Bible Pathway - April 8, 2012
Read 1 Samuel 22
Highlights:
David's escape to Adullam; eighty-five priests slain; David spares Saul's life.
And Saul called all the people together to war . . . to beseige David and his men (I Sam. 23:8).
Saul made a great mistake when he said: God hath delivered him (David) into mine hand (23:7). It shows how man can be deceived in his interpretation of providential events when he is not in subjection to God.
Such a misinterpretation of circumstances is more than poor judgment; it is the result of the god of this world who hath blinded the minds of them which believe not (II Cor. 4:4). Saul was so determined to have his own way that he gave no thought to the wishes of a sovereign God. When Saul ordered Doeg to murder all the priests who lived at Nob, a short distance from his home in Gibeah, he destroyed his only source of spiritual guidance.
When David knew that Saul planned to kill him, he did not know which way to turn. The friends he had once trusted turned against him. The way seemed to be more uncertain each day, but he continued to pray for guidance (I Sam. 23:10-12). Our all-wise heavenly Father often allows us to experience times of deep distress in order to develop a greater faith in Him.
At times, our circumstances seem to make us think that God does not care; but, like David, we can be confident in His unchanging, eternal Word. He does care, and He stands ready to answer our call for help when we are in submission to Him.
We have the honor to receive guidance as God speaks through His Word. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (James 1:5; Ps. 25:9). We can consult the lively oracles (Acts 7:38; II Tim. 3:16) for our guidance and look to the indwelling Holy Spirit for revelation of His will to our hearts (John 16:13). We have the advantage of reading His Word — the wisdom that never errs. And it is our privilege to wait on the Lord daily for both strength and wisdom with the utmost confidence in the Lord's protection and direction despite the most adverse of circumstances. Pity the people who know very little about the Bible and, consequently, do not know which way to turn when a crisis occurs.
As you become familiar with the Scriptures, you can be a great encouragement to someone — providing spiritual counsel and being an intercessor in prayer for others' needs.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).
Thought for Today:
We can praise God; the victory is the Lord's who giveth us the victory (I John 5:4).
Christ Revealed:
By David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God (I Sam. 24:10-13). Christ refused to become King of Israel. When Jesus . . . perceived (knew) that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a King, He departed (John 6:15).
Word Studies:
22:4 hold = stronghold, safe place; 22:17 footmen = guards; 22:18 fell upon = attacked and murdered; 22:22 I have occasioned = I am to blame for; 23:9 practised mischief = planned harm; 23:16 strengthened his hand = encouraged his faith; 23:22 where his haunt is = where he is hiding; subtilly = craftily; 23:26 compassed = were encircling; 24:3 sheepcotes = where sheep were kept; to cover his feet = to take a nap; 24:4 privily = unobserved, secretly; 24:7 stayed = persuaded, restrained; 24:11 skirt = corner.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. David Wu (OR) • Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be content with and thankful for the things you have (Heb. 13:5).
Optional Reading: Acts 9
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25
