March 13 - I Samuel 24-27
One way we know the Bible is the Word of God is that it is so truthful about the weaknesses of the people of God. Here we see the inconsistencies of David's life. Twice he spares Saul's life when he could have easily killed him, but when Nabal insults his men he is ready to kill all the men in his family. God is protecting him from Saul and even Saul proclaims that he will be the king someday, but David allows the fears to return, so he goes back to Achish, the Philistine and lives a life of deception to protect himself. It would all seem crazy, if we did not realize the weakness of the flesh and the absolute necessity of depending on the Spirit for our provision each day to live a godly life. This is why the "unhurried time" with the Lord each day is so vital.
Many times we sin because we do not honor people the way we should. David had an honor for Saul, because he was the king, God's anointed. He would not take vengeance on Saul because of this honor. However, when it came to Nabal, there was no honor for him. Therefore, he jumped to vengeance. Have you found this happening in your life? You act in an ungodly way toward some people, even people you love, and then you stop and wonder why. I believe there is a lack of honor toward those we are around all the time. We let our guard down. We let the flesh come out. We say and do what we would not say or do to anyone else. The way to solve this is to view everyone as a person of honor, and especially those who are closest to us. This would have kept David from lashing out at Nabal and his family even though Nabal acted so foolishly.
Then, I must say that even though David and others in the Bible had more than one wife the Bible never condones that practice, and in fact, the Lord is quick to point out all of the problems that arise from this sin. We see this in David's life, but we will see it more in the life of Solomon and the other kings. It is simply an example of another way that David did not follow God's way, but the way of the world. We are always tempted to fulfill our desires in our way, but the best way to fulfill those desires is God's way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 28-31.
Many times we sin because we do not honor people the way we should. David had an honor for Saul, because he was the king, God's anointed. He would not take vengeance on Saul because of this honor. However, when it came to Nabal, there was no honor for him. Therefore, he jumped to vengeance. Have you found this happening in your life? You act in an ungodly way toward some people, even people you love, and then you stop and wonder why. I believe there is a lack of honor toward those we are around all the time. We let our guard down. We let the flesh come out. We say and do what we would not say or do to anyone else. The way to solve this is to view everyone as a person of honor, and especially those who are closest to us. This would have kept David from lashing out at Nabal and his family even though Nabal acted so foolishly.
Then, I must say that even though David and others in the Bible had more than one wife the Bible never condones that practice, and in fact, the Lord is quick to point out all of the problems that arise from this sin. We see this in David's life, but we will see it more in the life of Solomon and the other kings. It is simply an example of another way that David did not follow God's way, but the way of the world. We are always tempted to fulfill our desires in our way, but the best way to fulfill those desires is God's way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 28-31.