Friday, September 10, 2021

1 Samuel 22 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

1 Samuel 22:16

But the king said, “You will surely die, Ahimelek, you and your whole family.”

1 Samuel 25:35- Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request.”

The first verse is Saul’s answer to Ahimelek’s defense, and the second one is David’s answer to Abigail’s defense. How sharp and vast the contrast is. One is so blinded with fear, fury, and desperation that he is unwilling to listen to reason or spare the priest and his family. Yet the other humbles himself and realizes that his motives were wrong and has mercy on her and her family. One has a heart of flesh, and the other has a heart of stone. How we respond to those around us can help identify which one we have.

When confronted with the truth, are we quick to defend our position at all costs? Are we willing to let things die around us (ideas, relationships, or other things) just to make ourselves feel important or right? Or are we willing and able to humble ourselves and accept when we are wrong?

David wasn’t perfect, but he was repentant and had a heart after God’s own heart; and that heart-posture was one God used to build a dynasty and a family that will never end. Do we desire to build up God’s Kingdom or our own? Our God has built His Kingdom through love and mercy; will we follow His lead?

Hosea 6:6- For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Proverbs 21:3- To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

God bless! I love you all, but His love is unmatched! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!

 

1 Samuel 22:23

“Stay with me; don’t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.”

 

This is David comforting and consoling Abiathar after Saul slaughtered his whole family and sent him fleeing for his life. Yesterday, the guys and I read this chapter, and after I read this verse, the Holy Spirit was like, “That’s a picture of you and Jesus!” The enemy tried to kill our Lord, and he will try to kill us also, but Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, and neither will we! We are safe in the arms of our Savior! There is salvation and freedom that are only found in Jesus! Thank You, Lord!

 

Christ and all who belong to Him have an enemy, and he is relentless, heartless, and powerful, but he can’t stand against our God! We don’t need to cower in fear of him but rather bow at the feet of Jesus and watch Him deliver us from our enemy! But outside of the Lord, we don’t stand a chance. Look around at the state this world is in, a world that has, for the most part, rejected Christ and turned to its self and sin to supply and sustain it. It’s in turmoil, it’s dying, it’s turning on itself a little more each day, and the only Hope it has is the One it won’t even consider!

 

I believe that the Body of Christ can win more souls by the way we live and Who we live in. We have to do both, proclaim the truth and walk in it! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ paid much too high a price for us to just sit on our hands and wait for Him to come back or call us home!

 

“Follow me,” Jesus said, and two of the reasons I believe He said that are: 1) because He is God, the Truth, the Way, and the Life, and only He knows the beginning from the end and what path to take and 2) because by following Him, those around us might follow us to Him! We’re not just here for ourselves but for each and every person the Lord puts in our paths and our lives! I believe His Church was designed more for the streets than the pews!

 

Philippians 4:8,9 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

God bless! I love you all! Glory, Honor, and Praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!

 

 

 

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