Read: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21
God arranged that David and Saul would be in the same cave. God wanted Saul’s men to see David’s loyalty since Saul had filled them with lies about him. Everyone had heard that Samuel had anointed David to be the next king. Saul, especially knew and was filled with jealousy. Saul was a fragmented man. Part of him knew what was right and loved David and the other part hated him so much it wanted him dead. That second part ruled his life most of the time.
But, today, face to face with David and the fact that David had spared his life, Saul was humbled for the moment.
Saul prophesied that David would be the next king and had him swear to have mercy on his family when that happened. David promised.
Saul went back home but David continued to hide out. He had seen over and over how fickle Saul could be.
Samuel died and all of Israel mourned his death.
David and his men stayed was near the home of a wealthy man named Nabal which means “foolish”. David’s men had been a wall of protection for his shephards in the fields. It was sheep-shearing time where all the town would hold a festival to celebrate their harvest. They would invite all who had anything to do with helping make the harvest a success. David’s men qualified and David knew it. He sent word asking if they could attend so his men could be fed. Nabal, foolishly refused to let them come and had some pretty ugly things to say about David and his men. When his wise wife, Abigail found out what he had said and who he had said it to, she quickly came to the rescue of her household. She knew David would come and kill them so she prepared a feast and took it to David. David was impressed and grateful. He repented of what he had intended to do to Nabal and his household. When Nabal found out, he had a stroke and died 10 days later. David sent messengers to Abigail to ask her if she would become his wife. She quickly left and became his wife. David also married Ahinoam while Saul gave Michal (who was David’s wife) to another man.
God doubly blessed David for his loss.
In John, once again they were questioning Jesus authority. This time it was because he claimed to be the son of God. Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 which says, “I say, you are gods; you are all children of the Most High.” Jesus pointed out that the scripture calls men “gods” and “children of the Most High” so why were they getting so upset that he claimed to be Gods’ son. If they couldn’t believe what he said, at least believe what he did. Many did and many remembered what John the Baptist said about him. But, despite his evidence, the religious leaders tried to arrest him…again. And, again, he escaped and hid out by the Jordan.
Today’s reading proves that God protects those who trust in him. There will be blessings and rewards on earth but the greatest reward is waiting for us in heaven.
Lord, thank you that nothing escapes your notice. You are writing down everything victory and every hurt. It is not in vain. You are the rewarder of the righteous and no good thing will you withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84;11)
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