During David’s years of exile he encountered many people. Some assisted him and some didn’t. Barzillai was a trusted friend who had helped David when he needed it most. Here we read about David’s desire to reward Barzillai now that the tables had turned and he was being installed as King over Israel. We read, “Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. ?He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” Because of his age and his desire to die at home where his ancestors had died, Barzillai turned down David’s offer.
Barzillai cast his lot with David when it wasn’t a popular thing. The leadership of the nation was against David and had literally expelled him from their borders. It was dangerous to identify with David. But David needed someone who was not afraid to go out on a limb for him. Barzillai was that man!
Barzillai was a wealthy man. He didn’t need to take any chances. He was old also, but he didn’t let his age keep him from stepping out in faith.
Many of us sit snug and safe on our branches. We are happy here! I’m not sure God wants us that comfortable. He might be calling us to leave the safety of our branch and crawl out on a limb. No matter where you are, what your net-worth, how old you are, take a look at the dangerous, risk-ridden branches of your tree and listen for God’s call for you to take the chance. Maybe it’s taking the step of faith by praying to receive Jesus. Maybe it’s taking the step of telling someone that you really have received Christ as your savior. Maybe it’s taking the step of publicly professing your faith in Jesus in Baptism. Maybe it’s to share your faith with your neighbor. Maybe it’s to take that frightening step of tithing to the church. Maybe it’s the step of teaching a Sunday School class or a small group. Maybe it’s to take the step of forgiveness that has kept you enslaved to your branch. Maybe it’s… well you know. Just listen for God’s call.
Barzillai stepped out in faith and cast his lot with David before David took up his throne. Jesus calls us in all these ways to cast our lot with Him before He returns to take up his throne on earth.