In the world but not of the world…

Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” So David arose and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow. And when it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought him. Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” So that day Achish gave him Ziklag. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months. (1 Samuel 27:1–7)

At first, reading this made me wonder how this could possibly apply to Christian living now, but it does. The world’s big influence is Satan, and we are in enemy territory. This world is not our home and the will of God is foreign to those who do not belong to Jesus Christ. While many Christians live as if we are supposed to be totally comfortable and at peace, we are really in a spiritual war with the Liar and all principalities and powers aligned with him.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10–20)

While we fight lies with truth, David fought his enemies with subterfuge. He lived in enemy territory but he and his men made raids against Israel’s other enemies. He “struck the land and would leave neither man nor woman alive, but would take away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments, and come back to Achish. When that Achish trusted David, thinking, ‘He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.’ ” (1 Samuel 27:8–12) 

Our instructions for battle are not like that, but our situation is not much different. Sometimes our biggest enemy is double-mindedness, or petty jealousy, or those who “play church” and forget why we are here. Much like Saul.

David never wavered from God's plan. He battled and defeated enemies, finally leaving Philistine territory to become the king God had chosen.

Lord, You make it clear. You put me here to stand up for You, to wrestle against the enemy in prayer, faith, and godliness in enemy territory until You take me home. May I never try to fit in and be conformed to the world, my old flesh, and that Liar who wants me to fight for him instead of for God and the praise of Your glory.

Keep me single-minded…

Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the Lord, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” 
Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” 
And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation.” 
Then Saul said to David, “Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” 
So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place. (1 Samuel 26:17–25)

The NT speaks of a double-minded man who cannot rest in assurance of God’s care. Saul is an example. Once again he is asleep and David comes close enough to kill him, but does not. Instead he scolds Abner for not protecting his king as he should. Thin he has the same conversation as before and Saul responds with the same confession.

Lest I harshly judge Saul, I must remind myself of the many times I’ve repeated a sin and said, “Oh no! I’ve done it again.” Peter did it too. He vowed to never betray Jesus, but he did. It is this powerlessness over sin that brought Jesus to earth to die for us.

Lord, how I need to keep my heart and mind on You. Life is busy and the demands out of mere everyday responsibilities take more energy than I have. Grant me what is needed to obey all that You ask.

 

Learn rather than assume

Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’ ” (1 Samuel 25:1–8)

In this culture, it was common to be extra hospitable during sheep shearing time. (See 2 Samuel 13:23). This explains why David expected this wealthy man to feed him and his supporters. While less honorable men could simply help themselves to as much mutton as they wanted, he expected Nabal to follow the custom.

Last week we followed another custom. It felt awkward and unlike the way we would normally celebrate a birthday. Our host was also the ‘birthday boy’ who invited us, reserved an eating place, and paid for the food. All we had to do was show up and pay for our own drinks. No gifts expected but some were brought. In our culture no one would think of hosting their own birthday party, never mind paying for it.

David sent a large number of men to Nabal revealing that he expected a liberal gift of food as most large sheep owners were glad to supply the needs of anyone who guarded their flocks and defended them from the invasions of desert tribes or predators.

Over the years God has put missionaries and Bible translators into my life and shown me the challenges of taking the gospel to other cultures. Language is not the only barrier. Some cultures have no words for grace or mercy as these are unknown concepts, vital to spiritual truth yet difficult to convey or compare to people without any words or examples to give them definition. 

Not only that, individuals may know about things like hospitality, but their temperament can stand in the way of them following what their people usually believe. It happens here where we want truth and justice but people still lie and treat others badly. 

Nabal never softened his heart to David’s request, but his wife did, apologized to him and fed him and his men. When this hard-hearted man died, she became David’s wife. 

Aside from the result and the broad lesson of learning where others are coming from, this encourages me to ask questions and stop making assumptions about how others think and live. 

Jesus, these experiences and these Bible incidents are motivating me and showing me that loving others includes being curious about them and asking questions, not thinking I know all I need to know.

No retaliation

And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.” 
As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 
And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. (1 Samuel 24:9–22)

The flesh wants personal glory and victory over all threats and will destroy anything that stands in its way. The Holy Spirit trusts God to care for and protect. David was firm in faith, but Saul waffled and tried to manage his own security. David could have killed this king but instead took a corner of his robe to show that he meant him no harm and Saul was convicted by that, and knew in his heart that the throne would go to David. Therefore he wanted him to swear that he would not retaliate.

Our home group studied this week:

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17–21)

No one pointed to David’s example but it is a strong one that points to why David was called a man after God's own heart. There is not one person who has not sinned against God. Some would put Him to death if that were possible, but God does not retaliate. Instead He comes near to us and dies to that right to retaliate. He cuts off the robe of our self-righteousness and replaces our evil with His goodness.

Jesus, Your love has let me go away safe, even protects my children, and instead of dealing with me as my sin deserves, You deal with me in grace and mercy. Like David with Saul, You deal with me in great kindness that I do not deserve. How wonderful. How amazing.

 

 

Sharing Events

Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? Now come down, O king, according to all your heart’s desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king’s hand.” And Saul said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah.” And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. 
Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land.” So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi. (1 Samuel 23:19–29)

At our Bible study last night we shared personal stories of how God showed us His nature and His care for us. It was like pouring water on dry ground. From that, I came home, went online, and viewed a series of feel-good positive videos until nearly 4:00 a.m. and went to bed elated, wonder if that bit of goofiness would keep me from sleep. It didn’t.

From this, I realized how little it takes to build up inner discouragement. Just a few lost games for the home team, a couple of fictional mysteries, and the evening news, plus a bit of an extra work load and being behind on my chore list. Although I have great devotions and good interaction with people, too many negatives have an effect that I was not aware of until this ‘all-nighter’ with so many positives.

Even the sad stuff was positive. One was a film clip of a fallen soldier lying in his coffin in dress uniform and covered with medals. His dog was there and it jumped up almost into the coffin and laid its head on his master’s chest. Tears came but the tensions over our crazy weather, wars and rumors of wars, aging and ill family and friends, and so many on my prayers who have not yet met Jesus — all seemed to vanish in the joy of seeing love in action from a dog!

Some of what I saw was obviously AI generated, but it didn’t matter. I read again:

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:9–18)

And as we read and studied it last night, and gave examples sharing how obedience to this passage has changed our lives, we were drawn closer to Jesus and to one another. Those negatives might huddle us together in stress, fear, or prayer, but the fruit of the Holy Spirit excels at at a much better intimacy.

Jesus, thank You for being our source of the deepest joy and fellowship, Sharing You with one another lifts our hearts to a deeper relationship with You and one another. How delightful. Now I need a nap!

 

The only not forbidden Fortune Teller

Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. (1 Samuel 23:1–5)

One of my pet peeves is sports pundits who ‘predict’ who will win the game before it starts. In some instances, this might be predictable, but most of the time it is pure conjecture. It may even be thoughtless God-playing. Who else knows the future?

However, this is startling that not only does God know the future but He can also convey it to His people and help us with direction and protection — if His will is sought and obeyed. David wanted the will of God and and God revealed it to him.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5–8)

Because God hears, cares, and answers, this OT story has a sequence…

When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 
David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” Then David said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” 
And the Lord said, “He will come down.” Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will surrender you.” 
Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand. David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. (1 Samuel 23:6–15)

Even though God said Saul would attack David, that future did not happen. How can that be? God looked ahead and knew what would happen but did not let it.

This is a confidence builder, an amazing example of God’s love and care. He can and will change what He sees coming to protect His sons and daughters.

Jesus, I know that You want the best for me. Sometimes it is a trial to build my character, Sometimes it is a surprise that deepens my understanding of You. Whatever you do, it is always right. You can even change any predictions of the future, not only to glorify Your name, but You can totally puts all pundits to shame.

 

All for Jesus

The king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. Yet Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, “Something has happened to him. He is not clean; surely he is not clean.” But on the second day, the day after the new moon, David’s place was empty. And Saul said to Jonathan his son, “Why has not the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?” Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem. He said, ‘Let me go, for our clan holds a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away and see my brothers.’ For this reason he has not come to the king’s table.” Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him. (1 Samuel 20:25–34)

Christians are told that we must totally give our lives to God, trusting Him in all areas of life and giving all to Him. For most of us, this is a process. Events of life and the Holy Spirit reveal what we hold on to and want to possess or control. This reading shows me the extent of what it means to love others more than myself. 

As long as David lived, Jonathan would not sit on the throne as king. After this scene, these two met where Saul could not see or hear them. Jonathon explained the situation and David broke down, mastered by his grief. Then they parted. David to begin a life of danger and wandering, while Jonathan returned to the city to be a dutiful son to Saul. 

One writer says, “The scenes in this chapter are some of the most stirring presented to us in history, whether in old or modern times and we may wonder at the delicacy of feeling and the gentleness of the sentiments which these two men in those old rough times entertained for one another. No ancient writer has set before us so noble an example of a heart-felt, unselfish, and thoroughly human state of feeling, and none has described friendship with such entire truth in all its relations, and with such complete and profound knowledge of the human heart.”

This is an example of loving Jesus Christ to the point that I yield all, even my life, future, ambitions, even my rights, that He reigns and is gloried, no matter what it costs me. I have been a child of God for more than fifty years and am still learning what this means and how stubborn I can be in wanting my own way.

Lord Jesus, forgive such foolishness. You are my everything and yet there are still such things that I cling to as if they are mine. I’m totally glad for Your amazing patience with me and the wonder of Your love, even that You were willing to die that I can live.