Read 1 Samuel 25
Highlights:
In today's reading we learn we can receive direction from God as David did, as well as protection from satanic deception (I Sam. 25:32-33,39; 26:22-24). Nabal, a wicked landowner, dies; David marries his widow Abigail; Saul pursues David.
David realized he must leave the area and go where Saul could not reach him. Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David. . . . And he said unto him, Fear not . . . my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel. . . . And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house (I Sam. 23:16-18). Then Saul . . . having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, (went) to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph (26:2) and David discovered Saul as he lay sleeping (26:7). Then said Abishai . . . let me smite him. . . . And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? . . . The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed (26:8-9,11). David's nephew Abishai urged him to destroy Saul, assuming that God hath delivered thine enemy into thy hand (26:8). Furthermore, he reasoned it would further the cause of God since David had already been anointed king. However, David knew he was still under Saul's authority and would not seize the throne like a rebel initiating an insurrection.
The Church represents Christ on earth, and its future depends upon its recognition of the authority of God over it. Church leaders are directly responsible to God for what they allow to be taught under their care. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Heb. 13:17).
There are many "Abishai" Christians today who seize the opportunity to kill the influence and effect of a man of God in order to cover their own rebellious spirit. The disobedient are traveling the same pathway of Saul and toward their own spiritual suicide.
Church leaders are not the only authority the Christian is to submit to: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Rom. 13:1). Therefore, we are to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work (Titus 3:1).
Thought for Today:
And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)?
Christ Revealed:
By Abigail's efforts to make peace between David and Nabal (I Sam. 25:21-28). God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself (II Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies:
25:3 churlish harsh, cruel, rude; 25:14 railed on insulted; 25:15 were conversant with associated with; 25:21 requited returned, repaid; 25:27 blessing gift; 25:28 a sure house a lasting dynasty; 25:29 bound in the bundle of life safe in the care of the Lord; 26:5 in the trench inside the barricade; 26:7 bolster beadrest, pillow; 26:15 kept guarded; 26:24 set by valued; 27:1 coast territory; 27:10 road paid; 27:11 manner behavior.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Khmer and French • Confused and unsettled at this time • 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with earnestness night and day (I Thess. 3:10).
Optional Reading: Acts 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:9