, we should always remember that one good turn deserves another. In other words, let us not be ungrateful to people who have helped us or continue to support us. If someone does you a favour, you should take the chance to repay it or be ever ready to return the favour. It is, for this reason that David sent word to Nabal, “…be favourable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’” (1 Samuel 25:8) In other words, David is asking Nabal to consider the service he rendered to him in the past and give him and his men for food and drinks to feed on in the wilderness. Is this too much to ask for, certainly not! We must learn to remember the good deeds of people and reward them accordingly. It is a motivation for people to continue doing good in our society. Let us encourage good neighbourliness through acts of gratitude.

In summary, we have discovered that we have the responsibility of stewardship to care for the properties of others as believers. May the Lord bless our efforts even as we care for other people.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit grant us the strength to show concern and care for others, especially in their challenging moments. Amen.