I Chronicles 11

“Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it” (v19).  God appointed David as a “shepherd” king for Israel (v2), which meant that along with power came the responsibility to care for the people.  The relationship between the king and his loyal “mighty men” demonstrated this best; he highly valued the warriors who risked their lives to serve and support him.  Instead of drinking the precious water they brought him, he “poured it out to the Lord” (v18).

“And David became greater and greater …” (v9).  David was greatest when he was most aware of the needs of his people.  God-honoring leadership – like Jesus himself – seeks the good of others.