a dismal day

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 31

The leader chosen by the Israelite people dies a shameful death, loses all his fighting men, his sons, his armor bearer, and his bases camps.  The body of one who was expected to rescue the people from the Philistines had to be itself rescued.  The anger and envy that had destroyed his family finally destroyed him – and put his country in danger.  It is a serious thing to presume to lead others while not dealing with your own sins.  They will find you out.

Oh LORD, forgive us our sins. Purify us, so that we might serve and lead with integrity.  May such a dismal day of sin’s consequences never come to us.

Posted in anger, envy, judgment, leadership, sin | Tagged | 1 Comment

when we need answers

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 29-30

There are times of change in our lives that force us to make decisions when we have little past experience upon which to base those decisions.  David finds himself in one of those times.  His time among the Philistines is over, and he can only pack up and leave.  Then, his base camp is raided and the families and property are all taken.  David enquires of the LORD. 

LORD, when we need answers, we will bring our prayers to you.

Posted in David, prayer, trust | Tagged , | 1 Comment

disturbing an old man’s sleep

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 28

The Bible consistently describes the intermediate state between death and resurrection as an unconscious sleep, from which good and evil must be awakened before beginning to experience their eternal destiny.  This story seems to contradict that theology, but it really does not. 

  1. If this was really a revival of Samuel, it was a miracle of God. The medium herself was surprised to see him (12). She probably expected a demon pretending to be him. 
  2. Note that she did not see Samuel descend from heaven.  She said she saw him “coming up out of the earth” (13).
  3. Samuel’s question to Saul was not “why have you interrupted my bliss in heaven and brought me down”? It was “why have you disturbed me by bringing me up”? (15). These are the words of an old man aroused from a deep sleep.
  4. If Samuel had been in heaven, why did he tell Saul “tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me” (19)?  Was God judging Saul for his disobedience, and then accepting him in heaven anyway?  If that was the case, why did that lead to such fear for Saul?

Death is not the reward for which the believer seeks.  We seek that reward in resurrection life.  The story of the medium at Endor is the exception that proves the rule.

LORD, we wait for you, not our deaths.  You are our rescuer and redeemer.   We long to put on our heavenly dwellings, our immortal bodies.

Posted in discernment, hope, resurrection, sleep of death | Tagged | 1 Comment

while we wait

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 27

David escapes to Gath, putting himself out of reach of Saul.  This allows for Saul to be the means of his own destruction.  Meanwhile, David and his six hundred men continue to raid the towns of the Philistines, and in so doing are actually completing the judgment that God commanded Joshua.  In time, the king will return.  For now the nation must wait.

LORD, while we wait, keep us faithful to your commands.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment

no need for revenge

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 26

David took a spear and a water jar as evidence that he – once again – came close enough to Saul to kill him, but spared his life.  His confidence was in God’s ultimate judgment.  Since he was God’s man, his enemies were God’s enemies, so he felt no need for revenge. 

LORD, we declare our trust in you.  We refuse to seek revenge, We leave justice in your hands.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, discernment, judgment, sovereignty of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

Abigail’s discretion

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 25

Abigail was caught between two men, acting on emotions and not acting wisely. She chose the route of discretion, and interceded for Nabal by presenting David with gifts.  She rescued both men that day.  David recognized how wise she had been, and chose her to be his wife after Nabal died.  Her gift of discernment was more valuable that her beauty.  Young men, look for ladies with discernment.

LORD, give our young men the wisdom to look for discerning wives.

Posted in David, discernment, wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

escapes

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 23-24

Both David and Saul see narrow escapes in these chapters.  David escaped because he learned of Saul’s pursuit in time for he and his men to get out of his way.  Saul escaped because David chose not to kill him, but to merely cut off a corner of his robe, to show him that he could have, but did not.  Saul appears to have learned his lesson, but we have heard him repent before.  What shines through most vividly in this story is the difference in character in these two men.

LORD, you have helped us escape many times from harm that was coming to us. May we learn the lessons meant for us. 

Posted in David, genuineness, goodness | Tagged , | 2 Comments

refuge in dangerous times

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 21-22

Even in dangerous times, king David found ways to provide for, and to protect those who sought refuge in him.  He went to extraordinary measures to do so.   It was not safe to simply be for David, as the priests and city of Nob discovered.  It was far better to be with David.

LORD, we seek refuge in king Jesus in dangerous times such as these. We seek your provision and protection.

Posted in David, dependence upon God, Jesus Christ | Tagged , | 2 Comments

anger separates families

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 20

Jonathan had not forgotten that his father wanted David killed, but he had persuaded him to take back his vow.  But David knew that Saul’s anger was not going to go away.  Jonathan needed a little more convincing.  When he saw Saul’s fierce anger, venting not only at David, but at Jonathan himself (giving him the end of the spear) – he knew David had to run.  It was terrible having to choose between having your friend and remaining loyal to your father.  Anger does that to families.  Even if no violence takes place, a person’s anger can separate friends, and harm relationships.

LORD, help us to control our feelings.  Help us to realize the harm that they are doing.

Posted in anger, David, self-control | Tagged | 1 Comment

the Holy Spirit as protector

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 19

The powerful Holy Spirit is at work behind the scenes of David’s life protecting him from harm, because God has a purpose for his life.  This is seen in…

  1. Jonathan’s intercession (1-7)
  2. David eluding Saul’s spear (8-10)
  3. Michal letting him escape by a rope, and her deception of her father’s “messengers” (11-17)
  4. The people overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit when they sought David’s life (18-24).

LORD, thank you for the protecting power of your Holy Spirit.

Posted in David, Holy Spirit, sovereignty of God, spiritual gifts | Tagged | 1 Comment