When Laws Bless Third Parties

Scripture: So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the Lord, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day when it was taken away. 1 Samuel 21:6

Observation: The giving of the showbread to David is an event Jesus himself refers to when discussing the applicability of the laws. In this case, the showbread are loaves of bread set before the Lord. The loaves stay there some time, then are replaced and become the share for the priests. It is therefore interesting to note that David did not take the showbread from the alter, but instead was given the bread that had been replaced.

This bread was now the priest's, and he gave it away. He did confirm the recipients were ceremonially clean first, but with that condition only then he gave them this food, which had served its purpose before the Lord and was now returned to the hands of men. This is similar to the challenge levied on Jesus when his disciples eat grain on the sabbath. The law may have firm rules defined by the Lord, but in the end it provides goodness for men.

In the case of the sabbath, it exists so that men will honor the Lord with their time and thoughts, however with that honor in their hearts it does not prevent men from subsisting or require their suffering. In the case of the bread, it exists to honor the Lord as a visible reminder of his provision, but is replaced before is goes bad explicitly so it may be eaten in a manner that remembers the Lord as provider. David likely remembers this better than even the priests.

Application: The laws and teaching of Jesus exist to first honor the Lord, and second to help me ... and others. When I am told to love others, doing so - or even just remembering to try to do so - honors the Lord with respect for his creation and for those whom he loves. Following through brings peace to my heart. However, it may also bring something to others. In the case of David, the bread was first for the Lord, then the priests, but they gave it to David and his men.

Today, my obedience to the Lord will honor him, then it may do me some good, but it also may do someone else some good. This may, in the end, be more significant in the long run.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you today as you would guide me. I seek your spirit upon me so I may do you will, and in doing perhaps someone will be blessed beyond the obvious and basic outcome of any earthly action. Amen.