2 Sam 8 - Infrastructure

As leaders, we cannot claim to be victims. When the shots are ours to call, the consequence is ours as well. When we are in a place of positional authority, influence is ours to steward. Now, we certainly will see the ebb and flow of culture and trends, but it is our responsibility to anticipate, be aware, identify, plan, designate, delegate, evaluate, act, react, and lead others in the organization both towards our goals and through the obstacles. Hopefully we do this, as Jim Collins puts it, for the “good of the organization”, not our personal agendas.

David gave a pretty strong example of how to do this. First, he started with a heart for God. Second, he did what was just and right for all his people. And third, he gave the authority and responsibility to others to help make sure #2 happened.

“David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were royal advisers.” – 2 Sam 8:15-18

Father, thank you that we do not have to go at life and leadership alone. It's not just us, it's life with you and others. What a gift. Amen.

2 Sam 7 - Ready, Shoot, Aim

“I’m gonna do this Lord, please bless it.” That’s out of order. However, we’ve all been tempted to do it that way. In fact, most of us have probably done things this way more than the other way. Maybe accidentally and we realized it later. Maybe it was intentional, whether consciously or subconsciously. Either way we tend to get our Spiritual cart before our Spiritual horse. That’s not good.

“After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."

“Nathan replied to the king, "Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you." - 1 Samuel 7:1-3

I’ve seen this passage of scripture used out of context a ton. “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it…” It’s similar to the Proverb that says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Our biblical interpretation and personal application is easily influenced by our heart intention. There are a ton of assumptions that aren’t seen in the words themselves, but if we look, the heart is obvious.

What David had in mind was to bring glory to God. What David had in mind was to chase after the very heart of God. What David had in mind was the perspective of an amazing journey that was at the center of God’s will. What David had in mind was only the best for the chosen nation of Israel. It was not about David, it was about God.

We know that directly after this the Lord reveals that it was not His desire that David move forward with the building project. So what was this all about? Once again, it's about the journey, about the willingness of the heart, the perspective of a man dependent upon God's presence, and the willingness to put his plans on hold (if not entirely change them), even plans to please God, when God leads elsewhere.

2 Sam 6- Pursuing Presence

God’s presence is not only great, but it's also extremely important. Sometimes we forget how much we need it. I don’t know how we can do that, but we do. My prayer today is for God’s obvious hand in the church. I pray for continued evidence of His Spirit. I’m so thankful when God shows up. What a gift. When He’s there, you just can’t explain it with words, there’s just no doubt He’s there. We need to take it more seriously when He doesn’t show. That’s not a good thing. And there’s probably a reason why.

I got an email from a visitor to Austin New Church this morning that was more encouraging than they can ever know. In the first paragraph was a short sentence that I pray we hear every week. “We all felt moved by the Spirit at ANC.”

“Now King David was told, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God." So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” 2 Samuel 6:12-15

Thank you Lord for continuing to inhabit the praises of your people. May it always be about You and You alone. May we place YOU at the center of everything we do and pursue. Amen.

2 Sam 5 - Too Young

I used to think “30” was old. Didn’t we all? Now, as I stare down 36, I still feel like a pup. I know that’s not young, but when I think about all that others have done throughout their life and the wisdom that comes from being 50 or 60 years old… I know I have much to learn and much to experience.

“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. – 2 Samuel 5:1-2, 4-5

This chapter reminds us that “30” is not too young. It was obviously a prime age for David. It was a prime age for Jesus as well. My wife titled a chapter “30 is the new 50” in her most recent book, “Ms. Understood”. What she meant by that was that we’re not too young to start making a difference. There seems to be a special call on our generation like never before. Consider current educational methods, communication, technology, and combine them with our passion to make a difference… it’s an amazing time to be alive, especially as a follower of Christ.

As Paul put it in his first letter to Timothy, Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” No matter our age, as we seek to make a difference, let’s remember the “how” is just as important as the “what”.

2 Sam 4 - The Source

Here's a great thought today from a friend of mine who wrote about 2 Samuel 4:1, "When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed."

What is our source of strength and conviction? As we saw in 2 Samuel 2, Abner anointed Ish-Bosheth. His power base was narrow, his legitimacy was tenuous and he drew his strength from a relationship with one man. When Abner died, Ish-Bosheth became exposed.

David by contrast spent 20 years earning the trust of a broad group of people, through his words, deeds and sacrifice. More importantly, he drew his strength from God. As circumstances changed, his source of strength did not.

I am reminded this morning to focus on where my strength comes from. Realize that my strength does not flow from the favor of one man, from a position or from a title. My strength flows from relationships built over many years, the support of people who know my character and competence and most importantly, from my relationship with my Father. I must be ever mindful of Philippians 4:6&7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we realize the source of strength, we can have confidence that the well in which it comes from is deeper than life itself. We can trust in that pursuit, in prayer, in thanksgiving, in the discipline and the effort. The pursuit is worth our full effort and we will find that the reward is even more strength... in Him.

2 Sam 3 - Simply Amazing

When you think about how divided Judah was from Israel, when you think about the tension between David and Saul, when you think about the world today… It’s simply amazing what our God can really do. Beginning in verse 8 we see just a glimpse of how deep that separation was prior to God bringing it all back together. Abner was highly defensive after the accusation in vs.7 and his response to being a “dog’s head, on Judah’s side” shows us how wide the gap was, yet how big the plan is:

“Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said and he answered, "Am I a dog's head—on Judah's side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven't handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman! May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba." 2 Samuel 3:8-10

Nothing is impossible for our God. No one is out of reach. His arm is certainly not too short to save and His ears are certainly able to hear. He is the one who brought men from the grave… even His own son. And yet often our confidence is so small.

I had dinner Sunday night with Bishop Matt Thomas. He oversee’s the Free Methodist Church in the western United States and all of Asia. Quite a job. We spoke at length about God’s movement outside of the US. It’s simply amazing. It’s highly spiritual. It’s gigantic. I’m not saying He’s not moving here… I’m just saying I felt very small hearing story after story of the Spirit’s direct movement in ministry and people. And I craved it.

And then he made it personal. One of the most profound moments for me was in discussing the recent passing of his 28 year old son, Mitch, who had just lost his battle with cancer. Or did he? There was a peace over the Bishop as he spoke of his son being with Jesus that I just don’t know my faith would allow. I’ve never heard a man speak of eternity and know that he believed it as much as he did. I’ve never heard a man talk about the violence and danger of persecution that he’s experienced overseas because of his faith with no fear at all. His perspective is truly eternal.

Why? He knows the power of God, the power that heals, the power that is capable, the power that is beyond circumstance and this temporal world. There is nothing our God cannot do.

2 Sam 2 - Practicing Blessing

I think the speaking of a blessing is a lost art. Words are so powerful. Just think about how a cutting or negative word can tear down. We instinctively use words for our own benefit time and time again. They are powerful tools. Communication literally makes the world go ‘round.

So why not use them for good? Intentionally? Strategically? As an act of love and appreciation? Maybe even as a part of worship? David spoke a blessing to the men of Jabesh Gilead in 2 Samuel 2:

"May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them." (vs.6-7)

Here’s an exercise for today: Let’s intentionally speak blessing over and towards people and see what happens. Try it to strangers serving you coffee at Starbucks, try it with your kids and your wife, try it randomly when you see a person struggling with something. Pray for the opportunity. And watch what happens. Watch their expressions. Watch their demeanors change. I bet you at least you’ll see a moment of peace or a smile. If that is all you get, it would be worth it. Especially for them.

From the beginning, we decided to close each of our services at Austin New Church with a Benediction. The word Benediction just means a spoken blessing. It comes from two words: “speak” and “well”. We don’t try and be high-church about it at ANC, it would certainly be inauthentic for us to do anything high-church. So we use a common language… and hopefully a humble posture… but it’s heart felt and a genuine sending of the church. It’s becoming one of my favorite parts of worship.

This week Tray Pruet closed our service by reading a blessing from “The Message” found in 2 Corinthians. It was a great word of exhortation and blessing and I wish it for each of you who find yourself reading this today:

“And that's about it, friends. Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure… The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.”

2 Sam 1 - Warrior Culture

After hearing of Saul and Jonathan’s death, David took up a lament and ordered that the men of Judah be taught the lament as well. Here is a significant part of it: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” – 2 Samuel 1:26

David was real. He was authentic and vulnerable (in a good way). So much so that because of his words, some argue David and Jonathan had a homosexual relationship. I think that’s a pretty big stretch and unfounded, but one thing for sure is that they had a special relationship.

What I see is two men who have fought through Hell together. They have the bond of Warrior Culture. It is something that cannot be explained. But it is irreplaceable and cannot be substituted for. It is only experienced in the purest form of a journey together.

The gift of Christ is to be given the right to be called a child of God. With it come many benefits. One is a brotherhood and community that many of us never allow ourselves to fully experience.

I’m struck today by the curtains that exist in our lives. We are so full of insecurity, skepticism, and fear that we fail to be vulnerable with one another and thus lack authenticity in many of our relationships. When this happens, biblical community is hurt. It falls short. With vulnerability comes the fullness that Christ hopes for in His church.

I’ve always felt the Church works best in crisis. When we have to work and fight together. See any moment along the way which reflects crisis, and you will see people working together in ways they never have before. Whether it’s in sharing pain through the death of a loved one, rallying together to help strangers during a hurricane, or going to battle against an enemy probably greater than any of us individually… we see the church rising. It’s in our moments of selfishness and greed that we settle into complacency and lose our passion for one another. I’m starting to see clearly how much it’s really not about the task we accomplish and more about the journey of how we attack it together.

If we saw the battle ground around us, if we recognized the crisis, we would understand that we are in a Warrior Culture as well. We would see and experience the fullness of relationship and community. We would be more vulnerable with one another and we would value honesty above most other things. We would cherish each other and would trust one another. Corporately our concern would grow, our hearts would soften, and our lives would be transformed.

When I think about the church, I bet that was the original plan.

1 Sam 30 - Everyone Matters

"David replied, 'No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.' David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this." (1 Samuel 30:23-25)

Here's a thought from a close friend today on this passage:

In verse 30 it is as if every experience that David endures shows up in a positive way in his conduct. Arriving at Ziklag, his men were ready to revolt because he had led them away and during their absence their families were plundered. He responds by trusting and seeking God. But for me the most profound is the lesson he teaches his men about roles and responsibilities in a team.

“The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to battle”. I have long believed that for extraordinary performance to occur in an organization, three things must be in the minds of each individual; 1) they know their role 2) they believe it matters and 3) they are able to be proud of their work. David sets the tone for his leadership early, each will have a role in my kingdom and no role is more important than any other. We should always me mindful to extend that to our organizations, including our church body. We always say ‘thank you’ to each who are serving, but do we mean it with the same level of intensity for every role that is being performed or in our heart do we think some roles are more important than others?

His question is rhetorical. But I'll add another verse to affirm and remind us of his point

"As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." (1 Corinthians 12:20-25)

1 Sam 29 - Divine

God is incredibly divine. As if we didn’t know that. His ways are truly higher than ours. Early in the book of 1 Samuel, God had already made a promise for David. He was called out through Samuel to be the succeeding King of Israel. Yet at this point, chapter 29, it seems unlikely this would ever be realized. David was no longer under the favor of Saul, and he was now partnering with the enemy of Israel.

But to the best of his ability, David had lived a biblical faith in remembering God’s calling. David didn’t force this issue… if he did… he probably never would have settled for “harp player” of the King. Instead he knew God would remain faithful. Even in the chase, we see the heart reflected in David to never raise his hand against Saul,

"And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." (1 Samuel 24:6-7)

In 1 Chronicles 16 we see a reminder of how God remembers His covenant and the connection between his faithfulness and ours in respect to our treatment of His anointed.

“He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations… Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." (1 Chronicles 16:15, 22)

The same is quoted in Psalm 105:15

So here is where I’m blown away by God’s sovereignty: David was in a sticky situation here. As an ally to the Philistines… he HAD to be “ready” and “willing” to fight when needed. And apparently he was. I wonder if he was literally tormented in his heart knowing that the possibility was ahead that he might stand toe-to-toe with Saul. But the scenario never arrived. He was rescued.

“But the Philistine commanders were angry with him and said, "Send the man back, that he may return to the place you assigned him. He must not go with us into battle.” 1 Samuel 29:4

God was in this. He carried out his “punitive” will on Saul and Israel by the hands of the Philistines. David and his men did not have to rise up against the “Lord’s anointed”. And he became one step closer to becoming the King of Israel.

Father, So many steps don’t make sense to me. But I know that to you they do. Help me to trust each step forward, each step backwards, each waiting period, each moment of crisis, each moment of hope, each success, and each time I see failure. More than anything God, may I be found faithful in doing what you have called me out to do as a husband, father, friend, and pastor. Amen.

1 Sam 28 - Scary Tactics

In this chapter God remains absent from Saul. As a result Saul is seeking guidance to why He is no longer speaking to him. He cannot find a word from God. Since he no longer has any spiritual advisors, he essentially seeks out a “witch” to be a spiritual mediator for him. Are you kidding me? How far has he fallen?

I can’t figure out which is more odd to me; the fact that Saul had cowered to witchcraft or the fact that God used it for His good. He actually speaks to Saul through this way. What a sad spiritual indictment of Saul that God would rather communicate through a witch than directly to a man He had once appointed as King of Israel. In it… Samuel appears… weird… but here is the reply, and it affirms the removal of God’s hand from Saul, and His continued favor of David.

“Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." 1 Samuel 28:16-19

Just a thought… we place too much stock and pride in our position or title. Here, Saul was still the King of the nation of Israel, yet he was at the lowest point of his spiritual life. His position was not proof of how he was doing. His distance from God was the proof. None of us would trade places with Saul in this moment. Makes me think of the lame 1987 movie “like father like son” (I know it’s probably redundant to use “1987” and “lame movie” in the same sentence) where Dudley Moore and Kirk Cameron swapped places… no way, no how would I want any of that.

1 Sam 27 - Back to Gath

Apparently this is a highly debated chapter in scripture. Many believe David had given up and made a bad (or at least selfish) decision here to head back to Gath. And that he was giving up. I just don’t see evidence of that. And it seems like weird timing to do that after such a cool scene and seemingly victorious effort in chapter 26. Instead I see some great insight to the heart and mind of David… and even more so, the fruit of a journey of faith.

“But David thought to himself, "One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand." (1 Sam 27:1)

It didn’t say God led him or told him. It simply tells us David “thought to himself” (more closely translated ‘said in his heart’). And he was right, Saul stopped his pursuit. Verse four says, “When Saul was told that David had fled to Gath, he no longer searched for him.”

Typically when I hear that inner voice, especially when it turns out to be right, I attribute it directly to hearing God. I wonder if in this scripture we don’t see the result of David being so close to God, so used to hearing His leading, and knowing His heart so well, that he began to think and in this moment choose His way without even hearing it. Maybe that’s the journey. Maybe it’s ours too.

Weird thought that is not a theological claim, simply a weird thought: It makes me wonder that if we don’t make the right decisions or have the right faith attitudes, if God doesn’t always take us the way of some form of trial until we eventually learn the right things that increase our decision making ability and/or faith attitudes. Each time David waited on God, it left him inches from Saul, which was a part of His refining plan. Once his faith was at a place in which he intuitively made the right decision, he found peace. If we remember, Gath was the place God led David in the first place. But then, instead of acting civil and being the man God he was, he acted insane.

He had now come full circle. Physically and Spiritually.

This time, David was armed with a greater level of God’s wisdom. And his faith was stronger. Immediately he took a humble posture before Achich. He let him know he was no threat to him and his intentions were pure.

“Then David said to Achish, "If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” vs. 5

And Achish gave David what he requested. Once at a place and under an authority in which David felt he must act crazy. Now, under a different strategy, he lives as a welcomed citizen. I’m not going to take this so far as to wonder if he’d of acted this way the first time if all the following experiences were unnecessary, but it most certainly makes me think about God’s refining through our experiences.

I’m so encouraged today to see God’s leading and David’s maturing as he literally learned to “flee” eminent danger in the Lord, take major risks in the Lord, remain faithful under any circumstance in the Lord, and eventually find a season of peace through it.

David went through it all. He experienced it all. God took him there. He didn’t become bitter or negative, never expressed (to our knowledge) confusion instead he held the banner high and led others through his trial. Oh yeah, and eventually he would become King of Israel and his lineage would be that of Jesus.

Lord, I say often that I know your plan is bigger than mine. I’m reminded this morning how true that really is. I know that it’s not about me. Literally nothing is. Nothing corporate and nothing personal. If our pursuits are right, it’s always about you and your Glory, not ours. You are amazing. Your ways are divine. Thank you for your greatness. Amen.

1 Sam 26 - Making of a Man

This is a great look at the repetition of God’s faithfulness in his journey with Saul. And in it we find God’s dual purpose playing out (if not more). Along this journey is an opportunity, and as a leader, David jumps on it:

“David then asked…"Who will go down into the camp with me to Saul?" "I'll go with you," said Abishai. So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him.” 1 Samuel 6-7

Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice." But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go." – 1 Samuel 27:8-10

Here we certainly see the "making of a man". It’s a biblical and historical example of one leader investing in another. David did not need to bring anyone with him. It probably would have been easier and less risk to go alone. Yet he chose to. And he took the one who volunteered to go. Could you imagine the faith in a leader you would have to have, and the courage that you would have to possess, in order to walk into a camp like this with just the two of you?

God continued to build David's faith as well as Abishai's. He’s teaching us too. He’s teaching us that no matter our capability or our courage... we are nothing with out a word from God and a trust that when we follow it, God will be shown faithful.

1 Sam 24 - More than Words

“The men said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.” 1 Sam 24:4

David is a bigger man than me. (No duh, right) I don’t know if any of us can really understand how intense, how emotionally draining, and how spiritually thick this whole journey was for David. Talk about a ride. What gave him this confidence and strength? A word from the Lord.

"The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” 1 Samuel 24 6-7

David heard from God. And he did what He said. Seems like a simple concept. But is it really? We spend so much time searching for what God is saying next, sometimes we forget about what He’s already said, even when the answers are already there as well. If we would just do this: Do what God has told us, things would never be the same.

Here are some more "Words" from the Lord. There is little room for misinterpretation.

“Love God.”

“Love your Neighbor.”

“Obey my commands.”

“Do what I have been doing.”

“Take my yoke upon you... For my burden is light.”

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

“Trust in God. Trust also in me.”

1 Sam 23 - Circumstance

Sometimes God doesn’t make sense. Actually, if we were to see any pattern in God, it would be that He doesn’t make sense. Not really. What I mean is that His logic is beyond ours. When we look at circumstances and situations, we see them differently than God does. I know I mentioned this recently somewhere, maybe in another blog, maybe a recent sermon (I can’t actually remember) but the whole “first will be last”, “lead through serving”, and gaining “life through death” is simply opposite to our nature. Sometimes that disconnect can lead to frustration when trying to follow God. Especially when we’re only trying “half-way”. But we can learn from this pattern. For example, look at Saul’s pursuit of David in 1 Samuel 23. Although we know how the story ends, David was literally running for His life, and God redirected him.

“When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah." 1 Samuel 23:1-2

In the middle of his flight from Saul, God calls David not only to get involved in a new fight against a formidable opponent, but also to a location marked by vulnerability.

“Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, "God has handed him over to me, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars." And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.” – 1 Samuel 23:7-8

One would think God would create situations in which David could find simple refuge. Lay low for a while until this all blows over. But He doesn’t. He constantly keeps David in the game and the journey of his development as future King. As seen in verse 2 he goes, not just to defend Keilah, but to attack the Philistines. (There’s a huge difference between the two postures. One that as believers we should learn from.)

Later we find Saul literally nipping at the heels of David at Sela Hammahlekoth (vs.26-28). Had Saul not received message that the Philistines were invading his land, who knows what would have happened next? Once again, God had allowed Saul to close the gap. David was probably sweatin' it big time here.

It’s really a tangled web. A complicated matrix, if you will. And all along God is using it to call out and refine David for what is yet to come.

What a great reminder to look beyond our circumstance. Last night, Matthew shared at ANC from John 11 about circumstance. His main point was the question: “Do we allow ‘who’ God is, to overshadow our circumstances, so that we have the peace of God regardless of the details?”

I think that’s exactly what’s going on with David. He’s not just learning to be a better fighter. He’s not just learning to be a better leader. He’s not just learning methods of survival. He’s not just learning new strategies of politics with foreign leaders… on and on.

He’s learning to trust God for who He is. And it doesn’t always… check that… it rarely looks like we think it would. Here, God doesn’t give David clean escape. Here God keeps Saul right on his heels. He constantly puts David in situations where he has to choose to increase his dependency through obeying God’s leading, even when it appears to be a back tracking of sorts, even down the road when he has the opportunity to end it all through taking Saul’s life.

Each of of us could probably pluck David out and put ourselves in this situation. Not the situation of war and pursuit, instead with the situation and pattern of seemingly confusing and random circumstance. God is moving us somewhere. That somewhere is not a location, a level, or a time. It is a place of trust in who God is. It’s a place of peace, regardless of the circumstance.