Call on God 04.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday April 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 22-24 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read.
www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Samuel%2022%20--%2024&version=9

Today we will read and learn about David's escape; Saul murdering the priests of Nob; David protecting the Israelites in Keilah; and David's opportunity to kill Saul. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God is with you during all struggles and that it is during those struggles we grow in our faith toward Him.

Nob was located just northeast of Jerusalem where the sacred vessels had been kept by the priests since the destruction of Shiloh. Ahimelech, the priest, had given David food and allowed him to take the sword that had belonged to Goliath. This was reported to Saul in Gibeah by Doeg, an Edomite servant. In a rage of anger Saul sought to kill the priest. "Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house." (I Samuel 22:11-16).

Blinded by jealousy and hatred, Saul ordered the execution of all the priests and their families. Without hesitation, Doeg the Edomite killed 85 people. "And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword." (22:18-19).

Saul's jealousy and hatred for David grew stronger and stronger and he stopped at nothing to seek him and kill him. He attempted numerous times to kill him, but God was with him and promised him that Saul would never lay a hand on him. "And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand." (23:14).

On Saul's last attempt to kill David he sought him in the wilderness of Engedi. "And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats." (24:1-2). Saul set himself up when he went into a cave alone, this was an opportunity for David to finally confront Saul and kill him. "And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily." (24:3-4). However, he knew that God did not want him to kill him as Saul was his king and anointed by the Lord. "And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." (24:6-7)

There are times in our lives when everything seems hopeless, as it must have for David who was forced into hiding for many years. In fact, because of our circumstances, we may think that God does not care; but, our all-wise Heavenly Father often allows all of us to experience deep distress in order to develop in us a greater faith in Him. He does care, and He stands ready to answer our call when and if it is His will. Perhaps at that moment you too are discouraged and walking in darkness. Regardless of the circumstances, like David, set your confidence in the unchanging, eternal, Word of God.

Trusting God's Word sets us free from the chains of doubt and fear that keeps us from putting our complete faith in Him. "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:26-29).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God, "Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee." (I Samuel 24:10-13). Jesus refused to become King of Israel by force, though the people wanted to make Him an earthly King before His appointed time. "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone." (John 6:15).

Today's Psalm: 34:6-8
"This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
For many the circumstances in life are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. There are many things about tomorrow that we don't, but we know Who holds tomorrow, and we do know Who holds our hand. Thank you, God, that You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us. You simply want us to trust You as we hold on to Your unchanging hand while You go before us making our paths straight. Grant us the grace to trust You and to seek you at all times whether good or bad, for you are always with us, bleesing us through all struggles. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a great Tuesday and God Bless,
Christina

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