Thanks to the ‘Barzillais’ in the World! (WHO!?)

~By Sharon Czerwien

Used by permission from Wix

I've recently heard many examples of creatively gracious people! When I recently read about Barzillai in the Old Testament, I knew I had to write a blog about this topic.

I wanted to share examples of kind gestures, and how the impact of these gestures are much greater than the giver may ever realize.

Let’s jump in with one Bible example and two “nowaday” examples!

Barzillai (2 Samuel)

For a quick context, King David’s own son (Absalom) had been chasing after his father to kill him. At the beginning of 2 Samuel 17, Absalom wanted to strike David while David was weary and weak, and he wanted to bring fear to his father. Many plans were made, and many advisors helped in the evil scheme to overthrow the King.

In 17:27, we are introduced to several other men—one being Barzillai! (Honestly, I had originally read over these names quickly and without much thought…more on that in a second.)

Barzillai and a few others had graciously and generously brought beds, basins, and a great variety of food for David and his men to feel refreshed in the wilderness while they aimed to steer clear of Absalom. There must have been much prep work on the front end.

A day or two after I read 2 Samuel 17, I read chapter 19.  As I read 19:31-39, I kept seeing the same name repeated—Barzillai. I thought to myself, have I seen this name before??? He seems like an important guy because of his interactions with King David.

I then did a search on my phone's Bible app, and sure enough Barzillai was one of the awesome men who had generously provided for King David and his men.

To fast forward, King David then wanted Barzillai to return with him to Jerusalem so that he could provide for any of Barzillai’s needs.

Long story short, because of Barzillai’s older age, he wanted to stay in his own city versus going to Jerusalem with David. The King blessed Barzillai, though, and I am sure the “goodbye” was sad.

Good ole Barzillai, though! He generously gave—even in the midst of potential danger.

King David was in a very bumpy time in life, and he was certainly blessed by Barzillai and the others. Thanks, Barzillai and friends!

Cheryl H.

I was recently blessed when my mom told me a story about a lady from my parents' Sunday School class. My dad recently taught and facilitated a Sunday School activity at a few tables in the classroom. One of the ladies in the class was unable to participate because of something health-related; so she chose to sit in the back instead.

My mom mentioned, in passing, about the actions of a sweet lady in the class (whom I have known since elementary school!). Her name is Ms. Cheryl.

Ms. Cheryl chose to go to the back to sit with the other lady during the activity. I was very touched by this gesture. This must have been a creative blessing for the other lady.

Honestly, the story was so sweet to hear because it reminded me that we can bless others in their bumps (whether great or small) just by seeing and acting on a need. Thanks, Ms. Cheryl!

Pastor Bob's Dentist

I recently heard a very touching story from Pastor Bob about the time he and his family were almost heading out of country as missionaries. A dentist willingly and completely took care of necessary dental work for Pastor Bob and his family before they headed overseas. Even when a more expensive mouth procedure had to be done with another specialist, Pastor Bob never owed anything.

What an amazing example of someone using personal resources and talents to take care of a missionary family in such a big way! Thanks, dentist!

In Conclusion

I get it...most of us are not wealthy and would not be able to supply a huge group of warriors with a wide variety of yummy food. I assume none of my readers will be able to take care of the mouth needs of traveling missionaries. PLUS, I also understand that some of my readers are quite introverted, and God may not put it on your heart to sit by and chit-chat with someone you may not know well.

God made us all different in personalities, talents, and resources. The way I may be able to encourage someone will be quite different from another. What I do know, however, is that there will be people YOU can creatively bless that I will never get the chance to take care of!

A sweet encouragement could be as simple as sending a text that reads, "I'm thinking about and praying for you today..." or an, "I know you're going through a rough time right now. Is there a specific way I can help you this week?" For some, delivering a meal is a perfect fit.

There are so many possibilities to be someone's Barzillai...or Cheryl...or Pastor Bob's dentist. How can we bless someone this week!?

~Let's Have Fun Getting Creative,

Sharon =]