David marries Saul’s daughter

1 Samuel 18:20-24, 28-30

This lesson picks up where the last one left off, as king Saul’s jealousy and hate toward David grew continually. The reason for the king’s intense dislike for David stemmed from the fact that he realized the favor he once had from God had left him, and was transferred to Jesse’s baby boy. God’s favor wasn’t granted to David for petty reasons, but David’s life prior to being blessed as future king, exemplified all the qualities and character of a man after God’s own heart.

One of the greatest benefits of being full of God’s Spirit is, having access to His divine wisdom to utilize in our daily interactions. Wisdom is key in making the right choices and decisions, and ensuring that our actions and reactions remain in line with holiness. Knowing that king Saul had become his enemy, and uncertain as to the reasons why, David stayed true to the standards by which he was taught. As he assumed the role of his demotion, his character never changed, and one of Saul’s daughters took notice. Michal, the youngest of the king’s daughters, fell in love with David, and those around her noticed the bright glow on her face. This news was quickly presented to the king, who rather than bask in a moment to bless his daughter with David, intended to take advantage of this opportunity to use Michal to set David up to be killed. This would be Saul’s fourth attempt to kill David, and judging from his prior failed attempts, one would assume he’d stop trying. Unfortunately, his lack of godly wisdom disallowed him to think clear enough to see the error of his ways.

Saul commanded his servants to meet David in private, and sweet-talk him into thinking the king found favor in him to be his son-in-law, but David’s wisdom was far beyond their own, and assumed the king’s words were untrue, as he professed to be a poor man, and lightly esteemed. In other words, the king tried three times to kill David who was once a shepherd boy, now he somehow found favor in him to bless him with his own daughter? That was a load of bull, and David wasn’t buying any if it, at first thought. The king’s servants told him David’s thoughts concerning his offer, and this made Saul even more afraid of the future king, because he knew for certain that the Lord was with David.

It’s ironic how men plan to use something to curse you, but God turns it around, and uses it to bless you instead. Saul’s plot to destroy David, allowed for him to be blessed with a wise, and cunning wife, and more opportunities to prove himself wiser than all the kings servants, so that his name was much talked about. Even in all this, the king refused to give up carrying on his wicked plan.

Have you ever asked yourself, “why am I always going through trouble, and when will it ever end”? I have millions of times, but I’ve come to the realization that the devil really hates me, and will do all he can to stop my progress. Just as king Saul refused to cease from plotting to kill David, our adversary will strive daily to wipe us out, but God gives us wisdom and strength to endure until the end. Trouble only lasts for a season, but during those seasons we must remain true to God’s standard, and not give in to the pressures of those who seek to destroy us. The devil is no one we should fear, but we are to always remain girded in our spiritual armor, and watchful, because his attacks can be successful, but only when we let our guard down, and give him the opportunity to hinder us.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Walk in love,

Ell

Saul fears David

1 Samuel 18:10-16

Have you ever had someone try to kill you (physically or emotionally), simply for being yourself? I’m certain some of you have, but God wouldn’t allow it to play out, because your life has more purpose than you could imagine. When men are fearful of your relationship with God, it causes them to become intimidated, and make futile attempts to block your progress, so that you won’t be able to prosper, while causing them to be overshadowed in their jealousy and selfishness. It’s unfair for a man to hate you for being obedient to God, while they willfully entertain sin, and reap the wages of their actions.

During the years after being anointed the next king of Israel, God favored David in ways men could only dream of. Being chosen by God as the next king is a great honor, and says much about a man. David was nothing like his older brothers who were brawny and great in stature, but his heart was pure, motives positive, and will aligned with God’s. The reign of king Saul was nearing its end, because his deeds had become self-centered, thus causing God’s Spirit to leave him. This same Spirit that left Saul, would soon guide David along the path of his next journey.

David had a history of true bravery while tending to his father’s sheep, and maintaining the flock was no easy task. His primary responsibility as a shepherd was the safety and welfare of the flock. His flock may have included as many as 1,000 sheep. David would graze the animals, herd them to areas of good forage, and keep a watchful eye out for poisonous plants, and prowling predators. He was also responsible for protecting the sheep from a lion and a bear. What a bold and brave kid he was! Shepherds were also responsible for minor injuries or basic medical treatment for their flock, especially since they worked in isolated areas. During lambing season, the shepherd would make frequent checks on the ewes (female sheep) at all hours of the day and night, and at times, assist the ewe if birthing problems occured. All these responsibilities were carried out daily, without complaint, and faithfully by David. God knew that if this boy could tend to his earthly father’s sheep in this way, he’d be a great candidate to lead his heavenly Father’s people as well. This is a lesson to all who feel that their hard work is in vain. Be faithful to whatever duties you are assigned to, no matter how insignificant they may seem, because God will honor your faithfulness, and promote you according to His timing.

After receiving praise and honor from the people for his victory over Goliath, king Saul became furious toward David, because the people gave more glory to David over himself. The same evil spirit permitted by God to influence Saul in chapter 16, visited him again, causing him to make two attempts (of 21) to kill David. Wait a minute. Why would God let an evil spirit control a man, when He’s pure and holy? Evil spirits come from God only in the sense of being permitted by Him to trouble those who are in a backslidden state, and persist in sin and rebellion, or to test a man’s faith, as in the case with Job. God never gives up on anyone, but allows time for them to come to their senses. Unfortunately, men give up on God when their desires take priority over His.

David’s fame had begin to spread throughout the lands, and if it continued, Saul feared he would soon have the kingdom as well. So, he monitored David with hawk eyes, hoping to prevent this from happening, but God had already planned for David to be Saul’s replacement. No matter what Saul did to make life harder for David, the young man remained humble, and behaved himself wisely, because he kept God first.

Men will rise against us in this life, because we decided to take a stand for holiness, no matter what. As the world continues its steady decline in sin and wickedness, the body of Christ must strive to behave themselves wisely in all their ways. Although we may not be appointed as kings and queens, we are still invaluable in God’s eyes, and have a purposeful life to live. Be faithful to your calling, despite who tries to stop your progress. Continue in God’s will, maintaining a humble attitude, and God will remove all those who intend to harm, or hinder your purpose.

Walk in love,

Ell

Living among wrongdoers

Psalm 57

Many teach that the proper response to negative treatment is retaliation. When being attacked, whether you’re a Christian or not, rendering a counter attack is the worst possible thing anyone could do. For one thing, prolonging a negative situation is never a healthy option, so stirring up such a fire could cause flames that could affect innocent bystanders as well. Violence never solves anything, it only creates opportunities for people to get hurt spiritually, physically and mentally.

When a person submits their life to God, they automatically become a target for satan to attack, so it’s common for men to harbor ill wills against them. There will even be times when others will have resentment towards a Christian, when they’ve done nothing to cause it. The world hated Jesus, so expect it to also hate the fact that we operate under God’s agenda, and not the devil’s. For the believer, king David left a perfect example of how to conduct oneself in the presence of those who intentionally seek to disrupt their spiritual and mental focus. God sees and knows all that we face in life, but it’s required that we acknowledge Him in all our ways, so David made it his business to approach God with his issue, as well as praise. God knows we need Him, but He also knows when we try to pimp Him. There were many times I prayed to God to get me out of jams, but only to go back into those same situations after He had delivered me. David knew in his heart that He needed God to stand with him against his enemies, so that he would be free to offer more worship, praise, and good deeds that would bring glory to His name. When you seek God’s help, always check your motives for doing so. David also made certain to promote God’s power in his prayer, more than the ploy of those against him. God doesn’t need to be convinced of His power, but we must first convince ourselves that He is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

God stands at the ready to assist His people in all situations, but we must activate that power with our faith. You can sit in a car all day and pray that it starts, but until you turn the key, or push the start button, you’ll sit there until your buttcheeks get numb. In his prayer of distress, David’s faith was shown in his great admiration for God, and His everlasting mercy. When you pray, do you cry and moan about your issue the entire time, or do you reverence God, then get off your knees feeling motivated to knock the devil out like Rocky did against that tall Russian dude? Talking to God should always motivate us to stand strong against our adversary, because it’s in Him that we live, move, and have our being, so acknowledging our association with the greatest source of power known to all creation, gives us the hope we need that all will soon be well.

Never be afraid of what men try to do to you, because they can only go as far as God allows them to. God allows certain situations to occur in order to see what level our faith is, and whether we need to mature more, or use our faith to motivate someone else. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a).

Walk in love,

Ell