THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Samuel 24-27
“May the Lord be our judge and decide between us.” (1 Samuel 24:15)
Twice David is merciful to Saul, sparing his life because he is the Lord’s anointed.
But we do not see the same mercy with Nabal, at least not until Abigail intervenes.
David has moments of exceptional goodness, but also of typical humanness.
His rage against Nabal, his deception of the Philistine king, these are NOT virtues.
David claims the Lord as his judge, and we must do the same.
People may say we are righteous, and we may think we are, but what does God say?
In many ways David was a man of integrity, but he was not an innocent man.
This is the same for all of us; we may think we are good, but God knows the heart.
“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.
It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Corinthians 4:4)
Only Jesus demonstrated God’s perfect righteousness and love.
His perfect integrity have earned Him the top spot in creation, as King and Judge.
We are not innocent, but in His mercy He does not lay a hand of judgment on us.
He takes that judgment upon Himself, that we might be spared!
Like Saul, we should be humbled by the amazing grace of our merciful Lord!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I have moments of goodness and badness. But my hope is not in my performance but in Yours. I look to You for mercy!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
The first thing that came to my mind in today’s reading was David’s reaction to to the king inspite of all what was happening in his life. He did not harm God’s anointed – not once but twice.
And today, what is my reaction to the government officials today – our leaders? God’s Word tell us
” I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3
The first thing I need to do is pray for the leaders of the country. I need God’s Spirit to lead and guide them so that you and I can live in a stable society that allows us to focus on worshiping God. In the light of what is happening all around us this day in the various governments, God’s Words tells me very clearly where I need to begin – in prayer. We are not to attack the nation’s leader’s leaders, verbally or otherwise.
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Lord, send Your spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Lord, send Your spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!
Something’s gonna happen
Like the world has never known
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
A door’s gonna swing open,
And the walls come atumblin’ down,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
O when the people of the Lord,
O the people of the Lord,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
A door’s gonna swing open,
And the walls come atumblin’ down,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
All the people sang:
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Lord, send Your spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!
And He’s gonna take over,
And He’s gonna take control,
He’s gonna move the mountains,
Make the waters roll,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
O when the people of the Lord,
O the people of the Lord,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
He’s gonna move the mountains,
Make the waters roll,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
Sing it children:
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Lord, send Your spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!
You’re gonna know it
When the Lord stretches out His hand,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
There’s gonna be a brand new song
Of vict’ry in this land,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
O when the people of the Lord,
O the people of the Lord,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
There’s gonna be a brand new song
Of vict’ry in this land,
When the people of the Lord
Get down to pray.
Sing it children:
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Lord, send Your spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to Your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace!