In the twenty-third chapter of II Samuel there is a list of the heroes of the time of David. Among these there is mention of three men who displayed outstanding heroism in penetrating behind the enemy's lines to bring the king water from the well of Bethlehem. It is recorded that David, on receiving the water, poured it out rather than drink it. In this way he perhaps signified that the water, gained as the result of such selfless devotion, was too precious to be used in a material way.
A spiritual gift which is given us as a result of another's self-sacrifice and love is not to be used basely or for merely material ends. Selfless devotion to a spiritual commission has its origin in Spirit, God, and spiritualizes the work of those who give their life to the service of God and their fellowmen. We can only receive such a gift as from God Himself and use it spiritually. To use it for selfish ends or with material motives is to misunderstand the inspiration of divine Love that has animated our benefactors.
Christ Jesus' great spiritual understanding and self-sacrifice enabled him to bring to humanity the water of Life. He proved that Life is God by his life and works, healing the sick and the sinning. By his crucifixion and resurrection he demonstrated that man, the reflection of Life, God, is immortal and deathless. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."John 4:14; His life gave full proof of this.
