What About Compassion

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 (NKJV)

David, who is on the run from Saul, shows up at the temple in Nob. When the Ahimelech the priest sees him, he knows something is off because David is by himself. David makes up a lie and tells him; he is on a secret mission for the king. David asks for something to eat, and Ahimelech says he has nothing but the showbread on the alter. The showbread was put on the alter as a perpetual offering, symbolizing God's constant fellowship with Israel. The bread could only be eaten by priests after they had replaced it with freshly baked bread. Ahimelech asks David if he had been kept from women, and David say he has been kept from women for three days and his vessel has been kept holy. Putting compassion over religious laws, Ahimelech gives David the bread to eat.

When asked about his disciples plucking grain on the sabbath, Jesus says in Mathew 12:3-4, "He answered, ‘Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.’" Jesus emphasizes that mercy and compassion should take precedence over strict adherence to religious rules, as seen in David's actions when hungry. Jesus warns against superficial worship and encourages genuine love and reverence for God, rather than ritualistic practices. These lessons encourage believers to prioritize compassion and understanding in their interactions with others and in their relationship with God.

Choose to be like Ahimelech and be willing to help those in need. Recognize the situation and the need for immediate assistance, just as Ahimelech understood the urgency of David's request. Trust in God's provision and the divine guidance that leads you to help those who are in need, even when it may seem unconventional or against the norm. Allow God to direct your actions and decisions, trusting that He will provide the right path for your action to be beneficial and meaningful. Remember it's about compassion; the compassion Jesus had for us when he went to the cross.