While reading the Bible this week, my eyes fell on a curious, but enlightening passage, found in 1 Samuel 30:21-24 that reflects the fairness and even-handedness of the LORD:

“Now David came to the two hundred men that had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So, they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless men who were with David answered and said, ‘Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.’ But David said, ‘My brethren you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. For who will listen to you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down into battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies {KJV says, “who tarries with the stuff?} ; they shall share alike.”

This passage reminded me of the irreproachable, even-handedness of the Lord Jesus; a principle that is taught in the parable of the laborers in Matthew 20:1-16. Simply put, the Lord rewards the eleventh-hour workers in the same manner as those that began early in the day.

An additional Biblical practice is seen in the behavior of the Apostle Paul when he uplifted the Corinthians with praise because they had remembered him “ in all things and kept the traditions that he delivered to them.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the faithful service and personal support that has been lovingly given to me and my wife Diane over the seventeen or so years that Bob Dugas, the CTF Operational Manager, and Vice president of CTF.

Thanks a million, Bob! Your service has been exemplary, and your friendship a rich blessing; you are a stalwart disciple of the Lord’s vineyard, and a painstaking assistant to me and my wife (as well as all of the workers in this ministry). I pray God’s riches blessing on you, your wife Michelle, and your children, and that He reward them for your hours of two-mile service to the CTF ministry.