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April 14th
Today’s Bible reading is in 1 Samuel chapters 21,22,23,24.
In our reading today, Saul is seeking another murderous opportunity to destroy David. To his twisted sense of shame, Saul could never find it. Saul was resourceful. Why couldn't he take out David and his few valiant men?
God’s grace.
In this reading today, David is presented with a “fair” opportunity to destroy Saul. To David’s honor, he didn't make use of it. Why didn't he?
God’s grace...God’s grace was “upon” David in the providential protection bestowed upon him by the Lord...as Saul hunted him down. And David understood that “providential grace”. He was trusting God to keep His promise to make David king in Israel. He was trusting God to take Saul out of the picture, not himself. “You've got this, God.” And alertly, rested there.
He understood that God was doing a work “in him” first. That’s why he didn't kill Saul when he had the chance. He knew that “vengeance was God’s”...not his. And he also knew that justice was not in his hands to dish out, but “showing mercy” was.
Yes, David knew that providential grace started “within him” and then it was a work of God “for him”...for his protection and for his provision.
Now to the text. David, his family, and loyal friends made the caves and sheepfolds of Engedi...just west of the Dead Sea...their home, and stronghold...at least for a while. In defense of Saul’s death squad of 3000 that have been chasing David for a year now. Mountains, waterfalls, and valleys of vegetation met the needs of David and his 600.
They had to be tired and somewhat confused. Ten years before, God used Samuel to anoint young David as the next King in Israel. They all believed that. But when was that going to happen? And why keep putting David’s life at risk?
Word got out that David was no longer in Gath, but was now in Engedi. Saul and his men headed that way.
Saul and his army had just gotten back from a several month military campaign against the Philistines. And now, immediately, Saul is chasing down another lead on where David might be?
Wow...forget about his family...forget about his army...forget about his local affairs as king...“This was all about him!”
David and his 600 took to hiding in large caves that were used to house entire flocks of sheep and goats grazing on the mountain slopes. Saul and his band of warriors made it to Engedi. And while they were making camp, Saul went into a cave nearby for relief after the long trip.
The biblical record says that David and his 600 were hiding in the dark recesses of that same cave. David could have killed Saul right then. But he did not. In the shadows, away from Saul, David cut off a piece of the king’s robe.
Let’s leave the narrative for a bit and look at the activity of God here. Saul “just” happened on to the very cave of David and his men. Really? No way this was a coincidence. God put Saul there.
Because God was about to reveal the character of a king. To Saul, THIS was all about him! But what we see in David is so not that. David’s men urged him to seize the moment and strike down the king that was full speed ahead out to kill him.
“Didn't God tell you that you were the next king?" “Didn't God tell you that He was going to deliver your enemy into your hand to do with as you thought was good?”
David could say yes to all of their questions. But other words from God were in His mind and heart. “You will inherit the throne of Israel.” Those words from God meant that Saul would have to die before David became king. And David knew that God was the one who put Saul in the position of king...the place of authority in the land. It would be against God’s law to strike down His king. David knew that It was wrong to justify sinning for the purpose of fulfilling God’s promise.
We can think of Jesus being tempted by Satan to win the world by jumping off the Temple and having angels catch him in the presence of a million people. Jesus refused Satan’s offer. The plan was the cross. Salvation sought any other way would mean disobedience to the Father. Jesus obeyed the Father at the expense of the cross.
Perhaps David...the son of promise...whose throne would one day be occupied by the ultimate “son of promise”...had His words in his heart:
“Love your enemies...do good to those who hate you...”
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
And David, we have all been blessed because you spared Saul’s life at the expense of your own. You lived out God’s grace...What a foreshadowing of The King to come.
Yes, Jesus...we remember!
It wasn't about You...it was about us! Praise Your Name!
