Hebrews 4
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Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
This chapter begins with a discussion about entering God’s rest. Moses and Joshua tried to lead the Israelites into God’s rest but the people disobeyed and did not receive it. But Jesus is superior to both Moses and Joshua because he provides a better way to receive God’s rest. What is meant here by rest is the experience of salvation and dependence on God, rather than on one’s own works. Christians are born again when they say yes to the free gift of grace. It’s not about anything we do but rather who we trust. Jesus has provided the way to receive this wonderful rest. As one matures in faith, rest might be thought of as unbroken fellowship with God. As I read this, I can’t help but be reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” I don’t know about you, but I can use this kind of rest!
Our focus verse for today is probably one that is familiar to many of us. But what does the focus verse have to do with rest? Because God’s Word is alive and powerful, those who listen to it can receive God’s rest. The Word of God gives us everything we need to know about receiving salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It provides all we need to know about being in fellowship with God. The Bible is a living book to those who believe in Jesus. It provides the means to learn about God but also the way to get to know God. We meet Jesus Christ on the pages of Scripture!
Because the Word of God is active, alive, and powerful, it also has the ability to penetrate deep within our soul. It’s like a sharp scalpel, with the ability to cut out the cancerous parts of our lives so we can be healed and whole. As we read God’s Word, our own thoughts, desires, temptations, and sins, come to light. The Holy Spirit convicts us of them, and points us toward Jesus. How often have you been reading Scripture and you just knew that you needed to make some adjustments in your own heart and life?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Thank you for your Word, which provides everything we need for your rest. How we desire your rest, Lord! We love you, Jesus, and we need you. Give us discernment in those areas in our lives that need adjustment. Point us back toward you. More of you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 3
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Hebrews 3:12-14, See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Just as the Israelites were susceptible to falling away from God, the author of Hebrews makes the point that Christians are also vulnerable to sin and turning away from the living God. Remember, the audience of Hebrews was already drifting from the core of the faith; they were disconnected and a sense of apathy had set in.
What was life like for these early Christ-followers? Really, really hard. They were experiencing persecution from Jews and Gentiles alike. It was difficult to be a faithful Christ-follower in the first century. For that reason, the author stresses the importance of supporting one another, not allowing your fellow brother or sister in Christ to turn away from the faith, encouraging one another daily.
How often do we encourage one another daily? While we aren’t experiencing the same kind of persecution as our first-century brothers and sisters, our world isn’t an easy place to follow Christ. We are painfully distracted by so many outside voices, we are inundated with negativity and division, and we are part of a culture that is increasingly hostile to anything related to the church. Thus, we often settle for mediocre faith-oriented lives, religious activity rather than Spirit-filled, passionate lives solidly rooted in Jesus. Churches have become social clubs rather than springboards for mission and discipleship. And we accept this as if there is no other way.
Friends, there is another way. What if we each made an intentional decision to live for Jesus, pay attention to the Spirit, and love others extravagantly? To do so, we would have to encourage one another daily (maybe even hourly). We need each other. We need the body of Christ. Life can be hard (think John 16:33) but Jesus is still on the throne and for that, we should constantly rejoice!
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, How we need you. Help us make your church, your body, what you intended it to be. Help us push away the voices and distractions of the world and be focused on you and you alone. More of you and less of me, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 2
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Hebrews 2:17-18, For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Chapter two is all about why we should listen to Jesus. The author begins the chapter speaking about how the consequences of NOT listening to Jesus are incredibly severe. It is only through Jesus that we can receive salvation. Salvation does not come through the law or any other means – only through faith in Jesus Christ. Second, Jesus is the central figure in God’s new plan, what we call the New Covenant. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the covenants and prophecies that came before. The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6, …what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet…” He is making a point about the insignificance of humans and the supremacy of Jesus. God puts all things below him.
In today’s focus verses, the author highlights the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He did not become like the angels (as some at the time may have thought), but he became a human being. The God of the universe came to earth and became a human being to demonstrate the fullness of his love for us. As a perfect man, Jesus could be the perfect sacrifice for sin, providing atonement for all people for all time. He was the ultimate high priest, providing a way for to be reconciled to God.
Also, because he became human, he understands our emotions and temptations. He isn’t a God who is far removed from us. He is present with us and he gets us. He gets you, every single part of you. Spend some time with Jesus right now, talking to him about those things with which you are struggling. Know that Jesus understands and wants to comfort you, guide you, and offer his wisdom. Share with Jesus and then listen. Remember, the God of the whole universe is wanting to spend time with you.
Let’s pray…Jesus, We need you. Listen to our struggles. Listen to our fears and temptations. Help us, Lord. Speak to us. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 1
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Hebrews 1:1-2, In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Today, we begin our journey into the book of Hebrews. This is exciting! Hebrews is a book full of Old Testament themes and imagery; it’s tough at times to understand but also full of substance and meaning, constantly pointing to the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It should be mentioned that we don’t know who authored the book. For years, it was assumed that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews but few New Testament scholars believe that to be the case today. There are several contenders for authorship, however, including Apollos, Barnabas, Timothy, Luke, or Priscilla. What we do know is that the author became a believer out of Judaism and is very familiar with the intricacies of Old Testament law.
The book of Hebrews was written to an audience who had already started drifting from the Christian faith. Just thirty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, these individuals were exhibiting symptoms of apathy and complacency. They were struggling. The author seeks to teach and infuse passion in these early believers, reminding them of the supremacy of Jesus in all things. When times are tough, it’s easy to romanticize the good old days, to fall back into old patterns which feel comfortable and easy, and that’s exactly what the Hebrews’ audience was doing. The author reminds them that the good old days really weren’t that good and the new life offered through Jesus is better in every way.
Chapter one sets the stage. The author states that God spoke to his people in many and various ways. But through Jesus Christ, God spoke perfectly and completely. The other prophets communicated about God’s nature and displayed God’s power. But Jesus embodied God’s nature and power, he was the fulfillment of all previous prophecies. He was God himself, supreme over all things. Thus, we must listen to his voice.
Two thousand years later, we still struggle listening to the voice of Jesus. There are so many other voices that vie for our attention. What other voices compete for your time and attention? How can you ensure that Jesus Christ is the primary voice in your own life? What does it mean to live in a way that demonstrates that Jesus is supreme above all things?
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are the one who was, and is, and is to come, the Word before Creation. Help us stay focused on your voice. There are so many distractions in our world and we too often are vulnerable to them; they are loud and demanding. Help us take time to listen to your voice and your voice alone right now, today. In Your Name, Amen.
Philemon
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Philemon 1:12-16, I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
Paul wrote a congregational letter to the church at Colossae (Colossians) and then added this more personal letter to Philemon, kind of as an addendum. It is difficult to ascertain the specific circumstances behind this letter. Paul is obviously being very discreet and diplomatic in the letter, not wanting to alienate Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus. What do we know? Paul is appealing to Philemon regarding Onesimus, who has accepted Christ through Paul’s ministry. Paul expresses that Onesimus is useful to him, loved by him, and Paul would keep Onesimus with him if he could. We also know that somehow Onesimus has been separated from Philemon, that Onesimus may have wronged him in some way, and Paul asks that Philemon welcome him back as “better than a slave,” as they are brothers in Christ. Paul is willing to pay any debt that Onesimus may have toward Philemon.
One of the main learnings from this text is the extent to which Christ-followers are bound to one another through the faith. While this letter is about a personal situation, Paul includes other individuals and the church community in this letter as well. The point was not simply to put pressure on Philemon, but because there are theological and social implications when one joins the covenant community of the church. We belong to one another. While we don’t have to be in everyone’s business, we are accountable to one another. We need one another for support, encouragement, mentoring, but also to ensure we are not drifting or making decisions contrary to the faith. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and we will spend eternity together.
Reflect on Romans 12:4-5, Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.
Let’s pray…Dear Lord, Thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us live as one body. Help us support one another and truly love each other in order to demonstrate to the world who you are. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 31
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I Samuel 31:4-6, Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.
This chapter details the Philistine conquest of the army of Israel. The Philistines didn’t simply want to defeat Saul’s forces, they wanted to do lasting damage. Saul ends up critically injured, his sons are killed, and the Hebrew army is largely annihilated.
In the ancient Near East, wounded soldiers were often mutilated and tortured on the battlefield by the enemy army. Saul knew this and wanted to avoid allowing the uncircumcised pagans from humiliating and torturing him. After his armor-bearer refused to kill him, Saul falls on his own sword. The armor-bearer then follows suit.
Less than twenty-four hours after Saul’s meeting with the medium, the prophet Samuel’s words in chapter 28 have come to pass, “The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.” What God had said would happen has happened. The dynasty of Saul has finally ended. More on this when we get to II Samuel!
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, You are true to your Word and we thank you for that. As we go about our days this week, help us keep a laser focus on you. Help us remember your promises and not lose sight of your amazing faithfulness. May we see every single thing through the lens of Jesus Christ. In Your Name, Amen
I Samuel 30
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I Samuel 30:16-20, He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah. David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, “This is David’s plunder.”
While David and his men were away with the armies of the Philistines, the Amalekites took advantage of their absence. They plundered the town of Ziklag, stealing all the livestock and kidnapping the women and children. Understandably, the men were beyond despair and some blamed David and even spoke about possibly stoning him. It was really, really bad.
David inquired of the Lord who told him he would be victorious if he were to pursue the Amalekites and the women and children they kidnapped. So they did just that. As we read in today’s focus verses, they were successful. They recovered everything. Every single Hebrew woman, boy, and girl was recovered and returned to their family. David and his men also took all the livestock, the flocks and herds, and divided it among all his men and the elders.
The Lord was with David and his men. The ending could have been much different. Not only did God guide David every step of the way but he protected the women and children who were kidnapped. I love how the Scripture very specifically states, “Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else taken…” Every life was valuable and every life was recovered.
I’m writing this on the day that Russia invaded Ukraine. We obviously don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m praying for the best possible outcome, but I think it’s important to point out that the life of every single man, woman, and child who lives in Ukraine (and Russia for that matter) is important to God. Let’s pray for God’s protection and intervention and that God gives wisdom to the world leaders who are addressing this invasion.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We thank you for the way you care for all human life. You teach us that every single human life has value. We get a glimpse of it in this Old Testament Scripture but we see it every single world of the Gospels. Every single life has value, every person is infinitely loved by you. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 29
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I Samuel 29:6-7, So Achish called David and said to him, “As surely as the Lord lives, you have been reliable, and I would be pleased to have you serve with me in the army. From the day you came to me until today, I have found no fault in you, but the rulers don’t approve of you. Now turn back and go in peace; do nothing to displease the Philistine rulers.”
David and his men had been living in Philistine territory for quite awhile and David had earned the trust of Achish, king of Gath. Achish had asked David to go to battle with him to fight against Israel. David agreed but we certainly didn’t know what he had up his sleeve. We know that David’s ultimate authority was God and God alone.
While Achish trusted David, the other Philistine commanders did not. In fact, they didn’t want David on the battlefield with them, as they were worried that he would turn on them. Probably fairly insightful on their part. Thus, David and his men are sent back to the town of Ziglag, where they’ve been residing with the blessing of the Gath king. But the story continues tomorrow…
Let’s pray…God, We trust that you always work things out for our good. Guide us, lead us, and direct us. We follow you and you alone. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 28
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I Samuel 28:16-19, Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”
Saul has truly spiraled. In this chapter, we find him seeking out a medium for guidance, something that is totally forbidden in the Torah. Then, less than twenty-four hours after he does so, he is dead. So what happened?
Saul, expecting an attack by the Philistines, sought out a medium to contact Samuel from the dead. He had previously sought out help from the Lord but didn’t get any response because of his disobedience (not to mention he killed off the priests who might be his spiritual advisors). The medium, upon Saul’s request, brings up the spirit of Samuel, who has very harsh words for Saul, as we read in our focus verses for today. Samuel reiterates the prophecy that the kingdom would be given to David. At this point, Saul knows this, he has heard it many times and in many ways, but he has refused to believe it. But now, he seems to get it. He falls to the ground and is inconsolable.
Throughout the Bible, we read about God’s prohibition of anything related to the occult – mediums, fortune-tellers, clairvoyants, etc. While some people may dispute they have any power at all (and some are clearly frauds), God has definitely forbidden his people’s interaction with them for a reason. My impression is that some of these individuals definitely have power but it is NOT from God. Saul should have stayed away and we need to stay away as well. It’s nothing to mess with. Our direction and guidance should only come from Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray…Lord, Help us stay focused on you and you alone. More of you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 27
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I Samuel 27:5-7, Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?”
So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since. David lived in Philistine territory a year and four months.
David has gotten tired of this cat and mouse game with Saul. Thus, David takes his family and his large army to live in the land of the Philistines. By this point, David has made a name for himself; he is essentially a famous outlaw and Achish, the king of Gath, allows him to stay there (remember that my enemy’s enemy is my friend so Achish saw David as an ally). That being said, this was no small thing for the king to do. David and his 600-man army, many with families, would have taken over a small Philistine town. You can imagine the townspeople might not have been too happy. Knowing this, David asks Achish to give them a town, a space of their own, to live in and not be too disruptive in the Philistine territory. David pretends his request is an act of humility (“Why should I live in the royal city with you?”) but David clearly knew what he was doing.
Interestingly, the king gives David the town of Ziklag. This was an area that was part of Judah, part of the territory that God had given the Israelites, but they had never gotten around to conquering it. David and his men promptly conquered it and made a home there. David’s time in exile was certainly not a waste, as he actually used it to continue Israel’s conquest of Canaan. For that point on, the land belonged to Judah.
After reflecting on David’s time in Philistine territory, I began to think about times in my own life that felt a bit like an exile. I’m sure you have those seasons of life as well. Maybe it’s a health issue, a stagnant job, caregiving responsibilities, quarantine, or something else that keeps you from doing what you really want to do, that keeps you from feel like you are moving forward in your life. But those times in exile are not wasted. In fact, God doesn’t waste anything! These are times that God can use to teach us and help prepare us for what’s to come. If you are like me, you may get a bit impatient during these times. Instead, think of them as seasons of healing, growth, and preparation.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, In our seasons of exile, help us see you at work. Grow us, heal us, work in us to prepare us for what’s to come. God, we trust that you waste nothing in our lives. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 26
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I Samuel 26:9-12, “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one? Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. The Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But take his spear and that jug of water beside his head, and then let’s get out of here!”
So David took the spear and jug of water that were near Saul’s head. Then he and Abishai got away without anyone seeing them or even waking up, because the Lord had put Saul’s men into a deep sleep.
Once again, we see David spare the life of Saul. Saul has reneged on his previous peace with David (not surprising) and has taken 3,000 troops to pursue David in the wilderness of Ziph. David hears about this plan and tracks Saul. When Saul and his troops are asleep, he sneaks down to the camp and takes Saul’s water jug and spear, which were right next to his head.
David could have easily killed Saul with his own spear but he doesn’t. Why? Because David is obedient. As much pain and heartache as Saul has caused David, he refuses to lower himself to Saul’s level. He refuses to take revenge. God told David not to kill Saul so he won’t kill Saul. I’m sure it took a huge amount of restraint for David to allow God to take care of things in his timing.
What is it about us as human beings that we feel the need to take revenge? When someone has hurt us, when a wrong has been done, we want to hurt or get back at the person who did it. We want to make them hurt as much as we do. David must have had that temptation with Saul but he didn’t give in to it. I’ve known people who held on to anger and the desire for revenge for years and years. It ended up becoming like a poison in their system, slowing killing their spirit and any joy in their lives.
Examine your own life. Do you have intense anger toward another person? Do you have the desire for revenge or maybe simply the desire for someone else “to get what they deserve”? What would it be like for you to give that to God today, to totally release it and allow God to take care of the situation in his own way and timing? I can’t help but wonder how your life might change. I keep thinking about Paul’s words in Romans 12:17-21,
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let’s pray…Jesus, How we need you! Fill us with your mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Help us release to you any anger and bitterness that we may be harboring toward another person. Help us resist the temptation to harm another. More of you, less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 25
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I Samuel 25:23-27, When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. And as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my lord sent. And now, my lord, as surely as the Lord your God lives and as you live, since the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, may your enemies and all who are intent on harming my lord be like Nabal. And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my lord, be given to the men who follow you.
It was sheep-shearing time, a time for festivities and rejoicing because of the profits that are generated by the wool. David and his men, over the course of their battles with the Philistines, had ensured the safety of many shepherds and their flocks, including that of a man named Nabal. Nabal was very wealthy and must have owned many sheep. At the time of the shearing, David sent some men to Nabal, asking for some kind of gift in exchange for keeping his flocks safe. Nabal responded in a very ugly and aggressive manner. Scripture calls him an evil man.
But Nabal’s wife was much smarter and kinder than he. Her name was Abigail. One of Nabal’s hired men informed Abigail of the situation and she promptly took matters into her own hands. She knew that her husband’s selfish actions would bring harm on the entire household. At that very moment, David had gathered his men and was planning an attack on Nabal and all he owned. In verses 21-22, we see David speak some incredibly bitter and vengeful words; it truly seems out of character for him. Maybe the overwhelming stress and injustice of the circumstances with Saul had built up within him; this may have simply been the straw that broke the camel’s back. But God intervened.
While on his angry trek to Nabal’s house, he comes across Abigail. She had brought huge quantities of food and wine as a gift for David and his men. She gets off her donkey and lowers herself to the ground in front of David. Then, she begins the longest speech of any woman in the entire Old Testament. In her speech, she does three things: she intercedes on behalf of her husband, she prophesies that David will overtake his enemies and create a dynasty for the House of David, and she prevents David from breaking Torah and bringing any kind of judgment on himself (David should not be the one to take revenge on Nabal but God).
Abigail’s actions certainly saved many lives and much heartache for David. Of course, what she did was highly unusual and went against her culture’s social expectations for women. But over and over again in Scripture, we see God use unexpected people to achieve his purposes. God doesn’t call the equipped, but instead equips the called.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We thank you for the way you intervene in our lives. We ask that you continue to guide and lead us, help us hear your voice as Abigail did, and do what you call us to do even when it is hard. We love you. More of you, Jesus, and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 24
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I Samuel 24:8-11, Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.
David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life but he doesn’t take it. He simply cuts off a corner of his robe when Saul is distracted. He confronts Saul, making it clear that he has done nothing to deserve Saul’s hatred and attempts on his life. David shows him the corner of his robe, demonstrating that he had (and still has) the power to kill Saul. Why? Because God is on David’s side. David repeatedly says, “May the Lord be our judge and decide between us.” And David makes it clear, he chose to repay Saul’s evil with mercy.
Saul is moved. He admits that he knows that God will put David on the throne and asks David to not kill off his descendants. There is some kind of reconciliation but at this point, we have no idea if Saul is sincere and if he will continue to pursue David. But if only for just a moment, there is peace.
Let’s pray…Lord, We are grateful for examples of mercy, like David in this Scripture. We are ultimately most thankful for your incredible mercy, your forgiveness, and your love. Help us be even but a small reflection of that mercy in our interactions with others. Where there is hatred and bitterness, Lord, sow mercy in our lives. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 23
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I Samuel 23:15-17, While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.
David is clearly afraid. He is being hunted and he knows it. But his faith is also strong. He is relying on God’s protection, trusting in God to provide for him and literally direct his steps. Yet, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t feeling fearful. He was human. At just the right time, God sent Jonathan to visit with David and reassure him. Yes, God has a purpose for David. No, Saul would not be successful. Jonathan, now fully aware of the evil possessing his father, is confident that God will bring about a new thing through David.
Be sure to read the whole chapter. After David’s visit with Jonathan, the Ziphites (from Ziph, a town in Judah), went to Saul to report that David was hiding in their territory. They were being cunning and probably thought they would be rewarded in some way by the king for their betrayal of David. Read through Psalm 54, which David wrote when he found out about this situation with the Ziphites, and get a picture of David’s desperation and dependence on God.
Let’s pray…Jesus, We are so grateful that no matter what’s going on in our lives, we can pour our hearts out to you, you hear our cries, and you direct our paths. Help us always remember who and whose we are. We trust you and love you. More of you, Jesus, and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 22
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I Samuel 22:18-23, The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.
But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family. Stay with me; don’t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.”
David heads to the places where he feels comfortable and knows there will be some safety. Adullam, which means refuge, is in Judah and close by was a hill that had fortifications and caves for hiding. David couldn’t have been too clandestine, however, because his family sought him out there, as did a few hundred Israelite men who were unhappy with the current regime and wanted David to be their commander. David takes his family to a place of safety in Moab, for he knows they are at risk simply by being related to him.
In fact, anyone who helped David was at serious risk. We see this in our focus verses for today. When Saul discovered that Ahimelek the priest gave David bread and a sword, basic provisions for his journey, King Saul was irate. His reaction was over the top evil. He decides to kill all the priests and their families. But the king’s men refuse to touch the priests. These men were the anointed of the Lord; no Israelite would touch them. But Doeg the Edomite was there, a pagan, and he was fine with killing them. So Doeg strikes down the priests, eighty-five of them, and then killed all the men, women, children, and livestock in the town of Nob, which was the town of the priests.
The priestly line was almost wiped out but not quite. One of Ahimelek’s sons, Abiathar, managed to escape and find his way to David. Now, the only remaining priest has found his way to the king-to-be and they can support one another. In this time of crisis, two men of God can lean on one another, guide each other, and protect the future of the priesthood.
Think about the events of your life. I hope they haven’t been quite as dramatic as David’s, but think specifically about some of the most difficult and desperate moments. So often, I do believe that God sends just the right person into our lives at just the right time – someone to support us, guide us, and even protect us when we need it most.
Let’s pray…Almighty God, You are so good. You know what we need before we need it and you know who we need in our lives. Help us be the kind of person that can stand by others in their times of crisis and be the light of Jesus for them. Guide us, God, and give us strength so that we can be the people you call us to be. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 21
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I Samuel 21:10-13, That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:
“‘Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands’?”
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
David is on the run. He knows that Saul is after his life and has a lot of resources with which to pursue him. David makes a quick stop at to see Ahimelech the priest to gather some provisions but then heads into Philistine territory. It was certainly a risk to head into enemy territory but he wasn’t safe at home either. Desperate circumstances call for desperate measures. He is hoping to go unnoticed in the foreign land but no such luck; David’s reputation precedes him. Afterall, he is the one who killed Goliath! In order to protect himself from Achish, the Philistine ruler of that area, he pretends to be insane. The king may have felt threatened by David as brave warrior but he didn’t worry too much about David as the insane drooling guy.
This was clearly a low point for David. Wherever he goes, he is a fugitive. He doesn’t know who he can trust. He’s left the people who love him and he must be incredibly scared and lonely. We get a picture of David’s intense emotions by reading some of the Psalms. Scholars suggest that Psalm 34 is identified with this time in David’s life. Take a moment to read this Psalm. It starts by stating, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” It speaks of God saving him from his troubles and encamping around those who fear him. We see themes of protection, deliverance, and trust throughout the Psalm. Even in this time of fear and insecurity, David is praising the name of God. People are actively hunting him down but he’s never lost trust or faith. He knows that right will prevail.
How many of you needed to hear that today? Even in our deepest struggles, we can praise the name of Jesus and trust him with our lives. Things may not turn out the way we want them to but we can be certain that Jesus is still on the throne and right will prevail.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us trust you. Help us be faithful people. We love you, Amen.
I Samuel 20
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I Samuel 20:30-33, Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”
“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.
In this chapter, Jonathan finally understands the extent of Saul’s hatred toward David. At first, David thinks maybe he had done something to bring on this treatment but Jonathan assures him that is not the case. Jonathan still doesn’t believe his father, King Saul, could truly want David dead. Jonathan appears to be deluded and a bit naïve, but his love for David is strong and genuine. They devise a plan to discern to what degree Saul is serious about his plan to kills David.
In today’s focus verses, we witness the interaction between Saul and Jonathan. Jonathan is a bit shocked that his father hated David with such intensity but he now understands the severity of the situation and that no logical argument will change Saul’s mind.
But Saul persists in trying to bring Jonathan back over to his side using three strong motivators: shame, guilt, and greed. Saul insists Jonathan is bringing shame on the family (remember this was and still is an honor/shame culture; family shame is a really serious thing.) He then tried to guilt him into turning against David. Finally, Saul tells Jonathan that his own kingdom will never be established as long as David is alive, trying to appeal to his sense of greed.
We don’t really know what was going on in Jonathan’s head; he may have been tempted to side with his dad, even for just a second, but he doesn’t. Jonathan stands firm. He is loyal to his friend and to his faith. He boldly questions his father, asking why David should be put to death. According to Torah, an innocent man should never be executed. We see again how selfish ambition and hatred have driven a deep wedge between Saul and God.
Let’s pray…Almighty God, Thank you for loyal friends who stand up for us and advocate for us when we can’t do it ourselves. Thank you for the Jonathans in our own lives. Help us be a Jonathan for someone else. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 19
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I Samuel 19:4-6, Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The Lord won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”
Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be put to death.”
Saul’s jealousy of David is beginning to become an obsession. Saul is determined to see David dead. It’s hard to imagine that this king, who saw the hand of God work powerfully in his life, has now become incredibly self-absorbed, bitter, and insecure.
But while Saul hated David, others loved him. They saw his pure heart and his commitment to the Lord and they were drawn to him. Jonathan, Saul’s own son, was one who was fiercely dedicated to David. In today’s focus verses, we see Jonathan try to talk some sense into his father. Saul commits to Jonathan by taking an oath that he will not kill David.
Of course, we know this doesn’t go as planned. It doesn’t take long before Saul is back on the warpath. He’s willing to do anything, even betray his own son, to ensure that David will not get the throne, as if Saul had some kind of power to thwart the will of God.
In reflecting on today’s text, I began to think about how people were drawn to David. Jonathan loved his friend, David, and was willing to go to great lengths to save his life (we’ll read more about this tomorrow). The troops loved David. Saul’s daughter loved David. There was simply something about his spirit that drew people toward him.
There are certainly some people in our lives that are like this. They exude the spirit of God in their words and behavior. Thus, we are drawn to them. We want to be around them. They are encouraging, loving, and kind. They never have a negative word to say about anyone. Think about some of the people in your life that fall into this category. What can we learn from them? Give thanks to God for these individuals today.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We thank you for those people in our lives who reflect you in all they do. We thank you for their lives. We thank you for the ways they encourage us and inspire us to be better followers of you. Help us learn from them. More of you, Jesus, and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 18
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I Samuel 18:6-9, When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.
Because God was with him, everything that David did was successful.
After David killed Goliath, the women (mothers, wives, and daughters) were understandably ecstatic that their loved ones stayed protected. It was Israelite custom to compose songs to describe a victorious battle. This one, which we read for our focus verses, struck a chord with Saul. He burned with jealousy. It’s almost as if he knows that David is the one selected to be king and he is bound and determined to prevent this from happening. Over the course of the chapter, he attempts to kill David and then devises a plan to ensnare David by bringing him into the royal family.
In the end, David flourishes. He evades the king’s attempts on his life. Saul’s daughter does not ensnare him, she loves him fiercely. Jonathan, Saul’s son, becomes like a brother to David.
Because God was with him, everything that David did was successful.
As followers of Jesus, we know that God is always with us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God is all around us and in us! While this does not ensure that we will be successful in the way that David was, if we seek God’s wisdom and direction, we can be effective for the Kingdom. This may not look like worldly success but it’s so much better!
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We know that you are with us all the time, that your presence is in us and all around us. Help us be aware of you at work in our lives. Guide us, lead us, and direct us so that we act in wisdom and can produce fruit for your Kingdom. In Your Name, Amen.
I Samuel 17
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I Samuel 17:45-49, David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
Today, we read the classic story of David and Goliath. For those of us who grew up going to Sunday School, we know this one by heart. Young, naïve David triumphs over the giant Philistine. But as I read it again today, I was reminded of something. This is not a story of human courage and power but rather incredible faith and trust in a powerful God.
Goliath was truly a giant. He measured over 9 feet tall and was broad and strong. His size alone would have been quite overwhelming for the Hebrew army but he also had state of the art armor and weaponry. Goliath was a soldier who fought to the death in one on one combat. He would fight against a single man from an enemy army and the solider who was left standing won the battle for his people. The dead soldier’s people would become subjects of the victorious nation. There isn’t much evidence that the Israelite army did much one to one combat; it was typically the whole army fighting together. This was new to them and they were scared to death. No one dared to face Goliath.
David arrives at the battle lines to bring food provisions to the soldiers. His three oldest brothers were fighting with King Saul. We don’t know why David wasn’t on the battle lines, possibly because he needed to stay at home and help his father. He arrives in time to hear Goliath taunting the Israeli soldiers, who were quite fearful. David was obviously disturbed that Goliath could so boldly insult the Hebrew army, the army of the living God. He starts to ask questions, greatly annoying his older brother who, possibly out of fear himself, says some pretty awful and untrue things about David.
David is unrelenting. His offer to fight Goliath is initially refused by King Saul. But David is determined. Finally, Saul agrees and even offers David his own armor and sword. Interestingly, David clothing himself in the royal armor is a foreshadowing of what is to come: David will soon be king. But David quickly abandons the royal armor; he wasn’t used to fighting in such things. He dressed like a shepherd would have, using what seemed normal and natural to him – a stone and a sling. Just so you know, the stones were not little pebbles but would have been about the size of a tennis ball. Nothing to laugh at for sure.
But what’s most impressive to me is that David understood this was a theological battle. It wasn’t just him fighting against this Philistine. This was God’s battle. When the Israelites went to war, it was supposed to be a spiritual battle. They represented Yahweh, the one true God. For that reason, they were only to go to war with God’s blessings and they were to be ritually pure. David was making a point. This wasn’t about him. God would fight the battle for him.
Of course, we know the rest of the story. Goliath is defeated.
I’m hoping none of us have to be engaged in any kind of one of one combat. But we certainly have battles to fight. What might it be like to allow God to fight our battles for us? How would that change our perspective? How would it change how we handle the situation, the words we speak, and our demeanor with the people involved? Spend some time today thinking about your current battles. Consider giving them to God, for real, and not taking them back.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, This world is filled with all kinds of hardships and battles. On our own, we don’t do so well fighting these. We need you. We lay these problems, these worries, these battles at your feet and trust you with them. Guide us, direct us, and lead us in the next step for us to take. In Your Name, Amen.