Stop or Go

1 Samuel 30:10-11

‘…two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the ravine. But David and four hundred men continued the pursuit. They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat.’

Red light is for stop, green is to go. No questions, plain standard. Now let’s run some questions. Scenario one is morning rain and comfy bed. Today is Monday so I’m sure it’s a green flag for most of you. But will you a hail a red one if your mom asks you to accompany her for an errand? Would you think twice when you’re teammate wouldn’t show up for your report anyway? Would Sunday be any different? Scenario two is dedicated to us moms. When do we pursue green flag to attend to our kids? Usually it’s a glad yes when they say please or add a hug or wear a smile, then a firm no when it’s a brat cry mixed with tantrums. How about when they just ask us to sit beside them to watch that  Disney movie again or be their extra hand in their play dough world? Is it a time-waster compared to our weightier workload? Will our tired bodies and tried hearts excuse us from taking time?

David here had his share of red and green lights too. But where we would normally stop, he kept going, and when there’s no stopping us, he gave a halt. After the Amalekites took their wives and children, God gave them a go for an overtake. But at a ravine cross, one-third of his men were too exhausted to further move. If this is not discouragement to you, how about logic? Tired and less-numbered, what were their chances? But David still flashed green. On their way, they found a helpless nobody in a field. Compared to the urgency of rescuing your wife and kids, this poor man stands second in line. ‘Wait ‘til we get back’ could be a good answer. But not for David. He took time to give him water and food to eat. Mind you, fig and raisin cakes. That’s special. And why not just leave the goods at his feet and let him attend to himself? Why take time to help him up? But David’s kindness paid him well. Like a fairy in disguise in Grimm tales, this slave was God-sent to lead them to the raiding party. A few minutes stop spared them from hours of wandering around. Helping one slave brought back their all. Sharing a few cake brought home a plunder. Fair exchange?

What’s our stop and go standard?

Is it mood dependent? Call us in when we’re blessed, understand us when we’re not?

Is it schedule oriented? Do we have that ‘don’t call me I’ll call you’ mindset?   

Is it relationally connected? A hundred for my friends, spare change to strangers?

How did David choose? What would Jesus do? What's yours?