Setting us free, giving us gifts

David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken; he also rescued his two wives.

Nothing of theirs was missing from the youngest to the oldest, including the sons and daughters, and all the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David got everything back…

When David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the Lord’s enemies.”

He sent gifts…to those in all the places where David and his men had roamed. (1 Samuel 30:18-19, 26-27, 31)

As I read those words, I couldn’t help but think of Paul’s words to the Ephesians concerning Jesus.

For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. (Ephesians 4:8)

Just as David set captives free from the enemy and gave gifts to his people, so Jesus has set us who were captives of Satan free and given us gifts.

He’s given us the gift of life. He’s given us the gift of his Spirit. He’s given us the gift of his church. He has given us gifts so that we can build God’s people up and set free other captives of Satan.

So in this Christmas season, let’s rejoice with Paul, shouting in praise,

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)