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. 

Blessed are the peacemakers…

And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.” And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. (1 Samuel 19:1–7)

These few verses are lessons for life. Jonathan saw unjust treatment and went to bat for his friend — against his father. Justice is no respecter of persons. If someone, anyone, is mistreating someone else, those who recognize this as sin need to say so, no matter who that person is. This time, it is a son speaking to his father who is also the king, ruling even over this son.

He also kept the mistreated person informed and did it in such a way that it did not produce or increase a negative response. Knowing how the threats of another person could produce anger and resentment as well as fear, being a peacemaker is no easy task. In our world, we even have rewards for it such as the noted Nobel Peace prize, first given in 1901.

I don’t know the criteria for determining who gets that prize, however Jonathan knew confession of sin was a major part of it for Saul. The King’s lack of obedience, the weight of his guilt, fear, and his jealousy of David was destroying his sense of fairness, even of right and wrong.

In many conflicts, both sides have sinful attitudes and actions that need confession. If we are honest with God, ourselves, and each other, there would be far more singing and dancing than guns, knives, and fist fights.

Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace and know that peace begins began when You became part of my life and filled me with Your peace. I need that filling every moment, every day so that I can bring Your peace to my small corner of the world.

Human schemes do not outsmart God…

Then Saul said to David, “Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the Lord’s battles.” For Saul thought, “Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father’s clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” But at the time when Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’ ” And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?” And the servants of Saul told him, “Thus and so did David speak.” Then Saul said, “Thus shall you say to David, ‘The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king’s enemies.’ ” Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. Before the time had expired, David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually. (1 Samuel 18:17–29)

Saul had a plan to get rid of David so lured him in this odd way, by an appeal to make him part of his family. He used David’s desire to destroy Israel’s enemies as part of the plan but didn’t consider the will of God and his plan backfired. 

Good writers have used similar plots in stories involving crime, passion, and jealousy. All this reminds me of the pastor who said, “We can freely make choices but we cannot choose the consequences. They might be what was wanted, but when deviously made and against the will of God, surprises will surely come.

David eventually took the place of king, and later his wise son wrote these words. Did he know this truth because of his father’s experiences with Saul?

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:29–33)

How many examples God gives of foolishness and unwise decisions, yet how often are they ignored in an effort to prove we know what we are doing?

Jesus, I’m thankful for the therefore passages that instruct me to pay attention to what You say rather than think my way is wiser, and thankful for Your true evaluation of my sinfulness. And I’m also grateful for Your patience that puts up with my stubborn insistence to do things without first checking them out with you, or to do them well without giving You the glory.

 

Value a good reputation, but…

Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. (1 Samuel 16:14–23)

Last week during a monthly meeting with a small group of quilters, one person brought a small accordion shaped storage box made of cloth that someone gave her. It looked complex and we could not figure out how it was made. Finally someone said to me, “You are good at finding information, so see if there is a pattern for it on the internet.”

That remark pleased me. People can have a reputation for many things, from playing a lyre to finding instructions, but having someone value what I can do well made me feel encouraged to keep doing it.

A few days later, another skill was pointed out and when no one seemed interested, I concluded that happened to keep my pride in check!

David likely didn’t have that problem. At least I couldn’t see any record of him boasting about playing music for the king. Not only that, that same king repeatedly tried to kill him. 

As I watch world news, it seems that there is a danger in doing well because attacks eventually come. Others are jealous, or consider the well-thought of person is a threat. Those or other reasons can even go as far as King Saul did. He enjoyed David’s skill but eventually tried to kill him. God can use a skill to help others, but sometimes that skill brings out the sinful attitudes of those who envy them.

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12)

Jesus, I realize times where You do not want me to reveal what You have done in my life, perhaps because my talk does not match my walk. I need to be on guard against hypocrisy as well as boasting. However, if and when I do good, You should be praised. May my deeds match Your will so that others never criticize or find fault with You but give You glory.

One example of how we go our own way…

And Samuel said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’ ” 
So Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand men on foot, and ten thousand men of Judah. And Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. Then Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart; go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. And Saul defeated the Amalekites from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction. 
The word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the Lord all night. And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” 
And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” 
And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” 
Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” (1 Samuel 15:1–15)

While this part of the story does not tell the consequences of Saul’s disobedience in regard to the nation, it goes on to describe how Saul claimed to have obeyed, then confessed his sin when told God had rejected him from being king. But he then blamed it on the people and said to Samuel, 

“I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” 
And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” As Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore. And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” 
Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the Lord your God.” (1 Samuel 15:24–30)

Excuses and lies. This man didn’t get it. God wants obedience, and if sin happens, He wants honesty. Instead, Saul tried to blame others and wanted God to change His mind so he could worship Him — blaming his inability to worship on God’s ‘failure’ to be lenient and refusal to do what he wanted. 

Lord, how foolish is a proud and sinful heart to think that God has to earn our love and obedience by doing what we want. This selfish thinking is just one of the many reasons You died.