Bible Pathways - Apr. 6, 2009
April 6
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Here's a point to ponder: God used both Samuel and David, as youths to fulfill His will. David gives Saul his résumé, his objective, and why — Goliath (17:26,34-37,47). Check out David's weapon (17:45). David gains the heart of all Israel and Judah (18:16) and Saul's son and daughter (18:1,20), but Saul becomes jealous (18:9-11).
When Saul was a young man, his character seemed to reveal true humility (10:27). After he won his first battle, he humbly announced: To day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel (11:13). But the humility that marked this first victory quickly changed to pride as he gained more power and prestige.
And it came to pass . . . when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out . . . with joy, and with instruments of musick. And . . . said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands (18:6-7).
David's rising popularity was too much for Saul. Pride and jealousy so controlled Saul that an evil spirit from God came upon him (18:10). He eventually determined to either murder David or cause him to be killed (18:25).
Later, David had the opportunity to retaliate and kill Saul, but his love for God and his obedience to the Word of God would not let him (24:6; 26:9). We must never lose sight of our opportunities to pray for, as well as go to the aid of, those who would be our enemies. Jesus said: Love your enemies . . . That ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven (Matt. 5:44-45).
This is the most exalted spiritual level for it ends on this note: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (5:48). What we are told, therefore, is to treat others as God treats us and them.
Our lives must be governed by a new principle of love. We must see people as hell-bound sinners for whom Jesus died, and do everything we can to save them. God loved this sinful world and sent His only begotten Son to save it (John 3:16).
As long as a person is living for self-interest, he is overly sensitive, jealous, and envious, and is always reacting to what others do or say. The Christian is no longer of the world, but our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Christ within us will determine our conduct and behavior when we let Him.
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21).
Thought for Today:
The Word of God teaches us to humble ourselves, but a jealous person always wants to be the most important one in the crowd.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jonathan, who knew the will of God was to make David king and stripped himself of his royal robes and made a covenant promising all that he had to David (I Sam. 18:3-4). Jesus, knowing the will of God, cast off His heavenly robes and took upon Him the form of a servant . . . and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
Word Studies:
17:6 greaves =leggings of brass; 17:18 take their pledge =bring back news of how they are doing; 17:20 trench =b> camp; 17:22 carriage =baggage, supplies; 17:31 rehearsed =b> reported; 17:39 assayed =tried, attempted; proved =tested, tried; 17:40 a scrip = small pouch; 17:43 staves =sticks; 17:53 spoiled =booted; 17:56 stripling =youth; 18:9 eyed =kept his eye upon David with suspicion, envy, and jealousy; 18:11 avoided =escaped; 18:27 tale =number.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Helayne Abrams • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN), Rep. Joseph Courtney (CT), and Rep. Timothy Walz (MN) • Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada • Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish • Religious freedom • 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray diligently with other believers and God will answer (Acts 12:5-10).
Optional Reading: Acts 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:9-10
