DAVID BEN JESSE PART THREE

 

Saturday, September 12, 2020

DAVID BEN JESSE PART THREE

DODGING SPEARS

1 Sam 18:10-14

10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played (on his harp) with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

11 And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.

13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.

 

           Long ago God had transferred his presence and power from Saul to David. While David had been anointed king, he would not rush God’s program by mounting an insurrection. David’s victory over Goliath made him very popular with the people (See First Samuel 18:7). Saul made David his Psalmist to sing soothing songs when his spirit was troubled. It also enabled Saul to keep David in sight.

 

           David’s presence in the palace was a constant reminder that God had rejected Saul (First Samuel 15:23-26). David played while Saul thought evil thoughts. Twice Saul threw a javelin at David, but David moved too quickly. Yet David remained loyal to the deranged king.

 

           What is baffling to me is that Saul made him a captain over a thousand soldiers. Saul literally created an atmosphere for rebellion and yet David remained loyal.

 

           We now live in challenging spiritual and political times. It is hard to remain loyal in such an atmosphere but that is exactly what God asks us to do.

 

1 Peter 2:13-15

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

 

Rom 12:19

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 

Dear Lord, let us be quick enough to avoid the enemy’s attacks, loyal enough to keep serving, and patient enough to wait for your vindication. AMEN