Read it.
Sandj
Chapter 24: verse 1-2... I have to say that these past chapters and verses might give good definition to obsession... I wonder what Saul's men thought about having to constantly be away from their families and homes and such just to pursue Saul's obsession? do we ever do that to those we care about? do we ever force them to follow us around or live in the shadow and hardship of our obsessions? it might be helpful to take a long hard look at ourselves and see what, if anything, we are obsessed about... yes, we should devote our lives to God, but that is not what we are talking about here... God also reminds us that all things should be in moderation (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, Titus 2:1-8,12, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9, 1 Corinthians 10:31, and Romans 8:5-6), and God even tells His people to take a rest of even doing His work (Exodus 31, Exodus 35)... so obsession is not a good thing, from what I can tell
verse 3...ok, the immaturity in me is laughing :)
verse 4... hmmmm
verse 5-7... I find it amazing that David is still honoring Saul, not because of Saul, but because of God... it reminds me of the verse in Romans 13:1-2: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."... I think about how when we don't agree with our 'authorities' how we can be quick to complain or rebel, or 'cut off their robe' or whatever... but when we do so, we are actually rebelling against God because they are only in their place of authority because of God's sovereignty... David totally gets this, and I believe that is why he doesn't kill him, and then, also why he is ashamed of even his slight subordinate act... it would be like if our boss instituted a new rule in our workplace, and our co-workers encouraged us to go 'tell off' our boss... instead of saying it face-to-face, we just mock him in front of his door... even if he didn't see us, we would still know we were disrespectful and wrong... David recognized this, too... if we love and trust God, then we will respect those whose authority He places us under.
verse 8... David is setting things right with Saul by taking responsibility for his actions... he is confessing, and apologizing for his infractions against the authority of God as represented through the man, Saul... interesting to note that David did not wait for Saul to apologize for his actions, nor does he wait until he is 'caught' to apologize... instead, David 'mans up' and steps up to reconcile because he knows it is the right thing to do, and he is more aware of his wrongdoing, than focusing on the sins of others (Matthew 7:1-5)... David realizes that in order to reconcile his sin against God, he must also confess and repent for the sins he has committed against man/Saul (Ephesians 4:26-27, Mark 11:25, 1 John 4:20-21)
veres 9... do we believe what we hear from others or do we go to the source to find out the truth?
vesre 10-13... I love how David does not allow the actions of others to provoke him to wrongdoing... I pray this for me, too, to not be controlled by the circumstances that surround me, but instead for my actions and words to be based on the truth, grace, and love of Jesus.
verse 14-15... reminds me of the verses that tell us to let God figth our battles for us and to let God be the judge not us (Acts 5:38-39, Deuteronomy 3:22, Deuteronomy 20:4, Proverbs 21:31, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Hebrews 10:30, Romans 2:1-6,16)... also makes me ask myself "when was the last time I exuded humility in the face of a tough situation instead of acting out of defense to perceived offenses?"... how could situations have been different if I had done so on other occassions, too?
verse 16-19... makes me think about the Proverbs 16:23-24 ("A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and makes his lips persuasive. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.")... kind of like the addage "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"... yet, how often do we try to out do others in the art of revenge, instead of applying the healing elixer of mercy, forgiveness, and grace?... which did Christ do for us? (Romans 5:6-10)... aren't we glad He did that for us? if so, shouldn't we do the same for others? (Matthew 10:7-8, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Matthew 7:12).
verse 20-21... I think these verses right here explain Saul's reasons/fears/motivation for trying to kill David
verse 22... interesting that David has reconciled with Saul, yet does not feel peaceful enough in his ability to trust Saul (as demonstrated by David's desire to return to the 'stronghold')... makes me think of the verse in Matthew 10:16, which cautions us to act in wisdom and discernment, not out of naiveness or undue trust ("I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.")... we've talked before about how forgiveness and trust are not the same thing... here is another example, I think.
sandJ
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Read it. Will comment soon.
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