Good morning!
Text: 1 Samuel 20-22; Proverbs 27:15-27
In 1 Samuel 20-22 we read of the deepening enmity Saul has for young David. Fueled by jealousy, Saul becomes increasingly intent on David’s destruction. David is clearly a superstar as a leader and warrior, and is a very real threat to Saul’s position and pride. In 20:31 we see another motive come into view. Saul says, “For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”
Saul is into something that we all can fall into. Saul has his plan, his vision and his expectations of how things ought to be. He has been anointed king. He has a son, Jonathan, and kings’ sons are heirs to the throne. So, Saul looks forward to his son’s coronation. But, the Lord’s plan is different, and as it unfolds before Saul’s eyes it makes him not only frustrated and angry, but murderous.
At the core of this is the fact that Saul likes his version of reality, and will do anything to preserve it. This is a form of idolatry, and it infects the hearts of many. I want my children to grow up to be this or that. I want my career to progress just so. I expect my health to stay good forever. But God’s plans are different. And then I have to deal with reality. I hate that part. You get the picture. So, today’s challenge for us is these questions: “What are the areas in my life where my expectations of reality are false? Am I dealing as I should, in faith, trust and submission to the Lord?”
in Him, Mike