Get Me a Drink of Water

1 Chronicles 11:15-19

The Civil War ended in 1865. John Logan was the Federal General at that time. He called for the first formal day of remembrance on May 30, 1868. School children brought flowers to the graves of the soldiers who died in the war. From that day on this became an official day of remembrance for individuals who died for their country.

Today is May 28. As Armenians, we also remember our independence day. Historically, we gained our independence form the Ottoman Empire on May 28, 1918. Unfortunately, this phase in our history lasted for a few years. And thank God we have our new independent and free Armenia. We too remember all the brave individuals who sacrificed their life for their country.

There is a famous monument on the island of Iwo Jima. Five soldiers are holding the flag. The middle soldier is John Bradley. After World War II, John returned to his home in Wisconsin. He was rewarded the Navy Cross for saving fellow soldiers’ lives, yet he did not want to speak about the war, or get more attention. The only time he said something about that event was to his son, James. He said: “The heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who didn’t come back.”

We honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a noble cause. We honor sacrifices that were made by some people, and because of their sacrifice, we have independent countries today.

Last Sunday we read what Jesus said about the quality of friendship: “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:14).

We read in I Chronicles that King David who had several outstanding “chiefs” in his army. They were great soldiers. Three of those came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adulam. Their enemies were the Philistines, who had settled in Bethlehem.

David has the desire of drinking water from Bethlehem. You have to see that Palestine is a dry land. Having water to drink is sometimes like finding gold. Three soldiers risked their lives and moved into the enemy lines to get a drink of water for their king. They brought the water to King David. Suddenly David woke up from his egocentrism. He saw that his action was not justifiable. So he offered his water to God. He gave his desire to God. David turned to God.

I wish all leaders of the world could learn to turn to God. I hope every leader will examine their conduct of why one should go to war. There have been thousands of wars in history and some happening even now at this time in history. Some of them are for helping and protecting the innocent from evil. But also there are wars when the egocentrism and dirty political maneuvers are the motivation. What a waste!

We read in Gen. 35:14 that Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering.

David offered his “desired” water to God. He repented of his selfishness. He honored those soldiers who risked their lives for a drop of water. “‘God forbid that I should do this!’ he said. ‘Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?’” (vs. 19).

Today we remember our soldiers and honor their memory. We pray that leaders all over the world (civil, military, public services, etc…) will honor God in their decisions.