Thursday, May 18, 2017

Thur.’s Devo - A Testimony to Us

Read: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 155:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19
David hid his men in a cave called Adullam. Adullam means “a testimony to them”. It was a testimony to Saul as 400 fighting men came to side with David because they could not pay Saul’s tribute and did not agree with his leadership. David found a safe place for his parents to live in Mizpah. Mizpah means “a watchtower”. That means it was a place that could see the enemy coming and represents the eye of the prophet since they can see into the future and warn the people of coming trouble.
Saul was getting frustrated because his men knew more about David’s whereabouts than him and wouldn’t tell him. Doeg whose name means “anxious” was the only one who told on David and was willing to kill all the innocent priests of Nob. The only priest who escaped was Abithar. David vowed to protect Abithar since he felt responsible for the death of all the priests.
David heard that the Philistines had attacked a small town called Keilah and wanted to help them. When he asked God what to do, God said to go help them. But when he did Saul learned he was there, he planned to come and besiege the town. David asked God if the town would give him over to Saul and God said, “yes”. So David left Keilah and both were saved. Saul didn’t come to Keilah and David escaped.
Jonathan met with David and made a most humble statement. He told David that he knew that David would be the next king and that he would serve in second-in-command under him. This humble statement came from the king’s son who was in line to be the king. He recognized God’s will and submitted to it. Sadly, Jonathan wouldn’t live to serve in David’s kingdom but he will be great in God’s.
John 10 is full of deep spiritual truth. Jesus spoke in their terms which were sheepfolds but that word in the Greek means “a mansion or a palace”. It is referring to our heavenly abode. The only way to get in is through the door which is Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. That sheepfold is also a picture of the spiritual realm. Thieves and robbers climb in other ways. New Age people and spiritualists get into the spiritual realm over the wall but the true way into the spiritual realm is through Jesus. The true followers come through Jesus and they hear God’s voice and aren’t fooled by the false lies of the devil. Only they can walk in the blessings of God. Psalm 115 is full of those blessings.
Lord, may you increase in us and shine to the world.

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