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TheMakingofaManofGodByAlanRedpath

TableofContentsPARTITHEMANOFGOD:TESTEDINTRAINING...........................................................................................3

Chapter1THEBASISOFGOD’SCHOICE(ISamuel16:1-13).......................................................................3

Chapter2VANQUISHINGTHEENEMY(ISamuel17:28-18:4).................................................................8

Chapter3SOULSINCONFLICT(ISamuel16:14-23–18:5-12)................................................................14

Chapter4SOULSINHARMONY(IISamuel1:17-27)................................................................................20

Chapter5PERSECUTEDBUTNOTFORSAKEN(ISam19:10-11,18;Psalm59:1-17)................................25

Chapter6ANARROWFROMHEAVEN(ISamuel20:11-42)....................................................................30

Chapter7AGOODMANINBADCOMPANY(ISamuel21:1-13;Psalm56:1-13)....................................35

Chapter8THECAPTAINANDHISCREW(ISamuel22:1-23;Psalm34:1-22)...........................................40

Chapter9LEARNINGTOLOOKTOTHELORD(ISamuel23:1-28;Psalm27:1-14)....................................45

Chapter10LOVINGYOURENEMIES(ISamuel24:1-22)..........................................................................50

Chapter11HANDLINGTHEHIGHHANDED(ISamuel25:4-35)................................................................55

Chapter12AFITOFDEPRESSION(ISamuel27:1-12)..............................................................................59

Chapter13RETURNTOSANITY(ISamuel29:1–30:10)..........................................................................64

Chapter14REVIVALORFUNERAL?(ISamuel30:11-31).........................................................................69

PARTIITHEMANOFGOD:LESSONSINLEADERSHIP.................................................................................74

Chapter15CORONATIONDAY(IISamuel3:1-39)...................................................................................74

Chapter16SOVEREIGNTYCONTESTED(IISamuel5:1-25)......................................................................79

Chapter17PREPARATIONFORSERVICE(IISamuel6:1-23)....................................................................84

Chapter18WHENGODSAYS“NO”(IISamuel7:1-29;IChronicles17:1-27)..........................................89

Chapter19MORETHANCONQUERORS(IISamuel8:1-18)....................................................................94

Chapter20THEEXHIBITIONOFGRACE(IISamuel9:1-13)......................................................................99

Chapter21HOWARETHEMIGHTYFALLEN!(IISamuel11:1–12:14)..................................................105

Chapter22THEPERILOFADIVIDEDHOUSE(IISamuel12:10–14:33)................................................110

Chapter23THEFELLOWSHIPOFHISSUFFERINGS(IISamuel15:1-37).................................................115

Chapter24BRINGBACKTHEKING(IISamuel19:1-43)..........................................................................119

Chapter25VALIANTINTHEFIGHT(IISamuel23:1-39).........................................................................124

Chapter26FIREFROMHEAVEN(IChronicles21:1-30).........................................................................129

Chapter27HANDINGONTHETORCH(IChronicles28:1-21)................................................................133

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FORWARD

TheBibleneverflattersitsheroes.IttellsusthetruthabouteachoneoftheminorderthatagainstthebackgroundofhumanbreakdownandfailurewemaymagnifythegraceofGodandrecognizethatitisthedelightoftheSpiritofGodtoworkupontheplatformofhumanimpossibilities.AsweconsidertherecordofBiblecharacters,howoftenwefindourselveslookingintoamirror.Wearehumiliatedbythereminderofhowmanytimeswehavefailed.GreathasbeenourstubbornnessbutgreaterstillhasbeenHisfaithfulness.NowwhereisthismoretruethaninthestoryofthelifeifDavid,whichisthesubjectofthesechapters.

IcanbuttestifytothefactthatmyownhearthasbeensearchedtoitsdepthsasIhavebeenbroughtfacetofacewithmyownfrailtyandtheabundantmercyofmySavior.ItismyearnestprayerthatsomethingoftheimpactwhichtheHolySpiritmadeuponmyownlifeinthepreparingofthisbookmightbemakeuponyoursinthereadingofit.Theconversationofasoulisthemiracleofamoment;themanufactureofasaintisthetaskofalifetime.ItisthematchlessmarveloftheGospelofourLordJesusChristtotakealifefromthedunghillandsetitamongprinces-toreplacethebiasofdegenerationbythebiasofregeneration,andtocauseamanwhohassunkintothedepthstocrytoGod,“Createinmeacleanheart,OGod;andrenewarightSpiritwithinme…ThenwillIteachtransgressorsthyways;andsinnersshallbeconverteduntothee.”

MaytheLordbegraciouslypleasedtousethesepages,inadequatethoughtheymaybe,tohelpmanyintoadeeperunderstandingofHismarkingofamanofGod.

IwanttoexpressmydeepestappreciationtoMissArlineHarrisforherskillfulpreparationofmanuscriptandtomywifeforherpatienceintranscription.ALANREDPATH,MoodyChurchChicago,Illinois

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PARTITHEMANOFGOD:TESTEDINTRAINING

Chapter1THEBASISOFGOD’SCHOICE(ISamuel16:1-13)ThesearethedaysofimmensesignificancetotheChristianchurch.AnyofuswithdiscernmentcannotbutbelievethetruthofthewordofGod,thattheLordJesusChristiscomingbacksoontotakeHispeoplehomeandthereaftertoestablishHiskingdom.Yethowfewofusrelateourlivestothissignificanttruth!

Themachineryofthechurchisputtoveryseverestrainandisworkingovertime,butthatwhichthemachineryproducessooftenlacksevidenceofheavenlyreality.Themassproductionofmodernindustry-allkindsofgoodwhichattracttheeyebuthavelittlelastingquality-istoooftenevidentintheChristianchurch.IndaysliketheseIbelieveitisqualitynotquantitythatisgoingtocount.

TheLordisstilllooking,asHedidinDavid’stime,foramanafterHisownheart.IbelieveittobethepriorityresponsibilityofanyministrysotoproclaimGod’swordthatsuchaqualityofChristianman,bythegraceofGodandthepoweroftheHolySpirit,maybetheresult.NotonlyisitsuchalifealonewhichcanstandbythefierytrialsthatareboundincreasinglytoattackourChristianfaithandprinciples,butalsothroughthelifeofaSpirit-filledmanofGodisthefastestandmosteffectivemethodofevangelism.

WebeginbyconsideringthebasisofGod’schoiceofsuchaman.IntheselectionofeveryonewhoenterstheserviceoftheKingofkingstherearealwaystwosides:ontheonehandthereistheelectionofGodineternity,accompaniedbyHisheavenlysummonsinthecourseoftimetotakeupthecrosstofollowHim;ontheotherhand,thereisthehumanresponseincommitmentoflifetoJesusChristasLord.

ItisnotmytaskoryourstoguesswhoareamongGod’select.ThisisasecrethiddenintheheartofGodfrombeforethefoundationoftheworld.YetbythepreachingoftheWordofGodtherewillbeunmistakablemarksrevealedinthelivesofagreatmultitudewhichgiveevidencethattheybelongtoGod’schosenpeople.WepreachtheGospeltoeverycreatureunderheavenandsay,”LookuntoJesusandbesaved.”Thatgospelislikeafanthatdrivesawaythechaffandleavesthewheat.Itremovestheworthlessandrevealstheprecious.WediscoverbeforelongtheelectofGodbytheirconductandtheirconversation,whichhavebeentransformedbytheconvictingpoweroftheHolySpirit.

YouandIbecomeassuredofourownelectionbythewitnessoftheHolySpiritwithourspiritthatweareindeedthechildrenofGod,andwediscoverwithinourselvesanewheart,anewcreationinChrist,farfromperfectandyet,byHisgrace,hungryfortheLord.ThusweknowthatournamesarewrittenintheBookofLife.

ConcerningtheprinciplesofGod’schoice,IusetheillustrationoftheanointingofDavidheretopointoutthreebasictruths.Inthefirstplace,God’schoiceofamaniscontrarytohumanreason.

NobodyinvolvedinthedramathatdayinBethlehemwouldhaveguessedthatDavid,ofallthefamilyofJesse,wouldbeGod’schosenone.Hisbrothersobviouslydespisedhim-yourecallhowscathinglyEliabgreetedhimwhenalittlelaterheappearedtodobattleagainstGoliath.

Tohisfamily,hewasonlytheladwhokeptthesheep;theotherspursuedtheirbusinessandpleasureintotaldisregardfortheyoungstripling.Theyprobablythoughthimverynaïve,andquitemoonstruckwhenheadvisedthemtoconsidertheheavens;theymusthavethoughthimanabsolutefanaticwhenhemeditateddayandnightupontheLord.

EvenDavid’sfathercalledhim“theyoungest”(1Samuel16:11)-andthewordusedinthisconnection,Iunderstand,suggestssomethingotherthanmereyouth.Itmeanthewastheleastinhisfather’sestimation;sosmallwasDavidinhisfather’sesteemthatitwasn’tconsiderednecessarytoincludehimin

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thefamilywhentheprofitofGodcalledthemtosacrifice.

SamuelhimselfhadnoideathatDavidwasGod’schosenone.SamuelwasreadytosettleuponEliab,thinkingsurelythatthiswastheLord’sanointed,andhedrewuponhimselftherebukeoftheLord;“…manlookethontheoutwardappearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart”(1Samuel16:7).

Incidentally,IalwaysthinkitstrangethatSamuelshouldbereadytosettleforanotherlikeSaul,afterallhisunhappyexperiencewiththatself-willedking.Howoftentheprophetandpreacherhavebeenwrongintheirjudgmentofpeople!Inmyownexperience,Ihaveseensomanywell-educated,intellectual,cleverpersonalitieswhohaveturnedtheirheelonthesimplicityofthegospel;itwasnotrefinedenoughforthem.SometimeswecovetattractiveandtalentedpeoplefortheLord’swork,buttheyturnouttobeheartachesbecausetheyarenotGod’schosen.

ThebasisofGod’schoiceiscontrarytoallthis-whenHewould“buildamanofGod”Helooksfordifferenttimber.AstheApostlePaulexpresseditinwritingtothechurchatCorinth:“Godhathchosenthefoolishthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthethingsofthewise…theweakthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthethingsofthemighty;Andbasethings…andthingswhicharedespised,hathGodchosen,yea,andthingswhicharenot,tobringtonoughtthingsthatare:ThatnofleshshouldgloryinHispresence”(1Corinthians1:27-29).

PictureinyourmindthesevensonsofJessestandingthere:apparentlytheyweremagnificentspecimensofhumanity.IntheBible,sevenisalwaysthenumberofperfection.ThesesonsofJesseseemtometopicturetheperfectionofflesh,buttheperfectionofthefleshisalwaysrejectedinheaven.Thatisahardlessonforustolearn,butitisabsolutelyimperativethatweunderstanditifwewouldbeamongGod’sbeloved.Ifyourefusethatlesson,ifyourejectthatprinciple,youmaystillbequitealeaderinChristianwork-butnotaGod-directedchosenoneamongHispeople,forthatwhichisdoneinthefleshisofnoprofittoGod.

ToeducateandrefinethefleshsothatitmaybecomeprofitableinHisserviceisneverGod’splan.HeinsistsonthesentenceofdeathuponeverythingthatyouandIareinourselves.AllthatweareapartfromwhatwearegivenbyHisgraceatthemomentofourregenerationissentencedtoGod’sjudgment,nomatterhowintellectualorproudorcleverorgoodwemaybe.Thereisonlyoneplaceforallthatis“self”-onCalvary.Youmaynotbeintellectualorwellthoughtofinyourfamilycircle;youmaybedespisedbyothersforyourfaithinChrist.Perhapsyouhadonlyalittleshareintheloveofyourparents,asDaviddid.ButrememberthatthosewhoarerejectedofmenoftenbecomebelovedoftheLord.

YourfaithintheLordJesusmaybeveryweakandyoumayrealizelittleofthedignitywhichChristhaspurposedforyou,butthethoughtofGodtowardyoubeganbeforeHeeverflungastarintospace.ThenHewroteyournameonHisheart;itwasgraveninthepalmsofHishandbeforetheskywasstretchedoutintheheavens.Youmayconsideryourselfveryobscureandunknown,justasaunitinthemass,acoginthemachine.LikeDavidyoumightwellsay,“Iwasasabeastbeforethee”(Psalm73:22),and“Iamaworm,andnoman”(Psalm22:6).YetinHisabundantmercyGodcanstoopdownfromheaven’shighestglorytoliftabeggarfromthedunghillandsethimamongtheprinces.

AmongthelastwordsrecordedintheBiblefromthelipsofourLordJesusarethese:“IamtherootandtheoffspringofDavid,andthebrightandmorningstar”(Revelation22:16).Inotherwords,David’scharacterwasrootedinHimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,andatthemomentofDavid’sresponsetoGod’scallandhisutterabandonmenttoGod’sclaim,thetransformationthattookplaceinDavid’slifemadeitpossibleforChristtobeamonghisoffspring.DavidbecamepartofthatmagnificentdivineplanwhichbroughtJesustobirthatBethlehemandrevealedGod’slovetoman.

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InameasurewhatwastrueofDavidmayalsobetrueofyouandme.OurlivesarerootedinJesusbeforethefoundationoftheworld.ThatisGod’sside,andinresponsetothecallthatHemakesforsurrender,service,andsacrificeforHim-regardlessofyourintellectualcapabilities,yourtalents,yourtrainingorlackofit-youalsomaybeinHisdivineplan,becausethroughyourlifetheLordJesusmayberevealedtoothers.Therefore,thebasisofGod’schoiceisaltogethercontrarytohumanreason.

LookagainatthispassageofScriptureandnoticealsothatGod’schoiceisconditioneduponheartresponse.

Wewouldmissthewholemeaningofthisstoryin1Samuel16ifweweretoimaginethatthiswasthefirsttimeGodhadspokentoDavid’sheart.ThepublicanointingwastheoutcomeofwhathadtakenplaceinprivatebetweenDavidandGodlongbefore.DavidwasanointedforhisgreatserviceandhisministryasIsrael’skingbecauseGod,whodiscernstheheartofallmen,knewthatDavid’sheartwasdifferentfromothers.Hehadapreparedheart-buthow?

PerhapsDavidowedmuchtotheSchoolofProphetswhichSamuelhadfounded.OrperhapsDavidmetwithGodonenightunderthestarsashesawtheheavensdeclaringthegloryofGodandtheearthshowingforthHishandiwork.PerhapstheyoungshepherddrewneartotheheartofGodashewatchedhisflockonthemountainside.Wheneveritwas,therehadbeenamomentwhenGodfoundDavidlongbeforeSamuelcametoBethlehemandanointedhim.TherehadbeenamomentofgladresponsefromDavidlongbeforeSamuelcametoBethlehemandanointedhim.TherehadbeenamomentofgladresponsefromDavidtothecallofGod,aresponsewhichrenewedhisheartandcausedhimtowrite,eveninhisyouthfuldays,suchwonderfullinesastheshepherdPsalm.

God’scalltoanymanandtheanointingoftheSpiritforserviceareconditioneduponthatman’sheartresponse.WhatkindofhearthadDavid?RememberthelovelyopeningofhisgreatestPsalm:“TheLordismyshepherd;Ishallnotwant”(Psalm23:1).Davidhadabelievingheart;heknewhisownsinfulnessandhisneedofthegraceandguidanceofGodtowatchoverhimevenasheprotectedthesheepinhischarge.Hesaid,“TheLordismyshepherd,”castinghimselfuponGodinbelievingfaith.

“Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures:heleadethmebesidethestillwaters”(Psalm23:2)thisyoungman’slifewasmarkedbyquietness.HeknewthejoyofcommunionwiththeLord;hiswasameditativeheart.

“Heleadethmeinthepathsofrighteousness”(Psalm23:3).Thoughbynomeansperfect,David’sheartwassetonholiness,andlongedforthatattributeofGodinhislifeaboveallelse.

“ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil”(Psalms23:4).Inthefaceoftheworstenemythatcouldeverfacehim,Davidwasconfident;ashedemonstratedlaterinhisencounterwithGoliath,hewasbrave,bold,andcourageous.

“Thoupreparestatablebeforemeinthepresenceofmineenemies…mycuprunnethover”(Psalm23:5).DavidhadaheartfullofgratitudetotheLordformeetinghisneeds,forsupplyinghiminthingsbothspiritualandmaterial,evenwiththedevillookingon.

“Surelygoodnessandmercyshallfollowmeallthedaysofmylife:andIwilldwellinthehouseoftheLordforever”(Psalm23:6).Davidwasnomerewistfulfollower,neartoGodonsomedaysandsomeoccasionsbutnotonothers:“Myheartisfixed,OGod,myheartisfixed,”hewroteinPsalm57:7.SuchwasDavid’sheart-notfickle,butbelieving,meditative,setonholinessandrighteousness,braveandcourageous,grateful,andfixeduponGod.

NoneofthesethingswereDavid’sbynaturalbirth;hehimselfwrote,“Iwasshapenininiquity;andinsindidmymotherconceiveme”(Psalm51:5).ButtherehadbeenadaywhenGodhadmetthisyoungman

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andrenewedhisheart,sothatthegoodnessofheartwhichwashisqualificationfortheanointingoftheHolySpiritforpowerinGod’sservicecamefromGodhimself.TheonlyqualificationforheaventhatanyofuscaneverhaveissuchevidenceofGod’sgraceinourlives.

Thechoiceofa“manofGod”isbaseduponwhatGodseesinaheartofresponsetoHislove.IwouldwishthatsomefolkwhoaresopositiveoftheirsalvationwouldcondescendsometimetoexaminethemselvesbytheScripturalqualifications.Ofcourse,wemustneverdoubtthewordofGodorHispromises,butthequestionis,“IsmyconfidencethatIamGod’sownwellfounded?Isthereanyevidenceofitinmylife?WhatismyresponsetoHisloveandgrace?”

AreyouafraidtogobacktothefoundationwithDavidandsay,“SearchmeOGod…Andseeiftherebeanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting”(Psalms139:23-24)?Ifyougoonthroughlifeblindlyconfident,butyouneverexamineyourownheart,thatisatokenofdelusion-youarebelievingsomethingthatisnottrue.

AlwaysIwouldpreachtheprivilegewehaveoffaithinamightyGod,inHispromisesandinHisWord,theobjectivelookatthecrossasthebasisofsalvation,andthegreatfactofoursecuritybecauseHewillneverletusgo.IwouldurgeuponalltohavefullassuranceoffaithinthatbecauseHediedandroseagain,youarejustifiedandsaved.ButIwouldbegthatyoubecarefultodistinguishbetweenpresumptionandassurance.PreachingtoacongregationpreceptwillproducedangerouslethargyinGod’speople.WhatmanyofusneedtodayisaburningexaminationbytheHolySpirit,whichmaybebittertothetastebutwhichmayawakenustothedisasterofimaginingthatweareChristianswhenthereisnoevidenceinourlivesofHisgrace.

God’schoiceofamanofGodisconditioneduponheartresponse,notheadresponse.Idonotaskyouifyourheartisperfect,orifitnevergoesastray-Godknowshowpronewearetowanderingandsin.ButIaskyoupointedly,prayingthattheSpiritmayreallychallengeyouwiththequestion:IsyourheartrestinguponJesus?Doyouhaveabelievingheart?DoesitmeditateonGod’sWordandfindcomfortintheScriptures?Doesyourheartdesireandseekafterholiness?Isitagratefulandhumbleheart,everthankfultoHim?IsiteternallyfixeduponGod,orisitafickleheart,flirtingwiththethingsofthisworld?

ThattheSpiritmayliterallypullfromunderyourfeetanyfalsebasisofassuranceinyoursalvationismyprayerforyou.MayHeneverletyourestuntilyouhaveanassurancebaseduponwhatyourhearthasreceivedofthegraceandcharacterofJesusChrist,notsimplyuponwhatyourheartbelieves.Onewhobelieveswiththeheadonly,withoutevidencinggrace,love,gentleness,humilityorothertokenoftheindwellingChrist,hasnorighttosayheisaChristian.God’schoiceiscontrarytoallhumanreason,andisbasedupontheresponseofman’sheart.

Inthethirdplace,God’schoiceofa“manofGod”ischaracterizedbyheavenlyrecognition.Wemaynotknowtheheartofanother,buttherearecertainevidencesbywhichamanwhomGodhaschosenbecomesknown,becauseheavenhasbestoweduponhimcertainqualitieswhichmarkhimout.

ThefirstoftheseevidencesinDavid’scasetookplacewhen“Samueltookthehornofoil,andanointedhiminthemidstofhisbrethren:andtheSpiritoftheLordcameuponDavidfromthatdayforward”(1Samuel16:13).

Itisdoubtfulwhetheranyonewhowitnessedthatanointingunderstoodwhatwashappening.IfDavid’sfatherorbrothersorthetownspeoplehadknown,someonewouldhaverunoffimmediatelytotellSaul.Icannotimaginethosesevenbrothersknowingthesignificanceofwhatwastakingplaceandstandingthereindifferently.Theyobviouslydidn’tunderstandwhatSamuelwasdoing.ButDavidknew,althoughheneverliftedafingertogetthethroneforhimself-infact,heoftensparedthelifeofSaulevenwhenthatjealouskingattemptedtokillhim-Davidknewbeyondalldoubtthatonedayhewouldbeking.

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TheoilSamuelpouredoutwasthevisiblesignoftheSpiritofGodwhofromthatdayforwardwasuponDavidinmightypower.ForourLordJesustherewasnotoil,buttheappearanceofadovefromheavengentlyrestinguponHim(Matthew3:16).ForthedisciplesonthedayofPentecosttherewasnooil,but“cloventongueslikeasoffire”(Acts2:3)descendinguponthemfromheaven.

Unfortunately,howoftenwemeetprofessingChristianpeopletodaywhohavenopowerinwitness,noradianceintheirfaces,nosweetnessintheirpersonalities,norealityintheirspirituallives.TheyareindweltbytheSpiritofGod,buttheyarenotanointed.TheHolySpiritisinthem,butnotupontheminpowerandreality.

HastheSpiritofGodbeensearchingyourheartandconvictingyouoflackofgrace,oflove,ofgentleness,ofChristlikeness?Haveyouseenyourselfaslackinginrealityandjoy,withnotrueevidenceofHislifeinyou?DoesyourheartcryouttodayforHiscleansingasyouconfessbeforeHimwithahumbleandbrokenspirit?

ThentoyouIsay,claimyouranointingtoday,forGodhaspromisedthatthefireofHisHolySpiritandtheglowingrealityofHislovewillalwaysdescenduponthatyieldedlifewhichplacesnoconfidenceinthefleshbuthungersforaGod-renewedheartofholinessandrighteousness.Therecognitionofheavenisthemarkofyourelection,toalltheworldtherevelationthatyoubelongtoJesus.Isthisanointingonyoutoday?Istherethemarkofrealityinyourspirituallife?

ButthatwasnottheonlyrewardforDavid.HiselectionwascleartoeveryonebecausethenextthingthathappenedwasthathecameintocollisionwithSaul.ItisimpossibleforamanchosenofGodtobeatpeacewithchildrenofthedevil.AmananointedoftheHolySpiritisimmediatelyatargetofSatan-theseedofserpentandtheseedofwomanwillalwaysbeanenmityuntilJesuscomes.

Isitpossiblethatforawhileyou,likeDavid,maybeabletosoothyourenemyandmakehimhappyifyouplayyourspiritualharptohim.Butthemomenttheworlddiscoverswhatyouare,whentheobviousevidenceofheavenlyrealityrestsuponyou,theywillbegintoslingthejavelinsatyou.Also,asinthecaseofDavid,youwilldiscoverthattheplaceofrejectionbyothersisintheplaceofacceptancebyGod.

ThegreatestrewardofallforDavidwaswhenhewasfinallyacclaimedking!HewascrownedbeforeallthepeopleofIsraelandreceivedtheirhomage.Thereisacrowningdaycomingforus,also.OurbelovedLordJesusprayedforus:“Father,Iwillthattheyalso,whomthouhastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam”(John17:24).AndtheapostlePauldeclared,“Henceforth,thereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness(thecrownofGodlylife),whichtheLord…shallgivemeonthatday;andnottomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothatloveHisappearing”(2Timothy4:8).

Iwonderwhattheeffectofallthishasbeenuponyourheart.Itrustthatsomehavebeengreatlydisturbed-ifyourlifeandcharacteraredestituteoftheevidencesofGod’sgrace,ifyouhavebeengoingalongwithoutself-examination,simplybelievinginyourheadwhatyouhavereadintheBiblebutwithoutit’sbecomingpartofyourcharacter.

Itrust,also,thatsomeofyouhavebeengreatlycomforted.Youmayhavethoughtyoudidnotmattertoanyone-yourparents,yourfamily,yourfriends-butnowyourealizethatyoumatterimmenselytoGod.PerhapsyouhavebeenmadetocryouttoJesuswithahungerforHimyouhaveneverknownbefore.

AreyouamongGod’speople,orareyoubelievingalie?Doesyoulifebearexamination?IsthereevidenceofthemarksofHisgrace?IfyouareHis,istheanointingoftheHolySpirituponyourtestimony,orisyourlifecowardly,afraid,uncertainofitself,notknowingwhereyoustand?Godwantstomeetwithyou,forHelovesyouandwantsyoutobeamanafterHisownheart,onewhoischosen,havingthesealoftheSpirituponyourlife,theanointingoftheThirdPersonoftheTrinity.

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Chapter2VANQUISHINGTHEENEMY(ISamuel17:28-18:4)TheOldTestament,asyouknow,isfullofpicturesofNewTestamenttruth.Itisnotonlyabookofhistory,thoughitisthat,revealingtousthegreatseed-plotsofGod’splanofredemptionforthehumanrace;italsoillustratesmanygreattruthslaterdevelopedintheNewTestament,settingthembeforeusinpictoriallanguagesothatwemayapplytheminourheartsanddailylives.

Thereisonesuchtruthofimmensesignificanceinthispassage.Iimaginethisstoryhasbeenfamiliartomostpeoplefromtheearliestdaysofchildhood-thestoryofDavidandGoliath.ButIamnotsuretowhatextentwehavegraspedit’sspiritualsignificance.Letusinvestigatesomeofthedifferentaspectsofthischapter,trustingthattheWordofGodmaygripyourheart,andtheSpiritofGodrevealtoyousomebasicprinciplesforyourChristianlife.NoticefirstthemagnificentgiantthatwefindarrayedagainstIsraelintheearlyversesof1Samuel17-Icannotcallhimbyanyothername:hewasamagnificentgiant!Youwillfindadescriptionofhiminverses4-6,anditisamostimpressivepicture.Hishead,hisshoulders,hischest,andhislegswereallclothedinbrass-hewasjustonescintillatingmassofbrass,glitteringinthePalestiniansun.ThisGoliath,ashestruttedupanddownononesideofthevalley,musthavebeenveryfascinatingtolookat,andveryterrifying.Notonlyso,butheseemedinvulnerable;anyonemightquailbeforesuchanenemy:“Andthestaffofhisspearwaslikeaweaver’sbeam;andhisspear’sheadweighedsixhundredshekelsofiron:andonebearingashieldwentbeforehim.AndhestoodandcrieduntothearmiesofIsrael,andsaiduntothem,Whyareyecomeouttosetyourbattleinarray?…chooseyouamanforyou,andlethimcomedowntome”(1Samuel17:7-8).Thisgiantinallhismagnificenceseemedabsolutelybeyonddefeat.Hewasalsoirrepressibleinhisarrogance;forfortydaysheappeared,daybydayutteringhischallengetobattleanddefiancetothepeopleofGod.Noticethathewascallingforaman;hewassuggestingthatinsteadofthetwoarmiesgoingintothefight,eachoneshouldhavearepresentative.IfthemantheIsraeliteschose“beabletofightwithme,andtokillme,thenwewillbeyourservants:butifIprevailagainsthim,andkillhim,thenshallyebeourservants,andserveus”(1Samuel17:9).Inotherwords,hewaspreparedtobetherepresentativeofthePhilistines,andallheaskedwasthattheIsraelitesshouldselecttheirrepresentativeandletandindividualmatchdecidetheissue.WhathappenedtoGoliathwouldhappentohisfollowers;whathappenedtotherepresentativeofthepeopleofGodwouldhappentothem.Here,then,weseethemagnificentgiantstruttingtoandfroinallhisprideandarrogance,defyingthearmiesofSaul.Butifyoulookattheothersideofthevalleyyouseepatheticpicture,althoughthispeoplebelongtoGodandareinacovenantrelationshipwithHim.

Incidentally,thebattlewaslinedupinaterritorythatbelongedtoJudah(1Samuel17:1),anditwasinthisplacethatrightfullybelongedtothepeopleofGodthatGoliathwasbreathingouthisdefiance.AllthatthishelplesscrowdofIsraelitescoulddowastosetthebattleinarray(1Samuel17:2),whichItaketomeanthattheyweregettingorganizedtofight.Butwhentheenemycameinsight,howtheyquakedatthesightofthatgiant!“AndallthemenofIsrael,whentheysawtheman,fledfromhim,andweresoreafraid”(1Samuel17:24).TheywereapeopleincovenantrelationshipwithGod,butactuallyinthebondageoffearbeforeGoliathandallthathestoodfor!Nowitisimpossible,surely,foranyofustoescapethesignificanceofthatpicture.OntheonehandthereisGoliathinallhisimpressiveness-therecouldscarcelybeamorestrikingpictureofSatanandhispower.HemaynotstrutaroundinarmorlikeGoliath,butheisimpressiveandfartoopowerfulforanyhumanbeingtostandagainst.

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InanycityyouwillfindamodernSatanwhoseemsirresistible,arrayedinallkindsoffascinatinggarbs.Heclotheshimselfinthephilosophyofmoderneducation,especiallythetheorythatmanisessentiallygoodandneedsonlytobetrainedandeducatedtobecomecivilizedandperfect-atheorywhichdeniesthewholetruthoftheBiblethatmanisessentiallysinful.

YouwillalsofindthatSatanarrayedintheattractivegarbofmodernliterature,especiallyinthedisgustingtrashyoucanpickupinthebookstallstodaywhichappealstothefleshandtothecarnalmind.YouwillfindSatan,too,inthefascinatinggarboflibertybetweenthetwosexes,intheslackstandardofmoralsthatexiststodayamongyoungpeople:thecarelessnessofthought,theindulgenceofthebody.YouwillfindSatandefyingthepeopleofGodinallthesethingswhicharesoalluringandtremendouslypowerful.

HeisarrayedinmoderncivilizationinsomanywaysthatIscarcelyneedenumeratethem:therehestands,acolossalgiant,fartoostrongforanyofustoattack.Youmaysayyoudon’tbelieveinhim,butthatisonlyanotherproofofhispower;forthebibletellsusthatthegodofthisworld(thedevil)“hathblindedthemindsofthemwhichbelievenot,leastthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineuntothem”(2Corinthians4:4).Therearemanypeopletodaywhodobelieveheexistsandwhoknowsomethingofhispower,notonlyinthesenseofcontrollinganationoracity,butintheirownsouls.Theyrecognize,intheircombatwithevil,thatSatanisfartoostrongforthem.Averyfascinating,clever,intellectual,invulnerablegiantisthedevilofthe1960’s.

Onetheothersideofthevalley,asSatan’sonlyopponenttoday,whatdowefind?HereistheprofessingChristianchurch,asacompanyofpeopleincovenantrelationshipwithAlmightyGodbythebloodofthecross,indweltbytheThirdPersonoftheTrinity,belongingtotheLordJesusChrist.Yetthey,liketheIsraelites,areabsolutelyhelplesstodoanythingaboutthepowersofdarknessarrayedagainstthem.Weadmitthistoourshame;nevertheless,itisgoodforustofacefactsastheyreallyare.Thechurchtodayisverywelllargelyequippedandwellorganized:thebattleissetinarray,everythingisplanned,butwhenitcomestofacingtheenemy,wearefightingalosingbattle.

ItisinterestingtonotethattheIsraelitesfacingGoliathwereledatthatmomentbyamanwhohadforfeitedthroughhisdisobediencetheanointingoftheSpiritofGod.HehadlostcontactwithhissourceofSpiritualauthority,andbecausehehad,thepeoplewerehelplesstooandquakingwithfear.Aswefacethegiantsofourerainalltheirsatanicpower,thechurchseemssohelplesstodealwiththebasicproblemsandsinofourday.Itisbecausewearebereftofspiritualauthority?Perhapsourleadership,throughdisobedienceandunbelief,hasforfeitedaccesstothesourceofspiritualpower,andouronlyanswertothedefianceofthedevilistotrytosetthebattleinarray,toorganizeandtoplan.Surelywehaveneverbeenbetterorganized,butwhenwelaunchanattackinthenameoftheLord,welackthepowerthatgivesvictory.

Hereisourfirstpicture:thepresent-daychurchissetinbattlearrayagainstastrutting,arrogant,proudadversary.AsPaulsaysinEphesians6:12,“Wewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities,againstpower…againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces.”Weseetheenemyallaroundusgaininggroundrapidly,andwefindthatwearewithoutthepowertodealwiththemainissues.

Letuslook,however,atanotheraspectofthestory,andseethemightydeliverancesthatwasgiventhepeopleofGodthatday.IremindyouagainofGoliath’ssuggestionthatthewholeissueshouldbesettledbyarepresentative:“Givemeaman!”Inotherwords,theissuewillbesettledbytherepresentativesofeachside.

HerewegetaglimpseintothebasicfactoftheBible,forthewholeissueisnotthedevilarrayedagainstamultitudeofChristianpeople-itisthedevilagainstGod!ItisSatanversusJesus!Andthewholeissueis

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basicallysettled,notonlyinthelifeofachurch,butinthelifeofaChristian,byourRepresentative.Whathappenstotheprinceofthepowersofdarknesshappenstoallwhofollowhim.WhathappenstoourLord,David’sgreaterSon,happenstoallwhofollowHim.

DavidhereisapictureofourLordJesusChrist,whoovercameSatanatCalvary,andalsoapictureofeverychildofGodwhoisbeingmadeonewithHimthroughfaithandobedience.ChrististheheadandweareHisbody,andthereforeifHehaswonthevictoryoverSatan,sohavewe.HowpointlesswouldbeanyseriesofBiblestudiesunlesswecaughtafreshglimpseofthelovelinessofourLordJesusChrist!LetuspickoutsomedetailsherethatdirectoutthoughtstoHim.

Davidwas,inthefirstplace,sanctifiedbytheSpirit.BeforehetookupthisbattleinthenameofthelivingGod,hehadbeenanointedbytheSpiritofGod.AfterSamuelanointedhim,wearetold,“theSpiritoftheLordcameuponDavidfromthatpointforward”(1Samuel16:13).TherewasalsoadayinthelifeofourLordJesuswhen,atHisbaptism,beforeHetookupthebattleonourbehalf,HewasanointedbytheSpiritofGod,whodescendeduponHimasadove.

ThenwereadinISamuel17:17thatDavidwassentbyhisfathertothebattleground.Hewassentfromkeepingthesheep,fromtheplaceofisolation,sentfromhishomeoutintopublicconflict.Itissaidofthelordthat“theFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld”(1John4:14).

WefindthatwhenDavidarrivedonthescenehewasscornedbyhisbrethren.LookatthelanguageofhiselderbrotherEliab:“Whycamestthoudownhither?Andwithwhomhastthouleftthosefewsheepinthewilderness?Iknowthypride,andthenaughtinessofthineheart;forthouartcomedownthatthoumightestseethebattle”(1Samuel17:28).Seethebattle?Why,therewasn’tanybattle,fornobodydaredtakeupGoliath’schallenge!

ThereneverisabattleagainstthedeviluntiltheLordJesustakesituponourbehalf.Youdon’tknowanythingaboutwarfareuntilinthenameofChristyoulaunchoutintotheattack.Butthatisjustthenerveofthefleshtoimaginethatyouaregettingonwiththebattle,andalltheotherfellowisdoingistocomeandwatch.!Davidwasscornedbyhisbrethren,anditwassaidourLordthat“Hecameuntohisown,andhisownreceivedhimnot”(John1:11).“Heisdespisedandrejectedofmen;amanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief,”wroteIsaiah(53:3).

Carryingthesimileabitfurther,wefindthatDavidwasstrengthenedbyhispastexperiences.WhenSaulchallengedhiscredentials,sayingthathecouldnotgoandfightagainstthePhilistine“forthouartbutayouth,andheamanofwarfromhisyouth”(1Samuel17:33),Davidtoldhimofexperiencesinhislifewhenhekepthisfather’ssheep.Therecamealionandabear,attackingasalionandabeardo,takingalamboutoftheflock,andDavidkilledthem.“ThiswillnotbethefirsttimeI’vemetapowerfulenemy,”saidDavid,ineffect.“ItwillnotbethefirsttimeIhaveprovedthepowerofGodtosaveme.”

BeforeourLordJesusChristwentintothepublicarenaofCalvary(IfImaysayitreverently)andfoughtthereopenlytosaveusfromsinandhell,Hehadaprivateconflictface-to-facewiththedevilinthewilderness,anddefeatedhimthere.

DavidalsowassustainedbytheWordofGod.IlikehisdefianceofGoliathwhenhesaid,“thoucomesttomewithasword,andwithaspear,andwithashield:butIcometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhosts,theGodofthearmiesofIsrael,whomthouhastdefied…AndallthisassemblyshallknowthattheLordsavethnotwithswordandspear:forthebattleistheLord’s,andhewillgiveyouintoourhands”(1Samuel17:45,47).

StrengthenedbyexperienceandsustainedbytheWordofGod,Davidwentouttobattleagainstthefoe.TheLordJesuswenttoCalvaryoutsidethecitywallandtriumphedoverSatanoutofanemptytombbecausealoneinthewildernessHehadrepelledSatan’sattacksbythestrengthoftheWordofGod.He

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haddefeatedhimtimeandtimeagainwiththesimplestatement,“Itiswritten.”

Onefinalsimile,thoughtherearemany:Davidwassuccessfulinhisconflictbyfaith,andfaithalone.HeprevailedoverthePhilistinewithaslingandastone,andtherewasnoswordinDavid’shand.Saulofferedhimone;Saul’sideawastodresshimupandmakehimasmuchlikeGoliathashecould.David,however,renouncedthewholeprinciplebecauseheknewthatthevictorywas“Notbymight,norbypower,butbymyspirit,saiththeLordofhosts”(Zechariah4:6).

Ofcourse,themostwonderfulthingofallisthis:thatthevictoryofDavidwasthevictoryofIsrael.EveryIsraelite–markthiscarefully,andmaytheLordgiveyouthethrillofitinyoursoul–becameaconquerorthatdaybecauseofDavid’striumph(ISamuel17:51-52).Theyallsharedinhisvictory.

Similarly,whathappenstoChristhappenstoHispeople.Thevanquishingoftheenemy–notmerelycity-wideornation-wide,butpersonallyinthelife–andallthetemptationofhisglitteringfascinationswhichconstantlyhitatus,isentirelydependentuponouridentificationwithDavid’sgreaterSon,andouracceptanceoftheprinciplesuponwhichHewonthefight.

Wearestrikingnowatsomethingthatisabsolutelyfundamental.Hereweexpose,inthenameoftheLord,thewholereasonfortheineptitudeoftheChristianchurchreallytotacklethesocialproblems,themoralproblems,theyouthproblemsofourday.Inspiteofourcorrectness,inspiteofourhavingsetthebattleinarray,inspiteofourorganizations,inspiteofourtechniquesandinspiteofourheadknowledgeoftruth,thewholereasonforourfailuretodealwithmodernproblemsisjusthere.

IspeaktoyouasafundamentalbelieverintheLordandinHisWordinapositionoftruthwhich,Godhelpingme,Ishallneverleaveorforsake–butspeakingassuchItellyouIfeellikehangingmyheadinshame!Withallourboastoforthodoxyandcorrectnessoforganizationandtechnique,whatarewedoingreallytocopewiththepowerofthedevilinourcitiestoday?Mightylittle!

WeseeinDavidalsoareflectionoftheonewhoselifeisyieldedtoDavid’sLord.Hereistheprincipleofvictory:DavidhadtheanointingofGoduponhimbecauseoffaithfulnessintheobscurityinhishomelife,becausetherehehadpassedthetest.HewasanointedbytheSpiritofGodaloneinprivatebeforehecameoutintothepublicarenatostandinthenameoftheLord.

Whatareyoulikeathome?Whataboutyourconversationandbehavioraroundthefamilytable,yourrelationshipswithhusband,wife,parents,orchildren?IstheretheanointingoftheSpiritofGoduponyourtestimonyinpublicbecauseinprivate,inthehumblenessofdailylife,therehasbeenaconsistentandfaithfultestimony?

IsaidearlierthatthewholearmyofthepeopleofGodstoodbereftandhelplessbeforethegiantGoliathundertheleadershipofamanwhohadforfeitedtheanointingofGodbecauseofhisdisobedience.TodaytheChristianchurchishelpless.BehindthescenesandawayfromthepublicarenawearefacingpowersofdarknesstoostrongforusbecausesomewhereinourpersonalliveswehaveforfeitedallrighttotheSpirit’sanointing,HisauthorityandHispower.InHisabsenceallwecandoistosubstituteplanningandorganization,schemesandtechniques–andthereforewebreakdowneverytimebecausetheenemyistoopowerfulforus.

WearetobeanointedbytheSpiritandsentbytheLord.Theonlythingthatgivesafelloworagirlcouragetostandintheirimmediatecircumstances(iftheyareinGod’swill)withallthepressuresaroundthem,istheknowledgethatGodhassentthemthere.ThesovereigntyoftheLordisbehindthem,thoughtheymaybescornedbyothersjustasDavidwasscornedbyhisbrothers.Manycanbeartestimonytoadaywhen,inthenameoftheLord,theysaidtoparentsandlovedones,toawifeorfamily,“IamgoingtostandforChrist;IwanttobeGod’sbest,andIamgoingtotakeupthebattleinthenameoftheLord.”Andtheanswercame,“Youhadbettergiveupthatidea!Whatcanyoudo?Justalittle

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nobodylikeyou,you’rejustwastingyourtime!”YouhavebornethescornandthecurledlipofsomeoneyoulovebecauseyouarededicatedtotheLord.

Davidwasstrengthenedbyexperience:hecouldlookbackuponadaywhenheslewalionandabear.TheconfidenceyoumayhaveasyougooutinthenameoftheLordtodayisthatinthepagesofyourmemoryyoucanfinddayswhenyouhavefacedasituationthatwasabsolutelyimpossible,andtheLordsteppedinandgavevictory.Itisn’tthefirsttimeyouhavestoodagainstaGoliath–youknowwhatitistobestrengthenedbyexperienceandsustainedbytheWordofGod.

SomanyChristiansbelieveintheGodofhistoryandtheGodofprophecy;webelieveallthegreatthingsHedidinWesley’sdayandinMoody’sday.WebelieveinthegreatthingsHeisgoingtodowhenHecomesagain.ButhowfewofHispeoplereallybelievethatHeistheGodoftoday,thatHeisapresent,livingpowerinourhearts!InSaul’smind,Godwasabsentfromthewholeconflict;Hedidn’tenterintoit.ButinDavid’smind,Godwasthegreatestrealityofall.IsGodrealtoyoulikethattoday?IsHeGodnotonlyoftheyesterdaysofyourpast,norofthehopefultomorrowsofthefuture,butofdeathtoselfandabsolutevictorytoday?

DavidwasstrengthenedandsustainedbytheWordofGod,andbyfaithhewassuccessfulinthebattle.HeknewperfectlywellitwasnouseimitatingtheenemybydressinguplikehimandgoingoutinSaul’sarmor–hesawthefutilityofthat.Rather,hemustputonthewholearmorofGodthathemightstandhisgroundinthatevilday.

Tome,itisapatheticthingtofindsomanyChristiansbelievingthatthebestwaytobearwitnessfortheLordistoimitatethedevil’smethods,totrytoresistSatanbythesamekindofprogramandtechnique,abilityandorganization,whichhehimselfperfected.“Wemustnotbethoughttoodifferent,”istheargumentfrequentlyused.Butthereisonlyonewaytorealvictory,andDavidfoundit.YouandIwillonlyfinditbythesameprincipleofabsolutefaithinandrelianceuponthepoweroftheLordJesus.

Inourconcludingglimpseofthisstory,haveyounoticedthattherewasaspectator?HisnamewasJonathan,thesonofSaul,whonaturallywatchedthewholebattlewithgreatconcern.Hehadbeenamongthosewhohadnotdaredtolaunchoutintothefight,butashewatchedDavidgooutandfightGoliathinthenameoftheLord,hissoulwasknittoDavid’s,andhelovedhimashelovedhisownsoul.

IfonlywecouldcatchaglimpseagaintodayofDavid’sgreaterSonwhowentoutintothebattleforusatCalvary,whotriumphedbyalltheseprinciples,whoprovedtobemorethanconquerorwhenGodraisedHimfromthetomb!HeshedHisbloodforourredemptionanddealtwiththepowerofsininthatbattleonthecross.Surelyourresponsetohimshouldbe,“MyJesus,Ilovethee!Iknowthouartmine!”Doesn’tyoursoulgooutafterHimwhofoughtthatbattle,notforHimself,butonyourbehalfandmine?

ThenJonathan“strippedhimselfoftherobethatwasuponhim,andgaveittoDavid,andhisgarments,eventohissword,andtohisbow,andtohisgirdle”(1Samuel18:4).Inotherwords,thatdayhesawtheprincipleofvictory,andhewasidentifyinghimselfwiththatprinciplebywhichDavidhadwon.HewasgivingawayallthecarnalweaponsofSaul’sarmorthathemightcasthimselfinfaithuponDavid.

ThisisthegloriousnoteonwhichIconcludedthismessage:whathappenedtoDavidhappenedtohispeople;David’svictorywastheirvictory.

WhathappenedtotheKingofkingsatthecrossinHisdeath,burial,andresurrectionandascensionissomethingthathappenedtoallthosewhocometoHim.AsJonathansurrenderedtoDavid,heyieldedtothesameprincipleoflifewhichgovernedDavid.

AlthoughyoumaybeincovenantrelationshipwithGod,haveyoulearnedthattheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal?HaveyouneverrealizedthattheLorddoesnotfightwithswordorspear?Have

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younotdiscoveredthatyoucannotmatchSatanwithhisweaponsandwithhisarmor?Wehavenothingexcept-andwhatagloriousexception-theWordofGod,thepowerofHisSpirit,theanointingoftheHolyGhostuponalifewhichhassurrenderedallconfidenceintheflesh.

Child,ofGod,youmayhavevictoryyet,inspiteofdefeat,asyourecognizethepowerofGoliathandhistremendousstrength,ifyou,likeJonathan,lovetheLordJesuswithallyoursoulandjustputdownatHisfeeteveryweapon,everyconfidenceintechniqueandprogram,andrecognizethatthebattleiswonnotbymight,norbypower,butbytheSpirit.IfyoucometoHimintotalsubmission,Hewillgiveyoupowerfromonhigh,becausetheLord’svictoryisyourvictory.WhathappenedtoChristisforallthemembersofHisbody,andallGodasksofyouisanacceptanceofthatprinciple.

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Chapter3SOULSINCONFLICT(ISamuel16:14-23–18:5-12)

AswecontinuetostudythemakingofamanofGodfromthelifeandcharacterofDavid,itisahelptoseesuchapersonincontrastwithotherpeoplewhohadthesameopportunitiesandfacedthesameproblemsashedid.

Quiteclearly,atthispointofthestory,theHolySpiritbringstoourattentionDavidandSaul,settingthemsidebysideforourcareful,thoughtfulmeditation.BothofthemwerechosenforleadershipandbothanointedbytheSpirit.Butwiththosetwostatementscomparisonceasesandcontrastbegins,foreverythingelseinthelifeofSaulandDavidisinstrikingopposition.Weseethesunbegintoriseupononelifeandsetupontheother.Forone,thereissteadygrowthingraceandintheknowledgeofGod;fortheotherthereistragicdeclineanddisobediencetoGod:darkness,frustration,sin.

YetSaulbegansowell,andhemighthavebeenallthatDavidwas.Thetwomenareplacedsidebysideforourexamination,forourwarning,andforourencouragement.ThesamelovingGod,thesameheavenlyresourcesareatthedisposalofboth,butweseeoneofthemsteadilyrisingandtheothersteadilysinking.

Letusexaminethereasonwhyonelifeshouldendintriumphandtheotherintragedy.MayGodherespeaktoyourheartconcerningthedirectionofyourownlifeinit’sspiritualprogress.Iwouldremindyouitisnotasnapdecisionthatdecidesyoureternaldestiny.UnlessthatdecisionforChristisfollowedbyalifedirectedbytheSpiritofChrist,itisnotvalid,becauseitisdirection,trend,progressthatevidenceaman’sdestiny.

Somecommentatorssuggestthattheincidentin1Samuel16:14-23isoutofplace,andshouldreallyappearattheconclusionofchapter17,followingtheaccountofthebattlebetweenDavidandGoliath.Thereasonforsuchanargumentisquitesimple.WhenDavidreturnedfromvictoryagainstthePhilistines(1Samuel17:55),Saulinquiredofoneofhiscaptainswhothisyoungstriplingwas.IfDavidhadalreadybeenplayinghisharptohim,wouldnothehaveknown?

Thatreasoningsoundsveryplausible,butitbringsuponeortwootherproblems.Forinstance,isitatalllikelythatSaul’sservants,whentheysawhimunderthepossessionofanevilspirit,wouldhavebroughthimDavidasonewhomayhavebeenabletohelphim,whenSaulwasalreadyeyeingDavidwithjealousy(1Samuel18:9)?Furthermore,wouldithavebeennecessaryforSaul’sservanttogointothedetaileddescriptionofDavidin1Samuel16:18tointroducehimtoSaul?Theywouldneedonlytosay,“Hereisthemanwhowonthevictoryinthevalleyagainstthegiant.”No,Iprefertoleavethepassagewhereitis.

However,Iwouldsuggestthatbetweentheincidentintheclosingversesofchapter16,whenDavidsoothedSaul’stemperanddispositionwithhisharp,andthemomentwhentheyoungshepherdoutmatchedGoliathinthevalley,Davidhadbeenbackhomewithhissheep.Maybeyearshadpassedandtheladhadgrowntobeayoungman.

Atanyrate,ashewenthometohissheep,knowingthatGod’shandwasuponhim,hewasperfectlypreparedtoawaitthetimewhenGodwouldspeakagainandcallhimoutintothepublicarena.HereisagreatexampleofpatienceinwaitinguponGod,andanotherevidenceofDavid’sprogressincontrasttoSaul’sdownfall.

Wewillnowhighlightsomethingsthatseemtoclarifyoneman’sadvanceandtheotherman’scollapse,andmayGodspeaktousaboutthesethingsinourlives,astheyapplytous.

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Inthefirstplace,thereiswhatIwouldcallthesoul’sdecline.Aspiritualdeclineisalwaysobvioustoeveryoneexceptthepersoninvolved.Sometimeshecangoonhidingitforawhile,atleastinsofarashisownconscienceisconcerned.Butspiritualdecline-backsliding,withdrawalfromawalkandfellowshipwithGod,arefusaltoaccepttheprinciplesofChristianliving,arejectionofGod’stermsforspiritualvitality-soonmakesitselfevidentinaman’scharacter.TheprocessisoutlinedhereveryclearlyinSaul’sjealousyofDavid.

“Saulhasslainhisthousands,andDavidhistenthousands”(1Samuel18:7)wastheshoutofagreatmultitudeacclaimingDavidinthehourofhisvictory.ButSaulfounditabitterpilltoswallow.HeknewbecauseSamuelhadtoldhimso.Eversincethatmomenthehadbeenlookingaroundforanypossiblesuccessor.AsthecrowdpraisedDavid,Saulmusthavehadapremonitioninhisheartthatthismanwastheonewhowasgoingtotakehiskingdom.Inhisangerhesaid“TheyhaveascribeduntoDavidtenthousands,andtometheyhaveascribedbutthousands:andwhatcanhehavemorebutthekingdom?”(1Samuel18:8)

JealousygotintoSaul’ssoul,jealousyripeneduntilitbecamemurderousintent.SaulhadthreatenedDavid’slife,asrecordedin1Samuel18:10-12,andlaterhewouldspendyearschasinghimthroughthecountrysideinafruitlessattempttoslayhim.JealousyfollowedbyattemptedmurderweresuresignsthatsomewhereinSaul’slifethedarknesswassettingin,aspointedupbythepatheticpicturebackinchapter17.Thisone-timeheroofIsrael,facingthechallengeofGoliath,slunkintohistent,afraid.

ThewholearmyofIsraelwaswaitingforacalltobattlefromtheirleader,butSaulwaslurkinginthedarkness,afraidtofaceanyone.Inearlierdays,onetrumpetblastfromSaulwouldputthewholearmyonthemove,butnotnow.HestillhadtheformulaofafaithinGod:“TheLordbewiththee,”hesaid(1Samuel17:37),ashetriedtoclothetheyoungmaninhisownarmor,wishinghimwellashewentouttofightthegiant.Hehadtheformula,buthehadlosttherealityofGod,andhedarednotventureagainstthetremendousodds.HehadlosthisgripuponGod.Andthereforehehadlosthisgripuponhispeople.Inhissoulreignedfrustration,darkness,jealousy,andmurder.

Bycontrast,“Davidbehavedhimselfwiselyinallhisways;andtheLordwaswithhim”(1Samuel18:14).Godwasalivingrealityinthelifeoftheyoungshepherd.Howhadthatcomeabout?Thatwhichmarkedthedifferencebetweenthesetwomenwaswhattheydidwhentheywerealone.DavidworshipedGod;hemeditateduponhisLorddayandnightwhenhewasalonewithhissheep.Saulwasself-indulgent.Whatamandoeswhenheisalonewithhisthoughtswilldecidewhatheiswhenheisinpublicwithotherpeople.Itistherethatbyeitherself-indulgenceaman’scharacteriswrecked,orbyself-disciplineaman’scharacterismade.

AlonewithGod,DavidmeditatedandnourishedhissoulintheLord.HelearnedhowtobearquietlythesneersofhisbrothersashecametodobattlewithGoliath(1Samuel17:28).Hewasabletobearrebukemeekly,totakemisrepresentationgently,topassunruffledthroughthescathingcriticismofthosewhoshouldhaveknownbetter.ThatwaspossibleonlybecausehisheartwasintunewithGod;Davidlearnedthattobestrongistobegentlewhenprovoked,andthattheLordwouldgivehimstrengthinthebattle.

Doyouseethecontrast?Ontheonehand,sin,jealousy,bitterness,hatred,murder;ontheotherhand,gentlenessandmeekness.Ontheonehand,becauseofallthesinandhatred,therewaspowerlessnessinthefight.Ontheotherhand,themanwiththegentleandmeekspirit,whohadmeditateduponthelawsofGod,becamemightytoconquerthepowersofdarkness.

Wheredoyoufitintothatpicturesofar?Areyouasoulindeclension,orasoulingrowth?Isyourlifedecliningbecauseitisself-indulgent,orareyougrowingbecauseinthesecretplaceyourlifehasfoundits’sourcedeepintheLord?Whatdoyourthinkaboutwhenyouarealone?Whatdoesthedevildowith

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yourmindwhenyouarebyyourself?MaytheSpiritofGodprobedeep!

Inthesecondplace,weseealsohereasoulindesolation.“TheLord…wasdepartedfromSaul”(1Samuel18:12).Allowthatphrasetosinkintoyourheart.TheLordwasdepartedfromhim,andIcannotimagineanythingmoredreadfulthanalifefromwhichGodhasbeenwithdrawn.PictureSaulforfortydaysinhistentononesideofthevalleywhilethegiantGoliathstrutsupanddownontheother.Saul’sarmywaitsinvainforasignalfromhim.Surelyhehadnoappetiteforfoodorbattle,or,infact,foranything.Hewasdesolateandempty,becausetheLordhadtakenHishandoffhim.

WheneverGod’spresenceiswithdrawnfromasoul,whenHisHolySpiritistakenawayinHisconvictingpower,thatmanisleftinhopelessrevoltagainsteverythingaroundhim.Hebecomessourandbitter;heisafraidtomeetpeopleortalktothem;heisafraidtogoanywhere,butshutshimselfupalone,andhehasnoappetiteforhisBible,forprayer,or,foranything.Lifehasbecomeabsolutelymeaningless;suchamanoftenflingshimselfintothelaketoenditall.Godhasdeparted!

Butthereisevenworse:“theevilspiritfromGodcameonSaul”(1Samuel18:10).AnevilspiritfromGod-howcanthatbe?GodsendstheHolySpirit,wearetold,tocheckandrebuke,toloveandprovide.WouldGodsendandevilspirit?Yes,ifamanstampshisfootandturnsbackonthevoiceoftheOmnipotentOne,rejectstheclaimofGodinJesusChrist,revoltsagainsttheprinciplesofheaven-atthatmomentGodbecomeshisenemy.

Therewasatime,perhaps,whenthatmanwasinthestreamofblessing,carriedalonginvictorybythepoweroftheLordinhisheart,rejoicinginhissalvationandservingtheLordwithgladness.ButtherecameamomentwhenheturnedhisbackuponGod,whenSatantrippedhimupandherefusedtorepentandacknowledgehissin,sothathestrugglesagainstGod,andhissoulisindesperateperil.

ThescripturesaysthatwiththeforwardGodshowsHimselfforward(Psalms18:26).Againsttherebelliouslife-thelifethathasturneditsbackuponHim-GodmatchesallHisheavenlypower;theangelsarearrayedagainstsuchaperson.Butifhegoeseventuallytoalosteternity,itwillbeonlybecausehehastroddenunderfootthebloodofChrist;hehasrejectedtheprincipleofthecrossandofforgiveness.

GodbarstheroadtohellatCalvary,butifamanstampshisfootandinsiststhathecanworkouthisownpassage,thathecansomehowmanagehisownaffairswithabitofhelpfromchurchandreligion,thenGodsetsunseenhostsacrossthatman’spathinheavenlyarray.Timeandtimeagainhisconsciencespeakstohim,andthememoryofabetterlifethatheusedtolivehauntshim.Thefactthatdayshavegonebythathecanneverrecoverandtheconvictionthat,afterall,heisfightingwithGod,deepeninhissoul.Allthesethingsbecomehisenemies.SuchistheevilspiritsentfromGodtostopamaninhisdownwardcoursetodisaster.

Tobringthistoourlevel,ifsomeofusarenotcarefulwewillfind,asJudasfound,thattheverypleadingsofJesusChristonlybegintosealourdoom.Oh,thedesolationofasoulfromwhichGodhaswithdrawn!“MySpiritshallnotalwaysstrivewithman,”Hesaid(Genesis6:3).

Isn’titstrangethattheonethingthathelpedSaul(1Samuel16:23),whichsomehowbroughtrestintohisfeveredspiritandcalmedhisinnerbattle,wasmusic?Whatatremendousministryisthatofsongandmusic!“Chordsthatarebrokenwillvibrateoncemore,”goestheoldsongweoftensing,andhowquicklydotheybegintorespondwhentheyhearthelovelyoldsongsofthefaith.Manyamanwalkingupanddownskidrowhasheardsuchanoldhymnandgoneinsidethemissionhalltocasthiswretched,debauchedlifeatthefeetofJesusandtobedelivered.Howoftenamessageinsonghasstirredourownheartstothinkandtopray!

Whyshouldthatbe?Becauseheavenisfullofsongandmusic;theBibletellsusso.Itisanexpressionoftheverylifeofheaven,andthatiswhythesingingofahymncanbeusedtospeaktoaheartthatis

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desolate.Saul’spoor,lonelysoulrespondedtomusicwhennothingelsecouldtouchhim.

Thatiswhythedevilusesmusic,too,andhedistortsitintomodernjazz,apowerfulweaponinhishandswithwhichtocapturethesensesandstiflethesoul.Youseepeoplegoingaboutthestreetswithtransistorradiosintheirhands.Theycannotbequiet;theyareafraidtobewithoutsomenoise,sotheylistentothehypnoticthrobbingofjazz.Itdullstheirconscience,drugstheirsenses,andstopstheirthinking.Why?Music,whichhasgreatpowertoinfluenceasoulanddrawhimbacktotherealityofGodandheaven,isathingthedevilhasgraspedandtwistedandusedtokeeppeopleblindedinhisgrip.Oh,thesubtletyofthedevil!Oh,thedesolationofalifethatisinsensibletoGod!

Bycontrastwereadthat“Davidbehavedhimselfwiselyinallhisways;andtheLordwaswithhim”(ISamuel18:14).HelivedandwalkedinfellowshipwithGod.HeknewwhatitwastoabideundertheshadowoftheAlmighty,tobehiddeninthesecretofGod’spavilion.Therefore,inhishearttherewasnofearashefacedtheenemy;inhishandtherewasnotremorashewenttodobattlefortheLord.Hewasdeadlyinhisaim,forhewalkedandtalkedwithGod.Theharpheusedwasasymbolofthelifehewasliving,theLordHimselfbeingthejoyandmelodyitexpressed.Becauseofhisharmonywithheaven,Davidhadtremendouspowerandinfluenceuponothers.

Thatisalwaystrue.LetamanberightwithGod,reconciledthroughthebloodofthecross,humbledatthefootofCalvary;lethimbebroken,comingtoGodguiltyandhopelessandneedy;

andatthatmomentGodtakesholdofhimandtransformsandusesallhisgiftsandqualities,untilthatmanbecomesamightyinfluence.Buthehasfirsttocomedownfromhisladderofpridetotheveryfootofthecross.

Doyouseethecontrast?TheLorddepartedfromSaul:theLordwaswithDavid.WefindastatementrepeatedinISamuel18:12and15:“SaulwasafraidofDavid.”Isn’tthatsignificant?Ifyouarewalkingtodayattheverycenterofdivinelife,yourheartsingingwithjoybecauseitisrightwithGodthroughthebloodofCalvary–ifyouaresavedandyouknowit,Itellyou,unconvertedpeopleareabitscaredofyou.Theyarenotalwaystoohappyinyourcompany.WhenIwasanunsavedman,IrememberhowafraidIwasinthepresenceofamanofGod.

Observethecontrast:wehaveseenasoulingloriousprogressandasoulindeclineanddesolation.Wemayaskwhythesethingsshouldbe,forGodhasnofavorites.NowIwoulddrawasidetheinmostveilandtracetotherootsasoul’sdisobedience.

IcommendtoyouthecarefulreadingofISamuel15,wheretheprophetcameandfacedSaulwiththisaccusation:“BecausethouhastrejectedthewordoftheLord,hehathalsorejectedtheefrombeingking”(15:23).DoyousayitistoughofGodtodothat?Waitaminute–itwasnotjustoneact,itwasanattitudeoflife.Disobediencebeganyearsbefore,whenSamuelcommandedSaultowaitforhimbeforeheofferedthesacrifice,andSaulbecameimpatient.Ofcoursehedid,forhedidnotknowwhattodowithhisidlemoments,asDaviddid.HebecameimpatientwithGodaswellaswithSamuel,andofferedthesacrificehimself.Then,later,hedisobeyedGod’sWordandsparedsomeoftheAmalekites,asrecordedinISamuel15.HerepeatedlyrejectedtheWordoftheLordandthereforehiscoursewasdownward,irrevocablydownward.

DoIspeaktosomeonewhohasdisobeyedtheWordoftheLord?HisWordcametoyousaying,“BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved”(Acts16:31).Butyousaid“No,itcoststoomuch!I’mtooproud.Therearetoomanycomplicationsinmylife.”

TheWordoftheLordcametellingyoutosubmittotheLordJesusandreceivetheHolyGhostinHisfullness,forHegivestheHolySpirittothemthatobeyHim.Butyousurveyed,ontheotherhand,somefriendship,someiniquitoushabit,andyousaid“No!”totheLord.Oh,becareful!IfamanrejectsHis

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Word,Godwillrejecthim,theprotectinghandofGodistakenoff,Hisguidingpowerisremoved,andheisdeliveredtothedevilforthedestructionofthefleshandthesavingofthesoul,asweareshowninICorinthians5:5.

Asaresultofhiscontinueddisobedience,Saul’sheartbecameapreytoeveryevil,lurkingthing.Hereistherootofhisjealousy;hereisthesourceofhismurderousthought.WhenheignoredGod’scommandthatheshouldslaytheAmalekites,heneverdreamedthathisdisobediencetoGodwouldendinattemptedmurder.Hethoughtitdidn’tmatter,thathecoulddoitandgetawaywithit.

Thelifewhichbeganwithsuchpromiseendedwithsuchfolly.HebecameimpatientwithGod’sdelaysanddisobeyedGod’scommands,andthedarknessbegantogather.Thispoor,desolate,lonelysoulfoundhimselfencompassedbythethundercloudsofpassionandmadnessandjealousy,allGod’slovingandprotectingpowerwithdrawnfromhim.Thelastraysofthesettingsunsinkbeyondthehorizonandeverythingisdark.ThatisSaul!

Bycontract,Davidwentintobattleshouting“IcometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhost!”(ISamuel17:45).“InthecharacterofGod”iswhathemeant.Tohighlightthiscontrast,wefindhereamanwhoseonlyweapon–whoseonlystrengthfortestimony,whoseonlypowerinministry–wasthenameoftheLord.Butthatnameisnomagic“Opensesame”–ifamanusesthename,itisbecauseheisidentifiedwiththename.

TocomeinthenameoftheLordJesus,tostandwithemptyhands,withoutanyotherweaponatall-facingandunbeliever,facingapagantribeonthemissionfield,facingacompanyofgodlessbusinesscolleaguesinthenameoftheLordJesusChrist-istostandinaplaceofabsoluteauthority.Thatis,providedasyoustandinthatnameyouareidentifiedwithHim,submittedaltogethertothecharacterandlovelinessofChristandtoHissovereignty.Therefore,whenyouspeakGodspeaks,andthroughyourlipsandlifetheLordbeginstowork.

Wehaveseenthesetwolives,andobservedhowDavidwonthatdaybecausehismotiveswerepure:“thatalltheearthmayknowthatthereisaGodinIsrael”(1Samuel17:46).Hewasnotconcernedabouthisownglory,buthewasconcernedthatpeoplemightknowabouthisGod.HeputGodinHisproperplaceofauthority,forheknewthathehimselfwasonlyaninstrument:“ThebattleistheLord’s.”DavidcoulduseGod’snamebecausetheLordwasinHisrightfulplaceinhislife.ContrastthismanwithSaul,andponderthehorrorandtheawfullonelinessofamanwhohasrejectedthewordofGod.

Whichareyou?BeforeGod,areyouinspiritualdeclineorinlivingfaith?Isyourreligiononlyaformula,orisChristrealtoyouallthetime?Areyoudesolateandbereft,orareyouinfellowshipwiththeHolySpiritmomentbymoment?AreyoulivingindisobediencetothewordofGod,orareyoufollowingtheLambofGodwhereverHemaylead?

Howmuchdependsuponyouranswer!Forthedeclineinyourlifemaystop,thedownwardgradecanceaseimmediately,thedesolationofyourheartcanend,andJesuscancomewithallHisblessedgracetofillyourlifewithHisbeautyandfragrancenow,atthisminute,ifyourdisobedienceendsrightnow.

Makemeacaptive,Lord,

AndthenIshallbefree;

Forcemetorenderupmysword,

AndIshallconquerorbe.

Isinkinlife’salarms

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WhenbymyselfIstand;

ImprisonmewithinThinearms,

Andstrongshallbemyhand.

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Chapter4SOULSINHARMONY(IISamuel1:17-27)

SomeincidentsinthelifeofDavidasrecountedinthelatterpartof1Samuelarebeingpassedover(butwillbereturnedtolater)inordertoconsideratthispointtheversesthatcommentupontheinfluenceofJonathaninthelifeofDavid.

WehavenoticedthedeclineofSaulincontrasttothesteadyriseofDavid,andSaul’sgreatenmitytowardDavid.Nowwehaveanoppositeinfluence:thestrengtheninghandofaGod-givenfriend.WhatencouragementandhelpsuchafriendcanbringtoamanwhomGodisshapingandfashioningafterHisownlikeness!

Whatdoesmeditationonthispassagereveal?TheloveofJonathanforDavidisbutverypalereflectionoftheloveofChristforme-thismustbethemajorcordofourstudy.Butfirst,aswethinkaboutthisfamiliarstoryoflovelyOldTestamentfriendship,IwanttogatherfromitsomegemsofinspirationandencouragementconcerningthesanctifyingpowerofGodlyfriendships.

Wesee,inthefirstplace,thattheloveofJonathanforDavidwaspureinitsorigin.Itseemstohavebeenacaseof“loveatfirstsight”(1Samuel18:3-4).AsJonathansawDavidcomebackfrombattlewiththeheadofGoliathinhishand,helovedhimasonebravesoldiermightloveanother.

Jonathanhadalreadyprovedhimselfinbattle.Heandhisarmor-bearerhadturnedthetideofinvasionnotlongbefore,andscatteredthefoe,gatheringallthepeopleofIsraelaroundhiminloyaltyandaffection.ThenwhydidnotJonathanhimselftackleGoliath?Thinkuponthestoryforamoment-whatatremendoussenseofdespairmusthavebeeninJonathan’sheartashesawhefatherslippingback,disobeyingGod,losinghispowerofcommand,rejectedfrombeingking.Whatcouldtheking’ssonpossiblydototurnthetideinasituationlikethat?

ButinthemomentthatJonathansawDavidgoouttobattle,hisheartwentouttohimingreataffectionanddevotion.He“lovedhim,”weread,“ashelovedhisownsoul.”GladlywouldJonathanhavegivenhisverylifeforDavid;“thesoulofJonathanwasknituntothesoulofDavid,”saystherecord.ThequalitiesofcharacterthatJonathansawinDaviddrewfromhimadmirationandlove.

IwouldpausetosaythatitisGod’splanforsoulstobeknittogetherthus.AdamandEvecameintotheworldlikethat,knittogetherinaonenesswhichGodhadgiventothem.Butsin,thegreatdividerofhumanheartsaswellasofmenfromGod,soondiditsdeadlyworkandseparatedthemfromoneanotherwiththeresultthateversincetheneachofushasstartedthesolitaryjourneyoflifeallalone.ThehumanhearthascriedoutthatitmightbeknittoanotherasJonathanwasknittoDavid,asAdamwasknittoEve.Thereforeeverytruefriendship,everyrealChristiancourtship,everygenuineonenessinmarriage,isare-establishmentofthissacredunion;itwasGod’spurposefrombeforethefoundationoftheworld.

Wasyourcourtshippureinitsorigin?DidyoufallinloveatfirstsightperhapsbecauseofsomethingofChristHimselfthatyousawinthequalitiesoftheoneyouloved?BecauseyousawthelovelinessoftheLordJesusandthesweetnessofHischaracter,youlovedforHissake,andyouwereknittogether.Doyourfriendshipsstartlikethat,orareyouattractedtosomethingthatislower?Whenafriendship,acourtship,amarriage,beginsonthatfoundation,itwillstandanytest.Ifitstartsonanotherfoundation,itisbuiltonsand.

Inthesecondplace,observethatJonathan’slovetoDavidwasdisinterestedinitsaction.HowunselfishJonathanwas!Younoticeintheseversesthat,thoughthekingssonandheirtothekingdom,hestrippedhimselfofeverysymbolofhisroyaltyinfavoroftheonewhowashisrival.Itwouldhavebeenonly

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naturaltobejealous.Instead,onedaywhenDavidwashidingfromSaul,Jonathansoughthimout:“JonathanSaul’ssonarose,andwenttoDavidintothewood,andstrengthenedhishandinGod.Andhesaiduntohim,fearnot:forthehandofSaulmyfathershallnotfindthee;andthoushaltbekingoverIsrael,andIshallbenextuntothee;andthatalsoSaulmyfatherknoweth”(1Samuel23:16-17).

David’sfaithwasonthepointoffaltering.Hemightwellhavegivenupaltogether.Ifhehad,hewouldhaveceasedtobeJonathan’srivaltothethrone.ButJonathanwenttohimandstrengthenedhishandinGod:hedidtheverythingthatwouldputDavidabovehim.ButJonathanwashappytobeinthebackgroundifonlytheonehelovedcouldbeexaltedandputuponthethrone.Hewasgladtostepoutofthepictureifonlytheonewhomhelovedsodearlymighthavetheplaceofprominence.Seldomdoesafriendputhimselfinthebackgroundforthesakeofanotherlikethat.

Then,furthermore,Jonathan’slovewassteadfastinopposition.ItisanamazingrecordthatwehaveofJonathan’sintenseloyaltytohisfather,amanrejectedfromthekingdom,amanwhohadturnedhisbackuponGod.Jonathan,allthroughthestory,wasloyaltoSaul,somuchsothatDavidsaidinhislamentoverthem,“SaulandJonathanwerelovelyandpleasantintheirlives,andintheirdeaththeywerenotdivided”(2Samuel1:23).

ButJonathanwasconsistentlysteadfastinhisloveforDavid,eveninthefaceofoppositionfromhisfather,whosejealousy,hatred,andenvyofDavidheknew.AllthetimeJonathantookDavid’sside,comfortinghim;andyetstoodbyinloyaltytohisfather,untilonedayhewaskilledinthebattlealongsidehim.JonathandidnotallowhisloveforDavidtodiverthimfromthepathofduty.Heremainedtruetowhathebelievedtobehisrightcourse.AlthoughhelovedDavidashisownsoul,hestoodbyhispoor,desolate,helplessfather,untiltheydiedtogetherinthebattle.

WhenIthinkofthatstory,myheartisstirredbyadesirenotonlythatImighthaveaJonathaninmylife-thatissurelyverywonderful,butalsothatImightfindaDavidsomewheretowhomIcouldbeaJonathan.WouldyouasktheHolySpirittomakeyouafriendlikethat,tohelpyoutocultivateinyourlifesanctifyingdisinterested,steadfastfriendships?

Oh,thattheLordmightletusplayapartinshapingandfashioninganotherlifeintheimageofJesusChrist!AskHimtomakeyouafriendwhowillbetosomeonewhatJonathanwas,“afriendwhostickethcloserthanabrother.”

InsuchafriendshipthegreatpurposeofGodinmakingusoneinthebodyofChristisfulfilled,fortheLordJesuscame“Thattheyallmaybeone;asthou,Father,artinme,andIinthee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinus”(John17:21).Letthesethoughtsbeachallengetousall,andperhapsarebuketosomewhoarejustnofriendsatall,butwhostabinthebackwhiletheysmiletotheface.Somanyahumanhearthasbeenabsolutelybrokenbecauseofthebetrayalofafalsefriend.

Whatsortoffriendareyou?Areyoutrustworthyandsteadfastinthemidstofoppositionandtrouble?Isyourfriendshippureinit’sorigin?Isitbaseduponrightmotives?Isyourdesirethewelfareandblessingofanother,eventhoughitmeansthatyouarethrustintothebackground?

Wecomenowtothemajorthemeinthispassage.IwouldrepeatthatthoughthereisinJonathanareflectionoftheloveofJesusformysoul,Isayitisonlyaverypalereflection,asIhopetoshowyou.

“Thylovetomewaswonderful,”saidDavidconcerningJonathan.ButsomehowIwanttotakethosewordsandputtheminyourheartandonyourlips.Icanscarcelypreachaboutthem,butwouldbearthetestimonyinthepresenceoftheLordJesusChrist,andsaytoHim,“Lord,thylovetomeiswonderful!”

IhavetakenthreethoughtsconcerningJonathan’slovetoDavid.LetmeapplythesametoChrist’slovetous,andbeginbysayingitwasalsopureinitsorigin.WhendidtheLordbegintoloveme?Idon’t

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know.CertainlyitwaslongbeforethedayHesaid,“Lettherebelight!”Itwaslongbeforetherewereanysuchcreaturesashumanbeingsatall:forawaybackineternitytheLordlookedthroughthemirrorofHisfore-knowledge,andofHisunderstanding,andofHisomnipotence,andHisloveanddelightwerewiththesonofman.Hislovehadnobeginning;thereneverwasatimewhenHedidn’tloveyouandme.“Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove:thereforewithlovingkindnesshaveIdrawnthee”(Jeremiah31:3).

DidJonathanloveDavidinthefirstplacebecauseofwhathesawofcharacterandbeautyandthingstoadmireinDavid’slife?Yes,hedid.Butoh,LordJesus,Icanthinkofathousandreasonswhyyoushouldpassbebycompletely!ForifthatbethebasisofGod’sloveinChristformysoul,Ihavenotahopeineternity.“ButGodcommendethHislovetowardus,inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus”(Romans5:8).Hediedfortheungodly,thejustfortheunjust,thatHemightbringustoGod.Therewasn’tonelovelyorgoodthinginanyofusthatcoulddrawoutlovefromtheheartofaholySaviour-therewaseverythingtorepel.YettheinfiniteGod,thealtogetherlovelyOne,whoseidealoflovesurelyisfarbeyondanythingwecouldeverimagine,whosecapacityforloveisbeyondourunderstandingaltogether,HelovedusandgaveHimselfforus.

Thatisthemiracleofmiracles!Thatisfarbeyondourunderstanding.Hecouldnotrestinheavenwithoutus,andheavenwouldnotbecompleteunlessyouandIwerethere,thatweshouldbeHisbrideandHeshouldbeourBridegroom.Oh,whatloveforanobjectthatissoabsolutelyunworthy.God’sloveissopureinitsorigin,withoutasinglethinginustoattract,withnomotiveatallexceptforthegreatfactthatGodHimselfisLove.

Furthermore,theloveofGodinChristwasalsodisinterestedinitsaction.DidJonathanstriphimselfofalltheemblemsofroyalandlaythematDavid’sfeet?

Washehappytosufferandbeinthebackgroundifonlyhecouldsecurethepromotionandhonortheoneheloved?AgreaterthanJonathanisheretoday.HelaidasidetheglorywhichHehadwiththeFatherHesaidofHimself,“TheSonofmancamenottobeministeredunto,buttominister,andtogivehislifearansomformany”(Matthew20:28).

LetussitdownatthefootofthecrossandjustgazeatHimthere.Markthatthorn-crownedbrow;lookatthosehandsandfeetpiercedwithnailsandseetheblood.Lookatthatbrokenheart,thewaterandtheblood,thegapingside.Thinkofit!ThisistheLordofglory,dyingamidstthescornofthepeopleHecametoredeem.ThinkofHiminheavenwithallauthorityinHishandsandtheangelichostaroundHim.ThenlookatHimhangingonthecrosswiththeriff-raffofhumanitysneeringandgapingatHim.WhenIrealizethatthereHetookmysin,thepollutionandfilthinessofmylife,asifitwereHisveryown,andthenpoureditintooblivionasfarastheeastisfromthewest,Isay,“LordJesus,Thylovetomewaswonderful!”

Haveyoueverfeltthatyourloveforthosewhohavegoneonbeyondwouldbelikeagreatfloodtideinitsintensityifonlytheycouldcomeback?Supposeyoufoundwaitinginyourownroomthechildyouloved,thehusbandorwife,sittingtheretowelcomeyou-itjustdoesn’tbearthinkingabout!ButJesusdidcomeback!Heroseagain!HelivesandlovesusnowasmuchasHeeverdidthen!

AgreaterthatJonathanisheretoday,rightnowwhereyouare.Heisheretoplanforyou,tocareforyou.Isyourlothardtotake?Isthegoingrough?Isthereacupofbitternesstodrinksomewhere?AreyourfriendsofatotallydifferentkindfromJonathanandhavetheyhurtandgrievedyou?TheBiblesaysthatjoycomesinthemorning,forthenwewillseetheKinginHisbeautywithneveracloudbetween,andwewillserveHimwithoutanywearinessorsin,andHeshallpresentusfaultlessbeforethepresenceofGodwithexceedingjoy.Hisloveissowonderful!

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HislovewassodisinterestedinactionthatHenotmerelysteppedintothebackground,butHesteppedrightdowntothecross.Hecame,notmerelytocomfortandstrengthenourhandsinGod,but

Bearingtheshameandscoffingrude,

InourplacecondemnedHestood.

PhilipP.Bliss

InorderthatHemightpromoteandhonorthoseHeloved,thosewhoweresoabasedandsinful,soutterly,unworthy,HesteppeddownanddownuntilHewasmadesinitselfthatyouandImightbeexaltedtotheheightofheaven.TheloveofJesusissowonderful!

Hisloveremainssteadfastinopposition.DidJonathanendurethehatredofSaulforthesakeofDavid?DidhestrengthenDavid’shandinGodinthefaceofalltheenmityofhisfather?AgreaterthanJonathanishere,fornotonlydidtheLordJesusendurethehatredofHisenemies,butthinkofthereceptionHehadfromme!PerhapsyoucanechomytestimonyasIsayinGod’spresence,thattherewasadaywhenIrefusedtheLord,whenItoldHimIdidn’twantHim.IwouldnotlistentotheLordbecausethedevilwasholdingmyheartandgrippingmylife.

YetJesuscamebackagainandagain,throughbooksandpreachers,throughtestimoniesandprovidences,throughsufferingandtroublesofeverykind-Hecameback,andHewouldnottake“no”forananswer.

Oh,theloveofJesusissowonderful!SincethatdaywhenhecapturedmyheartandbroughtmetoHimself,therehavebeenmanytimeswhenIhavebeensocold,soworldly,sosinful.Therehavebeentimesofbeingmisunderstoodandmaligned,timesofdarknessandweariness,timesofsorrowandpain.Inalltheseexperiencesoflife,Hislovewouldneverletmego.

Iwonderifitistoomuchtothinkthatperhapsinheaven,throughalleternity,Iwillbetellingoutthatlove,nottoahandfulofpeople,butwholeconstellationsthroughouttheuniverse,tomillionsofrationalsoulswhohaveneverheardoftheloveofadyingSaviour.Itrustthatmyimaginationisnotrunningawaywithme-certainlymyheartdoes!IbelievethatGod’simmenseuniversewillneedmillionsofredeemedpeopletogothroughallHiscreationeverywhereinspacetomakeknowninlimitlessregionstocountlessintelligentbeingswhohaveneverknownwhatsinis,thestoryofwhathappenedonthislittleplanetcalledEarth-whereGodHimselflivedandbledanddiedandroseagaintobringsalvationtounworthymen.

WhenIthinkaboutthat,Iamnotveryinterestedinpresentattemptstoreachthemoonandtheplanets.Asamemberoftheransomedthrong,Iexpecttohavepartintellingredemption’sstorytoallGod’screateduniverse.Thatisspacetravelwithanobjective!Isitfantastic?No,listentoEphesians3:10,“TotheintentthatnowuntotheprincipalitiesandpowersinheavenlyplacesmightbeknownbythechurchthemanifoldwisdomofGod.”Ibelievewehaveneverbeguntounderstandthetremendousscopeoftheexceedinggreatnessofhispower,WhichhewroughtinChrist,whenheraisedhimfromthedead,andsethimathisownrighthandintheheavenlyplaces,Faraboveallprincipality,andpower,andmight,anddominion,andeverynamethatisnamed,notonlyinthisworld,butalsointhatwhichistocome:Andhathputallthingsunderhisfeet,andgavehimtobetheheadoverallthingstothechurch,whichisthebody,thefullnessofhimthatfillethallinall”(Ephesians1:19-23).Letthatre-echoindeclaringthemysteryandthemarvelofGod’sredemptioninthislittleplanettocountlessmultitudeswhohaveneverheardofseentheloveofGodasweknowit!

Indeed,theloveoftheLordJesusiswonderful!Canyousaythat?Thisexampleofhumanfriendship,DavidandJonathan,formsthelinkinthismessage.Ifyoucansay,“LordJesus,Thylovetomeissowonderful!”outofaheartfullofgratitudeandpraise,as

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youhaveacceptedthatlove,thentheamazingthingisthatHisloveisshedabroadinyourheartbytheHolySpirittomakeyouaJonathan.YoucannotclaimtoknowtheloveofChristifyouare

onethingtoaman’sfaceandsomethingelsebehindhisback.TheLordteststherealityofyourresponsetoHislove,whichHemadeknowntoyouatCalvarythroughtheLordJesusChrist.Howdoyoubehavetoyourfriends?Andalso,howdoyoubehavetoyourenemies?ForwhentheloveofGod-pureinitsorigin,disinterestedinitsaction,steadfastamidstallopposition-isshedabroadinyourheartbytheHolySpirit,youlovelikethattoo.

AswearetoldinICorinthians13,loveisforbearingandkind;loveknowsnojealousy;lovedoesnotbrag,isnotconceited;loveisnotunmannerly,norselfish,norirritable,normindfulofwrong.Lovedoesnotrejoiceininjustice,butjoyfullysideswiththetruth;lovecanoverlookfaults;loveisfulloftrust,fullofhope,fullofendurance.Loveneverfails!

So,letmeaskyou,doyoulovelikethat?

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Chapter5PERSECUTEDBUTNOTFORSAKEN(ISam19:10-11,18;Psalm59:1-17)

Studentsofscripturehavesuggestedquiteafewalternativesforthedateandcontextofthe59thPsalm.SomesaythatitwaswritteninthetimeofIsaiah,andthattheenemiesreferredtoaretheSyrianarmy.OtherssuggestthatitwaswritteninthetimeofNehemiah,andthereforetheenemiesareSanballatandTobiah.ButboththeHebrewtextandtheSeptuagint(Greek)VersionoftheOldTestamentgivetothisPsalmthetitlewhichappearsattheheadofitintheKingJamesVersion:“DavidprayethtobedeliveredfromhisenemieswhenSaulsent,andtheywatchedthehousetokillhim.”

ItisthiscontextwhichIprefertoaccept,andthusplacethe59thPsalmatthepointwehavereachedinourstudiesonDavid:“SaulalsosentmessengersuntoDavid’shouse,towatchhim,andtoslayhiminthemorning”(ISamuel19:11).ThiswasthebeginningofaveryunhappytimeinDavid’slife,adarkandlonelyexperiencewhichneverthelessplayedatremendouspartinthemakingofhischaracter.

AswestudyPsalm59inthiscontext,Isuggestthereis,inthefirstplace,whatIwouldcallthepresenceofagatheringcloudinDavid’slife.ItsapproachcanbeseenclearlyfromtherecordinISamuel:“DavidcametoSaul,andstoodbeforehim:andhelovedhimgreatly;andhebecamehisarmourbearer”(16:21);“SaulhathslainhisthousandsandDavidhistenthousands.AndSaulwasverywroth…AndSauleyedDavidfromthedayandforward”(18:7-9).“SaulwasafraidofDavid,becausetheLordwaswithhim”(18:12).“SaulwasyetthemoreafraidofDavid;andSaulbecameDavid’senemycontinually”(18:29).Atlast,“SaulsoughttosmiteDavideventothewallwiththejavelin…SaulalsosentmessengerstoDavid’shouse,towatchhim,andtoslayhiminthemorning”(19:10-11).

Doyouseethepressuregrowing,thegatheringcloudrelentlesslyrisingoverthehorizonuntilitreachesitsburstingpoint?IfonlySaulhaddrownedthatfirstfitofjealousyinabathofprayer,whatadifferentstorywewouldhavetotell!Inthesameway,ifyouandIhadonlydrownedthefirstattackofsomethinginourlivesinaseaofprayer,whatadifferentattitudeperhapswouldbeourstoday!ButSauldidn’tdoit;heallowedjealousytoeatathimuntilnothingbutmurderwouldsatisfyit.

YouwillrecallhowmanyattemptsSaulhadalreadymadeuponDavid’slife.Hemadehimacaptaininhisarmy(overathousandmen)inordertohavehimkilledinbattle.HedemandedfromhimonehundreddeadPhilistinesasthepriceofmarryinghisdaughter,andDavidproducedtwicethemany.TwiceSaulhurledajavelinatDavidtopinhimtothewall,andfinallyhesentmessengerstohishousetokillhim.OnlythewarningofDavid’swifeenabledhimtoescapethroughawindowandrunforhislife.

Oh,whatunhappydaysthosewere!HewasseparatedfromhishomebythepressureofSaul’shatred,anditwasnotDavid’sfault,forhehaddonenothingtodeserveit.Hewasnotconsciousofanysininhislifewhichmighthavebroughtthisattackuponhim;

“Themightyaregatheredagainstme;notformytransgression,norformysin,OLord”(Psalm59:3).Notthathewouldhaveclaimedtobeanythingbutasinner,butonthisparticularoccasionheknewhehadnotdoneonethingtodeservethepressurethatthreatenedtocrushhimcompletely.

BeforegoingfurtherIwouldpausetoaskifyouarefacingsomethinglikethis.Fromonequarterofanotherthepressureonyouisbeingapplieduntilithasalmostoverwhelmedandbrokenyou.Asfarasyouknowyouareclearofguilt;youhavedonenothingtojustifytheattackthatisbeingmadeuponyou,yetthiscloudhasgathered.Yousawitcomingandtriedtoavoidit,butyoucouldnot;youfindyourselfinthemiddleofacyclone,andthereisnoescape.Howrealisthepressureofagatheringcloud!

HowtrueisitforthoseinChristianwork:thepressureofcriticism,thepressureoffinancialproblems,thepressureofathousandandonedetails,thegatheringcloudthatpressesdeeplyuponyouisveryreal.

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Itmaybeinyourhomelife;itmaybeintermsofsorroworhardship,sufferingorpersecution.Allofusatonetimeoranotherknowanexperienceofthegatheringcloudwhichwecannotavoid.Thehorizonwhichrecentlywasperfectlyclearhasdarkeneduntilitisblackandominous,andwefindourselvesrightinthepathofahurricane.

Ifyoufindyourselfinthatsetting,IwouldhaveyoulearnalessonfromDavid’sreaction,andhowyoumaytriumphinsuchasituation.Noticeparticularly,therefore,whatIwouldcalltheprayerofagrowingconfidence.WatchhowDavidreactstothispressure-youmaylearnalessonwhichmaybeablessingtoyoutherestofyourdays.Indeed,itmayhelpustounderstandwhyGodallowsthecloudtocomeatall.

DavidcommencesthisPsalmbycastinghimselfuponGodfordeliverance.Heprayshimselfoutofhissenseofhelplessnessintoaquietconfidence,andthenintoaburstofvictorioussong,althoughthesituationhasn’tchangedandtheenemyisstillthere.Hebeginsdowninthedepths,cryingouttoGodthatHewouldsavehim.Thenhemovesintoacalm,quietassurancethatGodisincontrolbeforefinallyburstingintoasongoftriumph.Trapsandsnaresarelaidforhimallaround,butheseemssomehoworothertoescapepanicandfindrestintheLord.

“Thoutherefore,OLordGodofhosts,theGodofIsrael,awaketovisitalltheheathen:benotmercifultoanywickedtransgressors”(Psalm59:5).NoticewhathecallsGod.Asamatteroffact,heaccumulatesallthetitleshecanthinkoftocallheaventohisaidinthiscrisis.“OLordJehovah,ElohimofSabaoth,LordGodofhosts!NothinglessthanallThyresourcesaregoingtobeadequateformeatthismomentinmylife.Lord,IneedallthereisofThee,everyattributeofThypowerandgrace,faithfulnessandstrength.Lord,justatthismoment-intheteethofthewindthatisnowagainstme,inthethickofthecloudsthatareengulfingme-IneedeverybitofThineomnipotence!”

Thatprayerisnotallpresumptuous.Davidknewthatinthisparticularsituationhewasinnocent,andthereforehedescribedhisenemiesasworkersofiniquity,heathen,wickedtransgressors.Howwashesurethatthiswasreallyanattackoftheenemyuponhim?BecauseheknewthatSaulwasfightingagainstGod.SamuelhadtoldSaulthathewasrejectedfromthekingdomandDavidhadbeenanointedking.HenceDavidknewthatthepressurewascomingfromanenemywhowasactuallydoingbattleagainstthewillofGod.

InhisattempttotakeDavid’slife,SaulwasdeliberatelyseekingtofrustrateGod’spurpose.NorishethelastmanwhohassteppedintothearenaoflifetodefyGod,northeonlyonetobecrushedindoingit.

“Thou,OLord,shaltlaughatthem;thoushalthavealltheheatheninderision”(Psalm59:8),ishowDavidexpresseshisconvictionthathisenemiesareGod’senemies.Notice,hedoesn’tsayonlyhisimmediateenemies,but“alltheheathen.”Inotherwords,heisreasoningwithhimselfandwithGodthisway,“Lord,mydeliveranceinthissituationisbutapartofThygreatplanforthewholeworldtoestablishtruthandrighteousness.”

TheGodwhoaddsalittledewdropuponaflowerinthemorningisthesameGodwhoputthestarsinplaceanddesignedthepathofeveryconstellationintheheavens.AndifJehovahcancareforallthat,thensurelyHecancareforme-thatwasDavid’sargument.

IfinditveryrefreshingtobelievethathereisyourargumentandminewithGodwheneverthereisthepressureofagatheringcloudforwhich,beforeHim,youknowyouarenotresponsible.Youareinthatpositioninlife,whateveritmaybe,becauseHehasputyouthere.YouknowthatyoucanlayholdofallHispowertoseeyouthrough,foryoursurrendertoGodinJesusChristmeansthatHehasguaranteedtodeliveryoufromallyouraffliction,becausethatisonlyasmallpartofHisgreatdeliveringpurposeforHispeople.IfGodcancareforthewholeuniverse,Hecancareforyouandyourlittleneedtoday.

MayIsayawordinpassingtosomeonewhomaybeputtingthepressureuponaservantofGod,who,

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humanlyspeaking,maybecausingitbyunkindness,orbyspreadingfalserumors,orperhapsbygossipandcriticism.BewarelestyouarefightingagainstGodasSaulwas!

Ilookbacktosuchatimeinmylifebeforemyconversion.Ifyouhadknownmethenyouwouldhavesaid,“Ican’timagineanyoneintheworldlesslikelytobesavedthanAlanRedpath!”Someonemorecareless,moreindifferent,moreungodly,itwouldbehardtomeet;butwithinthreemonthsIwassaved.ForatthattimeIwasfightingagainstGod,andIwilltellyouhowIdidit.IwasputtingthepressureonaChristianandgivinghimhellonearth.Iwasmeanandunkindandcritical,spreadingfalsestoriesabouthischaracter-doingeverythingIcouldtoforcethatmanawayfromthecircleofmylife.Iwasn’tfightinghim;IwasfightingtheGodwholivedwithinhimandshonethroughhim.

Bewarelestyouaredoingthattoday,forinyourattacksuponanindividual,whoeveritmaybe,youarereallyattackingGod.ItmaybeaSundayschoolteacher,apreacher,oramissionary.Ifyouarecriticizingorbeingunkind,askyourself,“IsitthemanIamattacking,orisittheLordforwhomhestands,themessagethatheproclaims,thewitnesshemakes?”

InthemidstofthatcloudDavidbroughthisargumenttoGod,thenhesaid,“Butthou,OLord,shaltlaughatthem;thoushalthavealltheheatheninderision”(Psalm59:8).Itisnotapleasantthingtobelaughedatbyanybody,butwhenGodisdoingthelaughing-oh,thehorrorofbeinglaughedatbyGod!

SeealsohowDavidwasassuredthathisenemieswereGod’senemies,andhowhewasstrengthenedtoprayonwithawonderfulsenseofcalm:“BecauseofHisstrengthwillIwaituponthee:forGodismydefense”(Psalm59:9).IntheAuthorized(KingJames)Versionthewords“becauseof”areaddedinordertopreservethesenseofthesentence.

ButwiththeveryslightchangeofoneHebrewletter,whichmighthavebeenomittedinmanuscripts,thetranslationofthistextwouldreadmuchmoresmoothly:“Mystrength,Iwillwaituponthee,”insteadof“Hisstrength.”Ilikethetranslationthatputsitthisway:“Uponthee,Omystrength,willIwait;forGodismyhightower,”andtheninverse17,“Untothee,Omystrength,willIsing;forGodismyhightowerandmymercy.”

Isn’tthatsignificant?WithinthecompassofthesetwoversesDavidhasprayedhimselfoutofhispanic(ifhehadany),outoffearordoubtintoconfidenceandthentojoyfulsong.Therewasnochangeinthecircumstancesthatsurroundedhim,buthiscryfordeliverancebecameacalmwaitinguponGodandthenasongofvictoryevenwiththeenemypressinghimonallsides.Howdidsuchathinghappentohissoul?

First,seeDavid’sattitude:“Iwillwaituponthee.”Thatwordmeans,“IwillwatchforTheeastheshepherdwatchesthesheep,asthesentryisonduty.”“Iwillliftmyeyesupontothehills,”Davidsangatanothertime,“fromwhencecomethmyhelp?MyhelpcomethfromtheLord”(Psalms121:1-2).Ofcourse,IknowthatGodwatchesoverHispeople,butthenImustalsowatchforthecomingofHisstrengthandHispower.Helooksdowntocareformeinthemidstofthecloud,butImustwatchforHimtopouroutHisblessinguponmeinmyneed.Myfriend,ifwefailtoreceivestrengthforthepressureofthecloud,itisusuallybecausewearenotlookingforit.

Toputitinasimpleallegory,Iwonderhowmanyshipspassinthenightwithheavenlyreinforcementsofgraceandpatience,strengthandcourage,loveandpower,understandingandsympathy?Theycomewiththeirheavenlycargoanddockatmywharf,buttheygooutagainbecauseIamnottheretounloadthem.

Wepray,butwedon’twait.Weaskbutwedon’texpecttoreceive.Weknow,butwedepartfromheavensdoorbeforeitisopenedtous.Ifyouareoverwhelmedwiththepressureofsomecloud,itisn’tGod’sfault.ThefactmaybethatyourhandsaretoofullofotherthingstoreceiveHisstrengthandenabling.

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“MysoulwaitethfortheLordmorethantheythatwatchforthemorning:Isay,morethantheywatchforthemorning”(Psalm130:6).Haveyoueverwaitedforthemorning?Youhavearestlessnight,andyoutossandyouturnandyoutryeverpossibleposition;thenyoustandupandyouliedown;yougotothewindowandyousigh,“Oh,whenisitgoingtobelight?”Afteranightofagonyyouhavelongedforthemorning.“Mysoul,wait:watchforthedawn!”ThatisthelanguageofDavid.

ThehelpofGoddoesnotcometouswhenweareindifferent.ItcomestothemanwhoisdependingonGodinthethickofthefight.Itcomestotheonewhotarriesinthevisioninfaith.ItcomestotheonewhobelievesthathewhowaitsupontheLordshallneverbeconfounded.ItcomestotheonewhorestsuponthepromisesoftheWord.Itcomestotheonewhobelievesthatbeforehecalls,Godwillanswer.Itcomestothemanwholivesbyfaithasifintheactualpossessionoftheanswertohisprayer,althoughtheenemyisstillaroundhim.Itisfaithwhichturnsdistressintosinging.

ThenobserveDavid’ssecureanchor.WhoisthisGodtowhomDavidwent?HowdoeshedescribeHim?“Mystrengthandmyhightower.”“Godmystrength”means“Godallaroundme,protectingme.”God-possessedandGod-encompassed-suchwasDavid’sanchorinthecloud.“WhatthenhaveItofear?”heasks.“IputGodmySaviourbetweenmyselfandallmyenemies,andIliedowninpeace.”

Heismystrength,notthatIreceivestrengthfromHim,butratherthatItakeHimtobemystrengthinweakness.ThenameandcharacteroftheLordisthestrongtower,andtherighteousruntoitandaresafe.ThisistheOneuponwhowewaitandforwhomwewatcheagerly;thisistheOnetowhomwelookthroughthecloudforHiscoming.Inallthepressureofthestormwhichthreatenstooverwhelmus,wewatchandwait:

Hiddeninthehollow

OfHisblessedhand,

Neverfoecanfollow,

Nevertraitorstand;

Notasurgeofworry,

Notashadeofcare,

Notablastofhurry

Touchthespiritthere.

FrancesR.Havergal

Wehaveconsideredthepressureofagatheringcloud,theprayerofagrowingconfidence,andnow,inthethirdplace,letuslookatthepraiseofagenuineconvictionwhichisrevealedinthelasttwoversesofthisPsalm.NoticethatDavidisbeyondsimplecalmnessnow,beyondjustresting:heisjoyfullypraisingtheLord.Withtheenemystillontheattackallaroundhim,heislivinginabsolutevictoryinthemiddleofthecloud.

Manyahard-pressedchildofGodhaslearnedtoputtheLordJesusbetweenthemselvesandtheenemy,andstartsinging!Haveyoulearnedthat?

DoyounoticethatDavidhasfoundyetanothernamefortheLordhere?Inthemomentofcalmwaitinghesaid,“Thouartmydefense;Thouartmyhightower;Thouartmystrength.”Buthesayssomethingelsenow:“Thouartmymercy.”Whatawonderfulthoughtthatis!

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ThisPsalmremindsmeofthebuildingofaskyscraper.Whatconfusionitisatthebeginning!Youlookdownintoadeepcavityandseethemenwithgreatbulldozerspushingaroundmudwhichisindescribable.Butwhenthebuildingiscompleted,seeit’spoweringheadupinthesunshine!Whatamarvelitisthen!SomehowthisPsalmbeginsdownbelowgroundasdeepcriesuntodeep,buttheclimaxisupinthesunshineofthepresenceoftheLord,whereHisgloryfillsthewholepicture.

Hereisamanunderthepressureofacloud,buthisheartisrightwithGodandthereforeheisfullofpraiseandjoy.Heissaying,ineffect,“Lord,IcalledYoumystrengthwhenIwassoweak,andImeanit.IthoughtofYouasmyfortresswhenIwassurroundedbymyenemies,andImeantthat,too.Iknowthatyouarestillallthosethingstome,withmyfoesallaroundmeandnorelieffromthepressure.Youarestillmystrengthandmyhightower,but,LordJesus,youaresomethingmore:Youaremymercy-thepressureofthisgatheringcloudhasshownmeYourtenderpity.Ineverknew,Lord,howmuchyoulovedme,untilYouallowedthispressuretoteachmetowatchandwaitonYou.”

LikeDavid,youmayhavethoughtyouwerebesiegedbyenemieswhowerecrushingyoutopieces.Instead,youfindyourselfinthegripofaloving,chastening,nail-piercedhandthatisusingthecloudtoteachyouGod’swaywithHischild.

Longago,inacovenantofmercytoHispeopleandtotheworld,HesaidtoNoah,“Iwillputmybowintheclouds.”Neverdoyoufinditinthebluesky;youfindthemercyofGodintheverythickofthecloud.

ThepressureofthegatheringcloudthatisuponyourlifetodayisinthehandofGodandunderHiscontrol.Heknowswhentosay,“Thusfarandnofurther.”Lettherebefromyourlifetheprayerofagrowingconfidence:MyLord,mystrength,mydefense!YouarepossessedbyHim,becausebytheSpiritHeliveswithinyou;youareprotectedallaroundbyHimfromallyoufoes.

Therefore,whilestillunderthecloud,donotbeasleepwhenHecallsatyourdockwithheavenlyreinforcements.Donotbetoobusyaboutotherthings,withyourhandssofullattemptingtomeetthepressureinyourownstrengththatwhentheshipcomeswithgrace,patience,andlove,youarenotthere.Waitandwatchasamanwatchesforthemorning;andsoshallyourwaitingbecomethepraiseofagenuineconvictionthatthiscloudisthemercyofGod,andithastakenthepressureofittodriveyouforshelterintothewoundedsideofacrucifiedSavior.

Yefearfulsaints,freshcouragetake;

Thecloudsyesomuchdread

Arebigwithmercy,andshallbreak

Inblessingonyourhead.

WilliamCowper

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Chapter6ANARROWFROMHEAVEN(ISamuel20:11-42)

LetusnotforgetthatweareconsideringthestoryofamanforwhomGodhadaninfinitepurposeofblessing,whomHehadalreadyanointedwithHisSpiritintokenofkingship.YetatthisparticularpointwefindDavidgoingthroughatrialwhichtestedhisfaithandendurancetotheverylimit.Indeed,everyoutwardcircumstanceofDavid’slifeatthistimeseemedtogivethelietoallthepromisesofGod.SomehowthatbringsDavidverynear,forthesamekindofsituationisexperiencedbymanypeopleeventoday.

GodhasaninfinitepurposeofblessingforeachofHischildren,apurposewhichisonlybeginningtobefulfilledaswecometoChrist.ButwhichChristianhasnotknownwhatitistohavehisfaithinGod’spromisestestedalmosttothebreakingpoint?ThisancientstoryisrecountedforusintheWordofGodforourcomfortandinspiration.

Wewillstayclosetothenarrativein1Samuel20aswenoticesomesymptomsofDavid’sdespair.WeheardhimsinginghimselfoutofhisproblembyfaithinthelanguageofPsalm59.ButthemerefactthatherejoicedinGodhasnotrelievedthepressureatall-indeed,itseemstohaveintensified.IbelieveIcanreadbetweenthelinesofthisstorythatDavidisnowinamoodofgreatanxietyandalmostofdespair.

Intheclosingpartof1Samuel19istherecordofhowDavid,havingescapedfromhishomethroughthewindowwhenhiswifegavehimwarningthatSaul’smessengerswerecomingtokillhim,rushedtoseekshelterwiththeprophetSamuel.SaulsentmessengerstokillhimthereatNaiothinRamah,andstillmoremessengers,andeventuallycamehimselfinadesperateefforttofinishDavidforever.Thestoryclosesbyrecountinghowoneafteranothertheassassinssentbytheking,andthenSaulhimself,wereheldinthegripoftheSpiritofGod,spellboundandunabletotouchDavid.

ButDavidhimselfwasnotsoconsciousofGod’sprotectionashewasawareofhisownpanicandfear.TakingadvantageofSaul’sabsence,hemadeadashforGibeahtoaskhisfriendJonathanafewpointedquestions.Thesearefoundin1Samuel20:1-9,andIwouldparaphrasethisconversationsothatyoumaycatchthemoodofthishuntedandharassedservantofGod.

DavidhurriedintoJonathan’spresenceandsaidtohim,“Jonathan,whathaveIdone?WhatsinhaveIcommittedthatyourfathershouldwanttokillme?Iamnottoblameforthistrouble.Whatisthematterwithhim?”

Thatwasareflectionupontheirtrustedfriendship,butJonathansaidithimquietly,“David,ifmyfatherwasdeterminedtokillyou,don’tyouknowIwouldhavetoldyouaboutit?Ifthatwashisintention,Iamsurehewouldhavesaidsomethingtome-hekeepsnothingfromme.”

“Oh,no,”repliedDavid,“hewouldn’ttellyou!Saulknowsofourlovetheonefortheother.Becauseofthathewouldgrieveyou.Asamatteroffact,Jonathan,Iknowthereisonlyastepbetweenmeanddeathatthispoint.”

“Allright,David.Whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou?”

“Tomorrowisathanksgivingday,andIknowthatIoughttobeinSaul’shousesharingthefeast,butIamgoinghometoshareitwithmyfamilyinBethlehem.Mychairwillbeempty,andIwillbemissed.Now,ifyourfatherisangryaboutmyabsence,thenyoumayhesurethatheissettokillme.IfheisperfectlycontentthatIshouldbeaway,thenitwillbeallright.Remember,Jonathan,thatyoubroughtmeintothiscovenantoffriendship;dealkindlywithme-well,IwouldmuchratheryouwouldkillmeyourselfthanthatIshouldfallintothehandsofSaul.”

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“David,David,surelyyoucantrustmeenoughtoknowthatIwouldtellyouifmyfatherplannedtokillyou!”

DoyoucatchsomethingofDavid’smoodinthatconversation?Canyoublamehim?Isn’titacomforttothinkthatevenamanlikethat,underpressure,cancometoaplacewherehedoubtshisfriendsandalsodoubtsGod?ShouldnotDavidhaveknownthatbecauseoftheanointingoftheSpiritofGoduponhislifeSaulcouldnotpossiblykillhim?Oh,yes,heshouldhaveknown,butinthetremendouspressureofthesituationthepromisesofGodandHisWordsomehowbecameunreal.ItevenmadehimdoubthisfriendshipwithJonathan.

Arethesesymptomstobefoundinyourlifetoday?Hasthepressureofsomesituation,somecircumstance,sometrial,broughtyoutodoubtthepromiseofGod,andtheWordofGod,andHispurposeforyourlife?Perhapsthatdaywhenyoucried,inthewordsofPhillipDoddridge,

‘Tisdone;thegreattransaction’sdone!

IammyLord’s,andheismine;

Isthisjustavaguememory,anditdoesn’tseemrelevanttothesituationrightnow.TheburdenpressesyoudowntothepointwhereyouhavebeguntodoubtGod,andeventodoubtyourfriends.Theonealwaysfollowstheother;whenamanbeginstoloosenhisholduponthepromisesofGodhebeginstolosehiscontactwithspiritualfriendships.Achillinourrelationshipwithheavenisalwaysfollowedbyachillinourrelationshipsdownhere.Oh,howreadilythesheerpressureofsomesituationthatisabsolutelyoverwhelmingthrowsuscompletelyoffbalance,untilwelearnthelessonthatGodhasforusrightinthemiddleofit.

WhatisthelessonthatGodhastoteachus?ObservenowthestoneofDavid’sdestinythatisfoundinthischapter.Inverse10DavidaskedJonathanhowhewasgoingtofindoutthetruthaboutSaul’ssentimentstowardhim.SoJonathantookhimoutintoafield-itwouldnothavebeensafetocontinuetheirconversationinthepalace.Outinthefield,aloneunderGod'sheavenandsolemnlybeforetheLord,JonathancovenantedwithDavidtotellhimallthatwasinSaul’sheart,whetheritwasgoodorevil.

Itisapparent,younotice,thatJonathanshowedgreaterfaithinthepromisesofGodthandidDavidatthispoint.Jonathanaskedhimifhewouldrememberhimandhisfamily,andshowkindnesstohishousewhentheLordhadlongsensetakenhimtobewithHimself.YouwillrecallthatDavidneverforgotthat,andlaterheshowedkindnesstoMephiboshethforJonathan’ssake.Thisagreementwastherootoftheact.

Theninverse19Jonathansaid,“Nowgo,andafterthreedayscomebackagain.Comeintothisfieldandwaitalongsidethisstone.Iwillcomeoutfrommyfather’shousetoshootthreearrows,andIwillbringaboywithme(Ihavetodothattoallaysuspicion).Thoughwemaynotbeabletotalktoeachother,Iwillshootthearrows.Iftheylandrightbyyou,itwillbesafeforyoutocomebackhomewithme;Saulisgoingtobekind.If,however,thearrowswingoveryourheadandbeyondyou,goyourway,fortheLordhassentyouaway.Inotherwords,ifthatarrowgoesbeyondyou,itisgoodbyeuntilwemeetinheaven!”

Whatafatefulmoment!JustamatterofafewyardswasgoingtodecideDavid’sfuture.EitherhewouldgobackintoSaul’shouse,tothecomfortofJonathan’sfriendshipandthesurroundingsthatwerefamiliartohim,orhewouldhavetogointoexileasonecastuponthemercyofGodwithnotafriendintheworldtoturnto.OneortheotherofthesewayswastobeGod’spathforDavid,thepaththatwouldleadhimeventuallytothethroneofIsrael.

TherewasnodoubtinDavid’smind,Iamsure,astohispreference.Ifhehadbeenasked,hewouldhave

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chosentogobacktoSaulandthecomfortofJonathan’slove.That,surely,wastobepreferredtothealternativeofexileandtheruggednessofunknownmountains.Thedecision,however,wasoutofDavid’shandscompletely.AllhehadtodowastostandbythestoneEzelandwaitforanarrowfromheavenunerringlytohitthetarget-anarrowthatwouldtellhimeithertogooutintothewildernessorbackintothepalaceofSaul.

Ihavecalledthisplace“thestoneofDavid’sdestiny.”Themarginofverse19interpretsitas“thestonethatshapeth,orsheweththeway.”TheliteraltranslationoftheHebrewwordwouldsuggest”thestoneofdeparture.”Drivenbyallthepressureofcircumstances,Davidisbroughttotheplacewhereheseesthatthedecisionisnotinhishands.

IwonderifthisisthelessontheLordistryingtoteachsomeofus.ForeachofHischildrenineverycircumstanceoflifethereisastoneofdestiny.Itisastone,asDavidtellsus,“cutoutwithouthands”(Daniel2:34).Itisalivingstone,foritistheLordofgloryHimself.Heisdestinedtohaveallpower,tooverthrowallourenemiesandtosetupHiskingdomwhichwillneverbedestroyed.IfItrulybelongtoHim,ifHehasfilledmewithHisSpiritandmarkedmeasHis,thenwhateverthepressureuponmylifeatthispoint,theissueisoutofmyhandsaltogether.

“Behold,IlayinZionforafoundationastone,atriedstone,apreciouscornerstone,asurefoundation”(Isaiah28:16),declaredGod.Peter,inthematurityofhisageandexperience,wroteinhisfirstepistlethatwemaycometoJesusChrist“asuntoalivingstone,disallowedindeedofmen,butchosenbyGod,andprecious”(1Peter2:4),andwemaybecomelivingstonestobebuiltupaspiritualhouse,aholypriesthood.

JesusChristisourstoneofdestiny,rootedinagreenhilloutsideJerusalem.Theburdenofthepressureofcircumstances,whateveritis,mayberolledawayasyoubringitandleaveitatHisfeet.Whatelsecanyoudo?Youareinapredicament,unabletoturnthiswayorthat.Itisagloriouspositiontobein:thegovernmentisuponHisshoulderandyourhandsarerightoffthesituation;onlyHecanguide.AllyoucandoiswhatDaviddid,ashetookhisstandathisstoneofdestinyandwaited.

Itisagreatthingtobeinapositionlikethat,whenallyoucandoistotakeyourstandatCalvary,andwait.Therearesomanypaths,andnaturallysomewouldseemfarmoreattractivethanothers.Lefttochooseourway,whatfoolswemakeofourselves!Theremaybemanyalternativesthatseem,humanlyspeaking,morereasonableandattractivethanGod’sway.Butthereisonlyonewaythatleadstothethrone,andthatisGod’splanforyourlifeandmine.

ThereforeIbegofyou,mydearbesiegedfellowbelieverinChrist,outofmyheartIsaytoyouatthismoment,“StandstillandseethesalvationofGod.”Wait!Thedecisionisbeyondyou;thebattleisnotyoursbutGod’s;letHimdecide.“Thestonewhichthebuildersdisallowed,thesameismadetheheadofthecorner”(1Peter2:7).TheLordJesusHimselfisastoneofdestiny,andhowprecioustothosewhohideinHiswoundedside!

Returningtothenarrative,letusnoticealsothesymbolofDavid’sdeparture.JonathannowhasnodoubtthatDavidwasrightconcerningGod’sintentions:he“knewthatitwasdeterminedofhisfathertoslayDavid”(1Samuel20:33).Indeed,youobservethatinafitofrageSaulalmosttookhissonJonathan’slife.ItwaswithaheavyheartthatJonathanpickedhimselfupand,takingaladwithhim,wentoutsidethepalacetoshootthearrows.

ThearrowswerenotfromJonathan’shandalone,forhewasbuttheinstrument;hewastoshootthearrowsfromGodrightonthetarget,thearrowsthatwentbeyondDavidtosay,“Goodbye,tillwemeetinglory.”“Isnotthearrowbeyondthee?”shoutedJonathan(1Samuel20:37).

PictureDavidstandingbythestoneEzel,waiting.Fromadistanceheseeshisdearfriendcomingout,the

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manhelovedwithallhisheart.Hesawtheboywithhimalso.Jonathan,asifheisattargetpractice,takesanarrowandshootsit.Davidtenselywatchesitsflightasitarchesoverhim,landingbeyondhim.Iwonderwhathisfeelingswerethen.

Whatwasthatmessageofthatarrowtohisheart?HeknewitmeanttheLordwassendinghimaway.Itwasn’tmerechancethatthearrowfellwhereitdid.Ithad,iffact,comefromtheveryhandofGod.ItwasasymbolofthewillofGod,andbehinditsflightwasthelovingpurposeofGodforHisharassedchild.IfDaviddaredtolingernow,afterthiswordfromheaven,hewouldlosehislife,thecrown,andeverythingthatGodhadforhim.Thisman’slifewasbeingemptiedfromvesseltovessel,likewine,inordertopreserveitsfreshnessandkeepitfromgoingmusty.Everypropuponwhichhehadleanedwastakenawayfromhim;nowhemuststand-alone.Beforehimlaytheruggedmountainsandthedarkvalleys,withnopromiseofrelieffromthepressure.Behindhimwasthecomfortoffriendship,ofhumanlove,ofhome,ofperhapsreconciliationwithSaulandrestorationtoapositionofhonor.Now,nothing-butGod!

CertainlythehardestthingofallwastolosethecrutchofJonathan’slove.Thiswastheirgoodbye,asfarastheyknew.“AndJonathansaidtoDavid,Goinpeace,forasmuchaswehaveswornbothofusinthenameoftheLord,saying,TheLordbebetweenmeandthee,andbetweenmyseedandthyseedforever.Andhearosethedeparted:andJonathanwentintothecity”(1Samuel20:42).TheymetonlyoncemorebeforeJonathandied.Pictureit,asDavidslowlydepartedupthemountainandJonathanwentbacktohispathofdutytolivewithafatherwhodidn’tlovehimatall,whohadn’ttheslightestinterestinhisprinciples.

HerearetwofriendscutasunderinthesovereigntyofGod.Thisisnotremotefromustoday.LettheHolySpiritwingthiswordtoyourheart:“Ifanymancomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscrossdaily,andfollowme”(Luke9:23).ListenagaintothemajesticwordsoftheSaviour,“Hethatlovethfatherormothermorethanmeisnotworthyofme:andhethatlovethsonordaughtermorethanmeisnotworthyofme”(Matthew10:37),“Whosoeverhebeofyouthatforsakethnotallthathehath,hecannotbemydisciple”(Luke14:33).

Hasthepressureofsometrialthrownyouintodespair,causingyoutodoubtGod’spromises?ThefactthatyouaretheLord’sandHeisyoursseemstobealmostirrelevanttothesituation.ButHehasbroughtyoutothisplacejusttoteachyouwhatitistotakeyourstandatCalvary,atyourstoneofdestiny,andtowait:tobestillandknowthatHeisGod.Infact,thatisallyoucando.Thedecisionisoutofyourcontrol;youcanonlywaitforHimtoguide.

Thereisonlyonewaytothethrone,God’sgreatdestinyforyou.Theremaybemanyalternativepaths,butafalsemoveatthispointinyourlifecouldcauseyoutomissallHisplanforyou.Ifyoutakethingsintoyourownhandsandtrytorunthesituationyourself,theresultwillbedisaster.Youhavetobestillandwait,ifGodhasshotHisarrowsbeyondyou.YouhaveleaneduponChristianfriends,seekingtheircounselinprayer.Youhaveagonizedandweptandprayed.Youhavetriedtoholdontotheimmediatecircumstances,foryourheartclingstothefamiliar,tothebeloved,tothethingsaroundyouwiththeirpromiseofshelterandsecurity.Butthearrowhaslandedontargetbeyondyou-perhapsbecauseGodhascalledyoutosomefardistantsurroundings,oritmaybebecauseHewillleaveyouwhereyouare.Themessageofthearrowbeyondyouisnotprimarilygeographical,itisspiritual.

ToallofustodaytheLordJesusisholdingoutnail-piercedhandssaying,“Comeyeafterme,andIwillmakeyoutobecome…”AndyouknowwhatisinvolvedingoingonwardwithHim,beingpouredfromvesseluntileverypropisstrippedfromyouandyouhavenothingandnobodyuponwhomyoucandepend,exceptGodandHispromises.

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Trustnotintheshelterofhomeandfamilyties.Theywillnotlast,nomatterhowprecioustheyare.Livesacramentallylikebrokenbreadandpoured-outwine.LetGodemptyyououtthatHemaysaveyoufrombecomingspirituallystale,andleadyoueveronward.Heisalwayscallingustopassbeyondthethingweknowintotheunknown.AthroneisGod’spurposeforyou;acrossisGod’spathforyou;faithisGod’splanforyou.

ThearrowofGodonthetargetmayleaveascaronyourheart.Intheyearstocomeyoumaylookbackuponthistimeandyoureyesfillwithtearsasyourememberthemomentwhenthearrowwentbeyond.ButtheSaviourisalongside:HeisremindingyouthatthebloodwhichHeshedforyou,whichtakesyouintheveil-totheplaceofconstantaccesstoHispresence-isthebloodthattakesyououtsidethecamptotheplaceofconsecratedavailabilityforHisplan.

Haveyoufullyunderstoodthecross?Itspeaksofouraccessforeverbythebloodofhispresence,butalsoofouravailability,inthepathofseparation,fortheplanandpurposesofGodtobefulfilled.HehasbroughtyouinandsealedyouasHisown,butnowHehasshotthearrowbeyondyou,andHeistakingyouout.

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Chapter7AGOODMANINBADCOMPANY(ISamuel21:1-13;Psalm56:1-13)

InthedevelopmentofChristiancharactertheresometimescomemomentswhendarknessseemstofall,thesunseemstoset,andtothemanhimselfeverythingseemslost.Otherpeople,observinghislife,wonderifheissinkingbeyondallhopeofrecovery.ItistosuchamomentinDavid’slifethatwenowcome.

IfindittremendouslycomfortingthattheBibleneverflattersitsheroes.Ittellsthetruthaboutthemnomatterhowunpleasantitmaybe,sothatinconsideringwhatistakingplaceintheshapingoftheircharacterwehaveavailableallthefactsclearlythatwemaystudythem.

HerewasDavid,chosentobeking,destinedtobemasterovergreatlandsandwealth,butlivinginexileandbeggingbread.AnointedbytheSpiritofGodwasDavid,butrunningforhislifefromhisenemiesanddestituteofallhisfriends.

SooftentheprovidencesofGodseemtoruncompletelycountertoHispromises,butonlythatHemaytestourfaith,onlythatHemayultimatelyaccomplishHispurposeforourlivesinawaythatHecouldneverdoifthepathwerealwayssmooth.ItiswhenproblemsanddifficultiesseemtobeoverwhelmingthatthemanofGodlearnsomelessonsthathecouldneverlearnotherwise.Itisn’teasytotalkwithGod,fortheairatthatheightissomewhatrare.Itispure,butsometimesitishardtobreath,andfaithalmostgivesupintheattempttokeeppacewithGod’swaywithHischild.

ThisisastrangestoryinDavid’sexperience,andyetperhapsnotsostrange,becauseitissotruetohumanexperience.IamthankfulthatwecanconsideritinthepresenceofGodandlearnfromitsomeofthethingsthatIbelievetheHolySpiritwouldteachus.

LetmehighlightsomelessonsthatweneedtolearnfromthisincidentinthelifeofDavid.Inthefirstplace,noticethefearthatdroveDavidintosin:he“fled…forfearofSaul”(1Samuel21:10);he“wassoreafraidofAchishtheKingofGath”(21:12).

Fearisalwaystheenemyoffaith;thisisthebattlegroundofChristianexperience.Amangrowsandtriumphsashisfaithovercomeshisfear.TobelieveGod,torestintheWordofGod,toenjoythepromisesofGodistoconquerourfear.ButtodoubtGodandtoquestionHismotivescauseourfaithtoshrinkuntilliterallyweceasetobebelievers-wearebelieversinname,butnotinpracticeoraction.

AtthisparticularpointinDavid’shistory,Godhasshotanarrowbeyondhim;hewasgoingthroughthissituationnotbecauseofanyfailureorsinthathehascommitted,butsimplybecauseofGod’spurposeinprovingtherealityofhislove,hisdevotion,hisfaith.ThiscrucibleoftestingwastoprepareDavidforathroneforwhichalreadyhehasbeenchosen,andintokenofwhichhehadalreadyreceivedtheanointingoftheSpirit.IamunderliningthisbecauseIwantyoutounderstandthatwhatishappeningtoDavidatthispointisallinthewillofGodtomakeofhimamanofGod.Ittakesbutamomenttomakeaconvert;ittakesalifetimetomanufactureasaint.

Davidshouldnothavefeared,buthedid.Neithershouldwefear,butwedo.Sometimes(andletusbehonestinthepresenceofGod)thewindthatiscontrary,threateningtooverturntheshipofourlives,isfarmorerealtousthanthepresenceoftheLordsaying,“Beofgoodcheer;itisI;benotafraid”(Matthew14:27).

ItwasnotjustatthispointthatDavidbegantofear,however;themomentwhen,inobediencetotheflightofthearrowatthecommandofGod,helefthishome,hisfriends,andtheshelterofJonathan’sloveandwentoutintotheunknown,wasnotthetimewhenhebegantobeafraid.Hebetrayedthefearofhisheart,thegrowinguncertaintyconcerningthepurposeandpromisesofGod,whenhesaidto

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Jonathan,“Thereisbutastepbetweenmeanddeath”(1Samuel20:3).ThedaywhenhehadbeenanointedbytheSpiritofGodandreceivedtheassurancethathewaschosentooccupythethronehadrecededintothedimpast.

DavidisnowlookingatGodthroughthethreateningcloudsofoppositionandtrouble,insteadoflookingdownatcircumstancesthroughtherainbowofGod’slove.Itisveryeasytoloose20-20spiritualvision.Itiseasytodevelopaspiritualsquint,toseethingsinthewrongperspective,andtostarttopanic.Buthowdoesitallbegin?HowdoyouthinkitbeganinDavid’slife?

IwouldapplyNewTestamenttruthtothisOldTestamentpicture.ItisnotenoughtoreceivetheanointingoftheSpiritofGodonce;Hemustabide.“Theanointingwhichyehavereceivedofhimabidethinyou…abideinhim;that,whenheshallappear,wemayhave[notfear]confidence”(1John2:27-28).WhentheLordJesuswasbaptizedtheSpiritdescendedandremainedonHim,wereadinJohn1:33.

Whatwasthecauseofthisman’spanicwhenhewasinthewillofGod,butsurroundedbybewilderingcircumstances?Couldithavebeenthesameasoursissoofteninsimilarsurroundings,thatwehavereliedtoomuchonpastexperience?HaveyouneglectedthedailyrenewalofGod’sgraceandpowerinyourlife?WhenGodthrustsusoutintosomeuncertaintyandproblemtotestourfaith,doyouthinkthatiswhyfaithisovercomebyfearandbeginstoshrivelup?DoyouaskHimdailywithhungerofheartandsoulforanewanointingoftheSpiritfortheneedsoftheday?DoestheLordlookdownandseeyoudeeplyinlovewithyourheavenlyFather,deeplyconcernedthatdaybydayyoumightdoHiswill,orareyourelyingupontheexperienceofbygonedays?

Letmeshowyouaverysimpleandpracticaltest.YourChristianityisinadequateifitcannotstanddown-to-earthexaminationinthesimpledetailsoflife.BeforeyoucometochurchonSundaymorning,youspendtimedecoratingyourbody.Howlongdoyouspendpreparingyourheart?YoucometoteachthechildreninSundaySchool,ortopreachtheWord,andcertainlytoworshipthelivingGod.Doyouprefaceitwithanhourofdedicationoranhourofdecoration?HasGodheardfromyouthecryofahungrysoulthatrecognizesitsneedfordailygrace?Orareyouteaching,preaching,witnessing,serving,andbankingupontheexperienceoftwentyyearsagowhenyoumetGodforthefirsttime?Oh,whatemptinessofheartthereistodayinsomanyChristians!Nowonderfearcomesinthroughthedoorandfaithgoesoutthroughthewindow!

TurnagaintothenarrativeandseewhatfearhasdonetoDavid,asrecordedin1Samuel21.DavidmadehiswaytothevillageofNob,whichbelongedtothetribeofBenjamin.

Therethetabernaclewaspitchedatthistime,andthereinthesanctuarylivedeighty-sixpriests(1Samuel22:18-19).IdoubtwhethermuchdisturbedtheirquietnessexceptoccasionallyavisitorwhocametoperformhisvowsbeforeGod.Theyhadnoweaponofdefensebecausetheydidn’tneedany;alltheyhadwastheswordofGoliathwhichwasamementoofDavid’sgreatvictory.

TothissecludedplaceDavidcameseekingfoodandweapons,andalsoguidance.Hecamealone,andimmediatelythepriestsuspectedsomethingwaswrong:“David,whyartthoualone,andnomanwiththee?”ThepriestAhimelechseemedtohavebeenunawareofthejealousybetweenSaulandDavid.Hedidn’tknowthesituationandthereforehequestionedwhytheking’sson-in-lawshouldbeoutalonewithoutattendants.

ThefactthatDavidwasnotrightwithGodwasdetectedthemomentheenteredGod’ssanctuary.IwouldthatthepoweroftheSpiritofGodmightsobeuponthecongregationofHispeoplethateverytimewecomeintothesanctuaryHemightsay,“Whyareyoulikethis?”

Davidwasfoundout,andhewasafraidthatAhimelechwouldtellSaul.Thinkingquickly,hetoldadeliberatelie:“SaulhassentmeonanurgentmissionandIamsworntosecrecy.Justaroundthecorner

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mybandofmeniswaitingformetorejointhem.IhavebeenawayfromhomeforthreedaysandImusthavesomefood.”

SuddenlyhisheartmissedabeatashesawthedarkcountenanceofthechiefherdsmanofSaul’scattle.DoeghadcometheretopayhisownvowtoGod,andwaslisteningtoitall.Davidknewatoncethathewouldbebetrayed,thatDoegwouldgobacktoSaulandtellhimwhereDavidwas.SeizingGoliath’ssword,heranforhislifetobewithAchishkingofGath.

Seewhathappened:DavidlostconfidenceinGodandinthefulfillmentofGod’spurposeforhislifewhichhadbeenrevealedtohim.HewenttoGod’shouseforcomfortandhelpandguidance,buthewasdetectedasbeingwronginhissoul.Insteadofacknowledgingthetruthtotheonlyonewhocouldhelphimandconfessingthathehadbeentellingalie,heranforhislifeagain.

Yousay,“Well,whatofit?Hegotawaywithitdidn’the?”Oh,no,hedidn’t!Helearnedoneofthemostbitterlessonsofanyman’sexperience.Turnto1Samuel22:20-23.JustasDavidfeared,DoegtoldSaulofDavid’svisittothepriestatNob,butheglossedoverthefactthatAhimelechdidnotknowofSaul’senmitytowardDavidandsuggestedthatAhimelechwastakingsideswithDavidagainsttheking.Saulsentforalleighty-sixofthepriests,withtheirwivesandfamilies,andcommandedDoegtoslaythem.Allofthemdiedinthisruthlessmurderexceptone.

Thenoneday,asDavidwasinthecaveofAdullumwiththeotherswhohadfollowedhimintorefugethere,hesawrunningtowardhimtheonemanwhohadescapedtheslaughter.Whenhewastoldaboutit,Davidcriedoutinhorror,withanawfulsenseofguiltuponhissoul,“Ihaveoccasionedthedeathofallpersonsofthyfather’shouse!”

SeewhatfearanddoubtingGod’sWordandHispromisescaused!DavidcoveredupbeforeGodinsteadofacknowledginghisfearsanddoubts,andnomanwhocovershissincanprosper.David’ssinleadtotragedy.

DoyougotothehouseofGodforcomfort,andthenrealizethattheSpirithasfoundyouout,thatthevoiceoftheLordissayingtoyou,“Whythis?Whythat?”PerhapsyourSpiritissour,cold,indifferent,andGodaskswhatiswrong.Heknowswhyyouarelikethat,buthewantsyoutotellhim.Hewantsyoutoconfessthatyouhavefearedandpanicked,thatyouhavequestionedhispurposeandplanforyourlife.YouhavedoubtedHisWordandHispromises,andyouhavefailedtorenewbeforeGodeverydaytheanointingofHisSpirit,sothatyouhavebecomespirituallystale.

Godknowsthis,butinsteadofadmittingit,youcoveritupandpretendalliswell.Yousay,“Theneedisinthelifeoftheunsavedsinnerhere.Whydoesn’tthepreachertackletheunconvertedandleavemealone?Whydoeshetrytomeddlewithmylifelikethis?”

Soyoucoverup,youlietoGod,andyougoawayfromhissanctuaryholdingontoyourfearsandyourdoubts.Butbeware-sinisexpensive!Godmayforgiveandrestoreyou,buttheconsequencesofyoursinmayinvolvenotonlyyoubutotherswhoareinnocent.Perhapsitsresultsmaycontinueforyearstocome,orforeternity.Seedsmaybescatteredbeyondrecovery.Abitterharvestmaybereapedinthelivesofotherpeoplebecauseofyourdeparturefromalivingfaithandobedience.

Relianceuponpastblessingsisnotenough.ComingtothehouseofGodforcomfort,withoutbeingwillingtofaceuptodoubtsandfearsandunbeliefandadmittingthemtobesin,isnotenough.IfGodhasputyouintosomedarkplacesandintosometrials,itisnottodriveyouintosin,buttodeliveryoubyyourdaily,repeatedsurrenderandcommitmenttoHiswillasyouabideinHim.HewantstobeyourlivingSaviortoday,notmerelytheGodwhometyouyearsandyearsago.

Whenyouarelivingbyfaiththroughthedarknessofcircumstances,otherpeoplebecomeawareofthe

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radianceandsweetnessofyourlife,andtheyaretrulyblessed.Whenyourefusetoadmityourfailure,Godcannotberevealedthroughyoutoothers,andtheymaybelostforeternity.Oh,thesinoftheunbeliefhasdesperateconsequences,notonlyforyourself,butforothers!

Inthesecondplace,noticethefeints,thepretenseswhichdishonoredDavid’sGod.Inhispanic,seewhereDavidhasgone-toAchishkingofGath.Hereisagoodmaninbadcompany!WhyhasamanofGodgonetolivewithaPhilistineandanunbeliever?Imightsuggest,perhapswithmoretruththansomeofuswouldliketoadmit,thatapersecutedChristiansometimesgetsbettertreatmentfromtheenemiesofGod’speoplethanfromhisChristianfriends.WasisitnotthekingofJudahwhoimprisonedJeremiahandthekingofBabylonwholethimloose?Wegloryinourwonderfulgospelofloveandmercyfortheunsaved,butweusuallyactasifwehavenogospelforthesaintwhohasbeentrippedupbythedevil!

AchishstruckupquiteafriendshipwithDavid.PerhapsDavidhadconvenientlyrelievedhimofaverypowerfulrivalforhiskingdomincuttingofftheheadofGoliath,becausethisiswhereGoliathcamefrom.MaybeAchishwasgladtomeetthemanwhohadkilledhisadversary.Buthecouldnotcontrolthefeelingsofhispeoplewhosaiduntohim,IsnotthisDavidthekingoftheland?Didtheynotsingonetoanotherofhimindances,saying,Saulhasslainhisthousands,andDavidhistenthousands?”(1Samuel21:11).

LookatthismanofGodasheattemptedtoescapethisdesperateplight.Hedescendedtothebehaviorofamadman;hebangedhisfistsonthegateofthecity,foamedatthemouth,andactedlikeamanwhowasoutofhismind.Achishlookedathimandathisfollowersandsaid,“Forgoodness’sake,sendthemanaway!Ihaveenoughmadmenaroundherewithoutwantinganother!Getridofhim!”

Whatatragicpicture!WhatanundignifiedmomentinthelifeofamanwhohadbeenanointedbytheSpiritofGod!Howutterlyunworthyofhiscallingwashisbehavior!WhatdishonortobringuponthenameofhisGod!

ButwaitaminutebeforeyoucondemnDavid;examineyourownheart.HaveyoutakenrefugefromthedangersyoufoundinthepathofGod’swillinthecompanyofHisenemies?Haveyou,asDaviddid,feignedyourbehaviorinordertoescapetheconsequencesofyourfailuretowalkwithGod?Thenfromheaven’sstandpoint,youarebehavinglikeamadman.WatchaChristianwhohaspanickedinGod’swill,whohasalloweddoubtsandfearstoovercomehisfaith,andisrunningawayfromGod.Listentohisconversation,soutterlyirrational.Howemptyishistalk,howhollowhislaughter,howtensehismanner,howstrainedhiscountenance!

However,thereisanothersidetothispictureofDavid.Iamgladthebibleturnsthekeyandopensthedoortotheinnershrineofthisman’slife.Atthismomentwhenheissoutterlydown,weareshownexactlywhatistakingplaceinhisheart.WecanobservefromthePsalmshewroteatthistimethefaiththatdeliveredhissoul.

WhataboutamanofGodwhohasbecomeinvolvedinsuchamess?Judgedfromthehumanstandpoint,heishopeless;hehasbeentriedinthebalancesandfoundwanting.Godwillhavetodiscardsuchaman.WhenGodthrusthimoutfromhomeandfriendstotesttherealityofhisfaith,hefailedatthecrucialpoint.Justanothermissionarycasualty,youknow!Hecertainlywillnotgetbacktothefield,orintoChristianworkagain–Godhasfinishedwithhim.Althoughwemaythinkwehavefinishedwithhim,Godhasn’t!Howshallowisourjudgment!Thebibletellstheworstaboutitsheroes,butittellsthebest,too,praisetheLord!

JustatthispointDavidwrotetwoPsalms.InPsalm56heissaying,“Lord,Ihavenorespitefrommyenemyforoneminute.ThereisnotastepItakebuttheyarewatchingme,hopingtotripmeup.Iwanderfromsheltertoshelter,andmytearsfallthickandfast.IamgoingthroughsomethingIjustcan’t

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take.”

ThenIseehim,asitwere,withtremblingheartclimbingoutofthewavesofthestormandputtinghisfeetupontherock:“WhattimeIamafraid,Iwilltrustinthee....InGodhaveIputmytrust;Iwillnotbeafraidwhatmancandountome....Forthouhastdeliveredmysoulfromdeath:wiltnotthoudelivermyfeetfromfalling,thatImaywalkbeforeGodinthelightoftheliving?”(Psalm56:3,11,13).

Davidwaswalkingontheedgeofaprecipiceandcarefullywatchinghisfootsteps.Thenheslippedandprecipitatedhimselfintoasituationthatseemedirretrievable.ButinthatmomentheliftedhishandstoGodcrying,“Lord,Ihavenobodyelse!Hereandnow,dearLord,IjusttrustThee!”Thenhisstepgrewlight,theburdenwasgone,andinthemidstofthedarknesshewalkedsecurelywithhishandinGod’s.

HealsowrotePsalm34,theheadingofwhichsays,“whenhechangedhisbehaviorbeforeAchish:whodrovehimaway,andhedeparted.”NoticedtheassuranceinthewordsofthisPsalm.Canamaninthewrongcompany,whohasbeendoubtingandfearingGod,allowingfaithtobecrushed,behavinglikeamadman-cansuchamanreallytalklikethat?Yes,hecan.Otherpeoplecannotseeit;alltheyseeisabacksliderwhoisdriftingawayfromGodandbehavinglikeafool.Butinhishearthedespiseshimselfforitall,andfromthedepthshissoulcriesouttoheaven,“OGod,inthisIamgoingtotrustyouforever!”

Davidchangedhisbehavior,butinspiteofithisheartwasfixeduponGod.IntheawfulanguishofthosehoursthattookhimfromGibeahtoNob,fromNobtoGath,fromGathtofeignedinsanity,whenhethoughtthatthetorchofhislifewasgoingoutandthepurposeofGodwasfrustratedforever,hejuststretchedoutafeeblehandandcaughtholdofthehandofhisGod.Here,ineffect,ishistestimony,pleadingtousoutofthedarknessofhisownexperience,“Ibegofyou,fromwhatIhaveproved,tasteandseethattheLordisgood!”(Psalm34:8).

Isn’tthepatienceandmercyofGodtowardHispeoplebeyondourunderstanding?Ifyouhaveallowedfearsanddoubtstoovercomeyourfaithbecauseyouhavereliedonpastexperience,thenjustliftupthehandsoffaithtoGod.WithahungryheartlookuptoHim,forifyoucrytotheLordnow,Hewillsaveyououtofallyourfears.

MostofGod’sblessingsareconditional,andoftenHecannotdowhatHewantstodoforyoubecauseyouwillnotdoasyoushould.Isthecauseofyourfearanddoubting,whichisresultinginspiritualloss,toyourselfandtomanyothers,simplythatyouhaverelieduponthepast?HowlongisitsinceGodheardyoucryforanewanointing,forafreshbreathfromheaven?HowlongisitsincetheLordhasseenevidenceinyourheartthatyoureallycareasyouask?LetHimhearthatcrynowandeverydayuntilJesuscomes;maytheanointingabideinyou!

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Chapter8THECAPTAINANDHISCREW(ISamuel22:1-23;Psalm34:1-22)

AtthispointinDavid’slifetherewasaturningofthetide;henolongersoughtrefugefromtheattacksofSaulamongtheenemiesofGod’speople.Afterhissadexperienceoffindinghimselfinthewrongcompanyandfeigninginsanity,thenbeingdeliveredbythemercyandgoodnessofgod,DavidisnowbackintheterritoryofJudah.

AboutthistimehewroteatleastthreePsalms-the34th,57th,and142nd.Toreadthemistogetaninsightintowhatwaspassingthroughhisheart.IquotejustaportionfromPsalm142:“Ilookedonmyrighthand,andbeheld,buttherewasnomanthatwouldknowme:refugefailedme;nomancaredformysoul.Icrieduntothee,OLord:Isaid,Thouartmyrefugeandmyportioninthelandoftheliving”(142:4-5).

Sobeginsoneofthemostsignificantandinterestingperiodsinthelifeofthisexile.Heisaking,anointedofGod,butheishidinginacave,waitingforGod’stimeuntilheshouldcometothethrone.NewsofDavid’sreturnspreadaroundthecountryveryrapidly,andsoontheregatheredtohimastrangeassortmentofindividuals:somewereindistress,somewereindebt,somewerediscontented.Davidbecamecaptainoverthem,traininganddiscipliningthemuntilhehadformedthenucleusofthegreatestarmytheIsraeliteseverhad.TheyweredestinedtowinthegreatestvictoriesthatthepeopleofGodhadeverenjoyedinalltheirhistory.

PictureDavidatthistime,waitingGod’smomentwhenheshouldcomefromseclusiontothethrone.SeehimgatheringthismotleygroupofmenandspeakingtothemaroundtheircampfiresinthelanguageofPsalm34:11,“Come,yechildren,hearkenuntome:IwillteachyouthefearoftheLord.”

IfwearegoingtounderstandwhatIbelieveGodwouldsaytoushere,however,wemustleavethenarrative.Sometimeswhatisknownastypology,theuseofOldTestamentpersonstoillustratetruth,canbeafancifulmethodofpreaching,andoftencanbeunscriptural,butsomehowitseemsinevitableatthispointinDavid’slife.UnquestionablytheHolySpirit,theAuthorofthewholeBible,isseekingtodirectourattentiontoDavidasanillustrationofGod’sgreatplanofdeliveranceforyouandme.

LetusremindourselvesofthecircumstancesofDavid’slifeatthisparticularpoint.TherewasakingonthethroneofIsraelwhohadbeendisownedbyGod.Judgmenthadbeenpronounced,anditsexecutionwouldsoontakeplace.Saulhadbeenrejectedbecauseofhisdisobedienceandrebellion.God’sanointedking,David,wasinexile,andtohimgatheredallwhorecognizedhimtobeGod’schosenone.Theywerewillingtobeburiedaliveinacave,metaphoricallyspeaking,toawaitGod’stimewhen,havingsufferedwithhim,theywouldsharethegrandeurofhisreign.

Itseemstomethattheanalogyisobvious.WhatarethecircumstancesinwhichyouandIlivetoday?Whatisthespiritualsignificancebehindthescenes,asitwere,ofworldeventstoday?WhatdoestheBiblesayisbehindthesinandsufferingofthisworld?IttellsusthereisakingwhohasbeenrejectedanddisownedbyGod.

JesusChristspokeofhimasthe“princeofthisworld”-Satan,thedevil,theserpent,whateveryoumightliketocallhim.Thewholeworldinwhichwelivetodayisheldinthegripofthisevilbeing.

InthepurposeofGodfrombeforethefoundationoftheworld,Satan’sdestiny,asamemberofGod’sheavenlyhosts,wastoberegentofthisworld,togovernthislittleplantonbehalfoftheKingofalluniverses.However,thisgreatcreatedbeingrebelledagainsttheauthorityoftheOnewhocreatedhim.InIsaiah14:13wearetoldthatheexaltedhimselfandsoughttobeasGod,tosituponthethroneofthewholeuniverse.Thereforehewasrejected,disowned,andcastoutofheaven.Inordertoreplacehim,to

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findanothertosupervisetheaffairsofthislittleplanetonbehalfoftheAlmighty,GodmadeamaninHisownlikenessandimageand,asthepsalmistsaysinPsalm8:4and6,“Whatisman,thatthouartmindfulofhim?…Thoumadesthimtohavedominionovertheworksofthyhands;thouhastputallthingsunderhisfeet.”

Theprinceofthisworld,however,persuadedthemanwhomGodhadmadetoshareinhisrebellionandtorevoltagainstGod’sauthority.Theresultwasthatthisplanet-thoughinorbitphysically,inthematerialsensemovingwiththewholesolarsystemintheuniverse-isspirituallyoutoforbit.Fromthislittleglobetheregoesupconstantlytothethroneofheavenacryofsufferingfromthehumanracewhich,becauseofitsrebellionandwrongallegiance,hasbecomealienatedfromitscreator.

ButGodlaunchedadynamiccounterattackinthepersonofJesusChristourLord.Heconductedafull-scaleinvasion,becauseourLordbecameamanandlivedasGodintendedmentolive,incompletesubmissiontoHiswill.Helivedaperfectlifeanddiedasamanintheplaceofallothermentopaythepriceofourrebellionandtoupholdthejusticeofthethroneofheaven.Heroseagainasamanintotheplaceofallpowerandauthority,toenabletheHolySpirittosayinHebrews2:8-9,“Butnowweseenotyetallthingsputunderhim.ButweseeJesus…crownedwithgloryandhonor.”

TheCaptainofoursalvationwasrejectedbymenandcrucified,butGodliftedHimupfromthegrave,placedHimuponthethrone,andcrownedHimwithgloryandauthority.OnceagainpowerisintheproperhandsandwecanbegintoseethefulfillmentofGod’sgreatpurposefortheracethatnow,yieldingtotheprinceofthisworldandthepowersofdarkness,remainsinmiseryandsuffering.

GodlaunchedamightycounterattackinwhichJesus,onbehalfofusall,hasconquered.OnedayHeshallcomeoutfromHiskingdomwhich,asitwere,isyetinvisible.Heshallreign,andbeforeHimeverykneeshallbow.WhatwonderfullanguageisinPsalm2:2and6,“Thekingsoftheearthsetthemselves,andtherulerstakecounseltogether,againsttheLord,andagainstHisanointed…YethaveIsetmykinguponmyholyhillofZion.”

DoyouseethetruthofwhichthisOldTestamentstoryissographicapicture?JustasinDavid’sday,thereisakinginexilewhoisgatheringaroundHimacompanyofpeoplewhoareindistress,indebt,anddiscontented.HeistrainingthemandpreparingthemforthedaywhenHeshallcometoreign.Thereforethevitalissueis,ifyouunderstandthespiritualsignificanceofourday,inwhosekingdomareyouliving?Towhichkingareyougivingyourallegiance?Beforewhoseauthorityareyoubowing?Whichmasterareyoufollowingeveryday?

Withthatquestioninmind,noticethemenwhocametoDavidinhiscave.First,therewerethosewhoweredistressed.ItmusthavebeenonethingtohearaboutDavidandtosympathizewithhiminhiscause,butitwasquiteanothertobedriventothecaveoutofsheerdistressofheart.Whateverthedistressmayhavebeen-therecorddoesn’ttellus,butdistressunderthereignofSaulmusthavebeenprettydesperate-itwasablessedthingthatdrovethislittlegroupofmenfromtheauthorityofonekingdomintotheauthorityoftheother,toseekrefugeatthesideofDavid.

Noself-satisfiedmanwouldevercometoChrist,either.ThereisachurchofwhichwereadinRevelation3thattheywererichandincreasedwithgoods,andhadneedofnothing.ButatthedoorofthatchurchstoodtherisenChristsaying,“Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock.”Hewasoutsidethatplacewheretheywereperfectlyself-satisfied-nomanwhoisinthatconditionwillevercometotheLordJesus.Itwassheerdistressthatdroveaprodigalsoninafarcountrytocry,“Iwillariseandgotomyfather,andwillsayuntohim,Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheaven,andbeforethee,Andamnomoreworthytobecalledthyson”(Luke15:18-19).

“Thispoormancried,andtheLordheardhim,andsavedhimoutofallhistroubles,”isthetestimonyof

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DavidinPsalm34:6.NoticerepeatedlyinthisPsalmthelanguageofdistressandconcern:“Therighteouscry,andtheLordheareth,anddelivereththemoutofalltheirtroubles.TheLordisnighuntothemthatareofabrokenheart;andsavethsuchasbeofacontritespirit”(17-18).

WhenamanrecognizesthathehasalliedhimselfwithonewhoisinrebellionagainsttheKingofkings,whenheseesthesignificanceofhisposition,hebeginstocryouttoGodinhisdistress.ItisthemanwhoisdistressedwhoisdriventothesideoftheLordJesus.

Observealsothatthereweresomewhowereindebt.InfleeingtoDavidthesebankrupt,wretchedpeoplefoundawayofescapefromeveryliabilitythatwastheirsundertheruleofakingwhoGodhadrejected.

Solongasyouremainintheenemycampwiththerejectedruler,thereareTenCommandments,whichthunderatyou,andyoufindyourselfcondemnedbyGod’slaw.Thatlawisenforcedinthelanguageofthegospelwhichsays,“HethatbelievethonHimisnotcondemned:buthehathbelievethnotiscondemnedalready,becausehehathnotbelievedinthenameoftheonlybegottenSonofGod”(John3:18).

Heaven’sjusticeandrighteousnessmustberecognizedandmaintained.Apartfromgrace,youfindyourselfbankruptandinsolvent,desperatelyindebtandhelplesstomeetGod’sjudgment.Therefore,youronlyhopeistoflytothewoundedsideoftheLord,whoinHislifekeptGod’slawperfectlyinHisdeathpaidthepriceofyourrebellion.“Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh:Thattherighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus”(Romans8:3-4).

Inotice,too,thatthesemenwhocametoDavidwerediscontented-embittered,disappointed,frustrated,restless.Howmanysuchtherearetoday,andyethowfewofthemseekrefugeintheLordwhoalonecansatisfytheirhearts!Sooftenmultitudesofpeoplegatheraroundsomebrokencisternofthisworld,tryingtosatisfytheirthirstfortheyknownotwhat.Theygrumbleabouttheirtroublesandcomplainabouttheirlot,buthowfewofthemruntotheOnewhosaid,“Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink.

Hethatbelievethonme,asthescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallriversoflivingwater”(John7:37-38).

TherearethekindofmenwhocametoDavid:distressed,bankrupt,dissatisfied.ThesearethekindofpeoplewhocometoChrist,andtheyaretheonlypeoplewhocometoHim,fortheyhaverecognizedtheirdistress,theirdebtandbankruptcy,andareconsciousthattheyareutterlydiscontented.ThesheerpressureofthesefrustrationsdrivesthemtotherefugeofthebloodofChristthatwasshedforthem.

Noticeonemorethinghere.WhatwerethemotivesofthesemenwhocametoDavid?Whydidtheycome?IsuggestthattheycamebecausetheybelievedDavidwasGod’sanointedkingandhadarighttoruleoverthem.TheybelievedthatSaulwasausurperwhoshouldhavenoauthorityoverthem.Inotherwords,ifyouplease,theywereconvertedfromSaultoDavid.

HaveyoubelievedintheLordJesusChristandrecognizedthatHeisGod’sanointedKing?Satan,whoholdsthewholeworldinhishands,hasfooledthehumanraceintotakingsideswithhimagainstGod.Haveyouseenthatyouareonthewrongside,andthereforeyouhavebelievedinJesusChrist?ThenyouhavebeenconvertedfromthedeviltoGod.

MayIsuggest,too,thatthemencomingtoDavidnotonlybelievedinhiscause,buttheydecidedforhim.Beliefleadtoaction;theynotonlyheardbutobeyed.ItisonethingtobelieveinthecomingkingdomofChrist;itisanothertotakeyourstandforHimandtoidentifyyourselfwithHim.“Whosoeverheareththesesayingsofmine,”saidtheLordJesus,“anddoeththem,Iwilllikenhimuntoawiseman,whichbuilt

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hishouseuponarock”(Matthew7:24-25).

InJohn9wehavethestoryofablindmanwhoseeyeswereopened,andwhenhewasunderfirebecausehedaredtoacknowledgeJesus,hesaid,“Whetherhebeasinnerorno,Iknownot:onethingIknow,that,whereasIwasblind,nowIsee”(9:25).Itisonethingtobelievethatsomethingistrue,andanotherthingtomakeyourstandopenlyforit.Faithmustleadtoaction.

IndecidingforDavid,pleasenoticethatthesemenpassedfromonekingdomintoanother.InthelanguageofHebrews13:13,theywent“forththereforeuntohimwithoutthecamp,bearinghisreproach.”ImustinsistuponthisteachingoftheWordthatdecisionforChrist,ifitisvalid,willalwaysmeanthatyouhaveacquiredanewcenteroflifeinwhichJesusChristisnowyourSovereign.Onceyouwereinthekingdomofdarkness;nowyouhavemovedoutbyfaithandconviction-knowingyouwereinthewrongkingdomhascausedyoutotakeactionandtosubmittoanewKingandanewauthority.

DecisionforChristmeansseparationfromtheworld.Iamnotspeakingmerelyaboutgivingupcertainthingsandnotdoingcertainthings,whichisallmanyprofessingChristiansknowaboutseparation.Itisafardeeperthingthanthat:itistheinvolvementofthewholepersonalityleavingtheserviceofthedevilfortheserviceoftheKingofkings.

ThesemenbelievedonDavid,theydecidedforDavid,andtheysubmittedtoDavid.Theyyieldedthemselvestohisleadershipforthehonorofhisnameandforthesakeofhiscause.Theystoodwithhiminexileandsufferingsothatonedaytheymightsharewithhiminthekingdom.Similarly,nonecanclaimtobeaChristianunlesshehastakenthesesteps,unlesshisfaithhasledtothisactionofidentificationwithJesusChrist.

Finally,IaskyoutonoticethemasterythesemenfoundinDavid:hebecameacaptainoverthem.Assoonastheytooktheirplacesafollowersheimmediatelyassumedhisrighttoleadthem.

Ihopethesignificanceofthathasdawneduponyourheart!FromthatmomenttheylookedtoDavidforeverything.Theylookedtohimfortraining.Yourecallthatin1Chronicles12:8thereisadescriptionofthesemightymenofDavid,whobecame“menofwarfitforthebattle,thatcouldhandleshieldandbuckler,whosefaceswerelikethefacesoflions,andwereswiftastheroesuponthemountains.”

Oncetheywereindebt,discontented,indistress-amotleycrew!Theyhadnothingtocommendthembuttheirdesperateneed.ButseewhattheybecameasDavidshapedthemintoamightyarmyforhisuse.Theylookedtohimfortheirtraining;andtheimmediatethingthathappensthemomentyoustepfromonekingdomtoanotheristhatJesusassumesHisdivinerighttodirectandgovernyourlife.

ThemeninthecaveofAdullamalsolookedtoDavidforprotection,becausethemomenttheybecameDavid’sfollowers,theybecameSaul’senemies.TheywereopentoallthepersecutionwhichcameuponDavid;theyhadtoshareit.Buthepromisedhimprotection:“Abidethouwithme,fearnot:forhethatseekethmylifeseekeththylife:butwithmethoushaltbeinsafeguard”(1Samuel22:23).

Inthesameway,themomentyouidentifyyourselfwithJesusChristyoustiruptheangeroftheenemyofyoursoul.YoubecomethetargetofthepowersofdarknessandthereforeyoumustlooktotheLordforsafety.“Muchmorethen,beingnowjustifiedbyhisblood,weshallbesavedfromwraththroughhim.Forif,whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife”(Romans5:9-10).Momentbymoment,daybyday,underthebanneroftheKingofkings,welooktoHimforprotection.

HisfollowersinthecavealsolookedtoDavidforreward.ThecauseofDavidwasnotaforlornhopebecauseitwasthecauseofGod.Victorywasabsolutelysure;thosewhosufferedwithhimonedaywouldsharehisexaltationandthekingdomwithhim.

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ThereisadaycomingwhentherejectedChristwillbecrownedLordofall,andthosewhofollowHimnowwillbeabundantlyrewardedwhenweenterintothejoyoftheLord:“ifsobethatwesufferwithhim,thatwemaybealsoglorifiedtogether”(Romans8:17).

Iwouldaskyouaverystraightforwardquestion:inwhichkingdomareyouliving?Whichkingareyouserving?Towhomareyouyieldingallegiance?Ifyouareavowedlyinthewrongcamp,thenIbegofyouthatyouwouldquicklyflytothewoundedsideofJesus.

TheremaybemanywhoclaimtobeChristians,however,whoaretryingtobeinbothcampsatthesametime.Youarevagueinyourtestimony,uncertaininyourpurposeforlife,indefiniteinspiritualconviction,shallowinspiritualexperience.YoudesiretobequitesurethatonedayyouwillshareintheLord’sreign,butyouarenotpreparedtoshareinHisrejection.YouarenotwillingtoleavethekingdomoftheenemyandenterintothekingdomofGod.

Itisimpossibletobeintwocampsatonce,andIwilltellyouwhichcampyouarereallyin!Itisnotthecampthatyourheadtakesyouinto!Youmaybeatschool,preparingforafuturelifeofministryorservice,butsoeasilywhatyoulearnfailstogetintoyourlifeandcharacter.Itdoesnotseemtoaffectverymuchthewayyoulive.

Youmayknowalotoftheology,butwhataboutyourrelationshipwiththeoppositesex?Doesitmakeanydifferenceinyourbehavior,inyourethics,inyourpurityofmindandthoughtlife?Itissoeasyforreligiontobejustadepartmentoflife,forchurchtobeahabitforonedayaweek,buttherestofthetimeitcanbeflungofflikeanoldcoat.Itjustdoesn’tmakemuchdifferencetothewayyouliveatall.

Myfriend,youcannotbeinbothcampsatonce,andyouarenotonthesideofyourhead,youareonthesideofyourheart.Yourbodybringsyoutochurch,butwheredoesyourhearttakeyou?Wheredoyouraffectionsleadyou,intowhatkindofpredicaments?Whataboutyourdesires,yourthoughts,yourambitions?Whatabouttherealyou?Inspiteofschoolandtrainingandchurchmembership,whichcampareyoulivingtoday?Inyourheart,areyouinthewrongcamp?Orhastherebeenacompleteabandonmentofthedevil’ssovereigntyinfavoroftheLordJesusChrist?

Thatistheplainissue!Ifyouareinheartdistress,indebttoGod’slaw,discontentedandunhappy,thenbelieveinChristandsubmittoHim.Hewilltrainyou,Hewillprotectyou,andonedayHewillrewardyou.

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Chapter9LEARNINGTOLOOKTOTHELORD(ISamuel23:1-28;Psalm27:1-14)

AtthispointinDavid’slifehisfortuneshavejustaboutreachedtheirlowestebb.WatchingthismanofGod,weseehimnowinamomentofgreatadversity.

In1Samuel22:5wearetoldthat,actingontheadviceoftheprophetGad,whojoinedDavidinhisexileandplayedasignificantpartinhislifethroughoutthefuture,DavidlefttheshelterofthecaveAddullam.Onecanunderstandthatacavemightbeadangerousplace;hecouldfindhimselfshutinwiththeenemysurroundinghim.SoDavidforsookthecaveforthedesolationofthewildernessandthemountains.Thiswasawanderinglife;referringtoitinoneofhispsalms,hespokeofhimselfasbeingchased“likeapartridgeonthemountain.”

AswestudyinthelifeofDavid,wehaveonegreatadvantagebecausewecanlookatitinretrospect.Wecanseeitall,especiallyhowthepurposeofGodwassowonderfullyfulfilled.Atthisparticulartime,Daviddidnotknowanythingofthisgloriousfutureexceptbyfaith.Wecanlookbackuponhisexperienceandlearnsomesignificantlessonsthatshouldbewrittenforeveruponthecharacterandserviceofeachofus.

Wealsoliveindaysofadversity,butthatisneveranyreasonfordiscouragement.Amanwhofaintsinthedayoftroublepossessesverysmallstrength.DavidwasdestinedtoreignasthekingofIsrael,butyouandIaregoingtobesharingthethroneofalltheuniverse.Thisisourgreatperiodofpreparationandtraining,andtheLordhasmanythingstoteachus.

Inthisstudythenarrativeispurelyincidental,thebackgroundagainstwhichtosketchinDavid’slifeandcharacter.Itislikeascaffoldingaroundhimwhichwillcomedowncompletely;insideishislife,thebuildingthatisgoingupforthegloryofGod.ItisfromstudyingDavid’sinnerlifeandhisexperienceswithGodthatwedrawstrengthandcomfortandfoodforoursouls,andwearenotwithoutampletimeintheWordofGodtohelpus.

Atthispointinhisexperience,DavidwroteatleastthreePsalms:the27th,31st,and54th.Othersmayhavebeenwrittenatthistime,butthesethreesumupthespiritualconflictthatwasgoingoninhisheart.TheyshowwhatwasshapinghislifetomakehimamanofGod.

ToreturntoISamuel23:inthefirstfewversesDavidistriumphingoverhisenemies;laterheisfacingthetreacheryofhisfriends.Inbothexperiences,however,heislearningtolooktotheLord.Infact,heislearningmoreandmorewhatitistotrustintheLordandtolivebyfaith.

TidingshadcometoDavidofathreatenedattackbythePhilistinesonthebordertownofKeilah.ThefarmerstherehadjustharvestedtheircropsandthePhilistineswerecomingintoplunderthem.Saul,ofcourse,washelplesstodoanythingaboutit.Neitherdidhecaremuch,forhewastooconcernedatthatpointaboutthebitternessofhissoulandhisdesiretogetridofDavidtobotheraboutthePhilistines.

ButDavidandhismenwerewithinreach,sotheyrespondedtotheS.O.S.fromKeilahanddefeatedtheenemy,recoveringthestolenproperty.ThenDavidandhismenwerewelcomedbythemenofKeilahtosharewiththeminthelifeofthecityasareward.

HerewasalittlerayofsunshineforDavid.Hewasbackinthefightoncemore,experiencingvictoryoverhispeople’senemy,eventhoughhewasahuntedexile.ThattasteofvictoryfromtheshelterofthecityofKeilahbroughtfromhisthesongofPsalm31:21,“BlessedbetheLord:forHehathshewedmeHismarvelouskindnessinastrongcity.”

YetaswereadthroughthisPsalm,weseehewasnotalwaysontop;hewasn’talwayssmiling.Thereisa

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significantchangeofmood;onemomentheisonthecrestofthewave,“Iwillbegladandrejoiceinthymercy:forthouhastconsideredmytrouble;thouhastknownmysoulinadversities”(Psalm31:7).Thenhesays,inverse12,“Iamforgottenasadeadmanoutofmymind:Iamlikeabrokenvessel.”Butfaithtriumphandisthedominantnotehere:“Mytimesareinthyhand:delivermefromthehandofmineenemies,andfromthemthatpersecuteme”(Psalm31:15).

“Mytimesareinthyhand,”hesays,andthatmeansthatinthismomentofadversityandtrialDavidknewthatallthequestionmarksofhislifewereinthehandofGod.HeknewitwasimpossibletobeinGod’shandandtheenemy’shandatthesametime.Thegloombeginstodisappearandfeardepartsasfaithemergesinglorioustriumph.ThismanisrisingoutofhistestingandadversitytolearntoputhisutterdependenceontheLord.

ThereforeDavidbreaksoutintoasongofconfidenceinverses19and20:“Ohhowgreatisthygoodness,whichthouhastlaidupforthemthatfearthee;whichthouhastwroughtforthemthattrustintheebeforethesonsofmen:thoushalthideinthesecretofthypresencefromtheprideofman:thoushaltkeepthemsecretlyinapavilionfromthestrifeoftongues.”

Thismaniscapableofgoinguptotheheightsofjoyandthenextmomentdowntothedepthsofdespair.Hehasgonethroughthedarktunnelofadversityinthewilderness,chasedasapartridgeuponthemountain,andnowheisenjoyingvictoryoverthePhilistines,andrejoicingoverGod’skindnessingivinghimtheshelterofthecity.HeopensHishearttotellus,“Youknow,therewasonetimewhenIwassoafraidthatIwasterrifiedtomove.ButsomehowIjustrestedinGod,andIknewthewholesituationwasinHishand.”

Ashisdoubtsbegantodisappearandfaithbegantotriumph,Davidmadeaconfessioninverse22.HeadmitshewaswrongandstupidtodoubtGod:“Isaidinmyhaste,Iamcutofffrombeforethineeyes.”Abettertranslationis,“Isaidinmyagitation.”YouhavetobeverycarefulwhatyousaidtoGodwhenyouareagitated,andwhatyousaytootherpeople,too.Don’ttrustyourselftoprayandtobetruetoyourprayerinamomentofagitation.

Davidwasafraidandperplexedastowhattodonext,withallthepressureuponhim,butthenhecametriumphantlytosay,“Lord,alltheproblemsareinThyhands,forThouknowestbest!”Thushetriumphedoverhisenemies,andtheresultisinthefinalwordofcounselhegivestousinPsalm31:24,“Beofgoodcourage,andheshallstrengthenyourheart,allyethathopeintheLord.”

Itisonethingtofaceanenemyandconquerhim,butitisevenmoredifficulttofacethetreacheryoffriends.David’sstayinKeilahwasnotverylong.AshesoughtGodinprayerforguidance,helearnedthatSaulwouldattackthecity.NotonlywouldSaulattack,butthepeopleofKeilahwouldbetrayhim:“WillthemenofKeilahdelivermeupintohishand?WillSaulcomedown,asthyservanthathheard?OLordGodofIsrael,Ibeseechthee,tellthyservant.AndtheLordsaid,Hewillcomedown”(1Samuel23:11).Beingwarnedofhisdanger,Davidleftthecityanddepartedagainintothemountainsandthewilderness.Butnowhehassixhundredmenunderhim;hisarmyhasincreasedby50percent(1Samuel23:13).

Saulwasgettingdesperate,andatthispointJonathancametoDavid.Noticehowpreciousisverse16:“JonathanSaul’ssonarose,andwenttoDavidintothewood,andstrengthenedhishandinGod.”Thankheavenforafriendlikethatatsuchamoment!Davidneversawhimagain;thefriendspartedforeveruntiltheymetinheaven.

JonathantoldDavidthatSaulwellknewthathewouldbeking(1Samuel23:17),butthatdidnotalterSaul’sdeterminationtokillDavid.Whataterriblestateforamantogetinto,knowingthatheisfightingagainstGod,butgoingonwithit.

However,worsewastofollow,fromDavid’spointofview,becausethepeoplewholivedinthewilderness

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offeredtobetrayhimtoSaulsotheymightgetbackintotheking’sfavor(1Samuel23:19-20).JustasitseemedSaulhadcaughtDavidinatrap,however,andwasabouttosurroundhim,therecamenewsofafreshattackofthePhilistines.Therefore,SaulleftDavidatlargeinthewildernessandreturnedtodefendthecountryfromtheirpowerfulenemy.

BetrayedbythepeopleofKeilahwhomhehadbefriended,betrayedagainbytheinhabitantsofthewildernessofZithwhothoughtittotheiradvantage,tohandhimovertoSaul,DavidmusthavebreathedasighofreliefatGod’smiraculousdeliverance.

TurntoPsalm54toseewhatamansingswhenthosehehasrescuedbetrayhim,whenhehassaidgoodbyetohisdearestfriendonearthwhomhewillnevermeetagain,whenheisfacingtremendouspersecutionandadversity.FirstDavidspeakstoGodabouthisenemies:“Saveme,OGod,bythyname,andjudgemebythystrength.Hearmyprayer,OGod;giveeartothewordsofmymouth.Forstrangersarerisenupagainstme,andoppressorsseekaftermysoul:theyhavenotsetGodbeforethem.Selah[thinkofthat]”(Psalm54:1-3).

ThenDavidtalkstohimselfaboutGod:“Behold,Godisminehelper:theLordiswiththemthatupholdmysoul”(54:4).ThenatlasthetalkstoGodabouthimself:“Iwillfreelysacrificeuntothee:Iwillpraisethyname,OLord;foritisgood”(54:6).

MaytheLordhelpyoutounderstandandapplytheselessonstoyourheart.ObservehowDavidleftthetreacheryofhissupposedfriendswiththeOnewhoissufficienttodealwiththem(54:7).HeisnowlookingatGod.Firsthewaslookingathisenemiesandthesesupposedfriendsofhis,butnowheseesthemthroughGod.IfyoubeginwithGod,yourenemiesgrowsmall.Ifyoubeginwiththeenemy,youmayneverreachGod.IfyoubeginwithHim,theproblemsbegintodwindle;ifyoubeginwiththeproblems,younevergetthroughtoGod.“Selah”-thinkofthat,andapplyittoyourlifeinyouradversityandtesting.

Davidissurroundedbythosewhowouldtakehislife,butthisPsalmshowshisstretchingoutahandoffaith.

Thatisallhecando,andinconclusionhepraisestheLordforthedaywhentheenemyisgoingtobescattered:“Forhehathdeliveredmeoutofalltrouble”(54:7).HeisbeginningtopraiseGodwiththeenemystillaroundhim;heisbeginningtotrusttheLordenoughthathecanclaimthevictory,althoughhehasnohumanhope.DavidisbasinghisconfidenceuponwhatheislearningofthecharacterandwillandpurposeofGod.

Weturnnowtothetwolittlephraseswhicharerepeatedin1Samuel23:2and4:“DavidenquiredoftheLord.”Hewasbeginningtoformahabitthatbecamepartofhislife,somethingimportantwhichhecouldlearnonlyinadarkhourlikethis.“Lord,IaminthissituationbecauseThouhastputmehere,andIamnotgoingtotakeanyactionuntilIgetcleardirectionfromheaven.”

DavidaskedtheLord,andhedidnottakeastepwithoutclearwordofauthorityfromGod.ThisismadeabundantlyclearinthelanguageofanotherPsalmhewrote.OftenwehavesungorreadPsalm27,butperhapswithoutrealizingthecircumstancesunderwhichitwaswritten.Inverse14heconcludesfromhisexperiencesthisexhortation:“WaitontheLord:beofgoodcourage,andheshallstrengthenthineheart:wait,Isay,ontheLord.”

HaveyoueverlookedatthisPsalminthelightofwhatishappeninginDavid’slife?Didyouthinkitwaswrittenwhentheskywasblueandeverythingwasgoingwell?No,itwassunginthedarkesthourofhislife.Whatacomfortitwasthatindarkdayshecouldsay,“TheLordismylight”(Psalm27:1).Theseweredangerousdays;thereforetheLordwasalso“mysalvation.”Wickedhostswerearrayedagainsthim,but“myheartshallnotfear:thoughwarshouldriseagainstme,inthiswillIbeconfident…Forinthetimeof

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troubleheshallhidemeinhispavilion”(27:3,5).

ThoughheknewthathisbehaviorwhenhehadfeignedhimselftobemadwouldjustifyGod’sanger:thouhastbeenmyhelp;leavemenot,neitherforsakeme,OGodofmysalvation”(27:9).HeaskedGodtoleadhimclearlyandtodeliverhimfromfalsewitnessesthathadrisenupagainsthim.

ThegreatthemeofthisPsalm,theburdenonDavid’sheart,ishislongingforanintimatefellowshipwiththeLordandaconstant;lightuponhispath.HedesiredtolivesoclosethatwhenheheardjustawhisperfromGodtohisheartsaying,“Seekyemyface,”immediatelyhisheartwouldanswer,“Thyface,Lord,willIseek.”(27:8).Hewaslearningsomethingthatonlyadversitycanteachanyofus;thatis,tocalmhisfears,tosteadyhislife,tostandstillandwatchforthesalvationofGod,towaitforaclearwordofdirection.Hehaddiscovereditwouldnotbesafetomovewithoutheavenlyguidance,sohewaiteduponGod.

PerhapstheLordalsoputsyouandmethroughtestingtoteachusthesesamethings.Buthowcanwegetguidancefromheaven?HowcanwegettheclearwordfromtheLordthatDavidgot?Canweknowthatthereislightfromheavenuponthenextstep?Inthecircumstancesandconfusionoflife,inthepressureofadversity,canweknowclearly,canwereceiveanauthoritativewordofdirectionfromGod?Yes,indeed!

TherewasapriestwithDavid:Abiathar,thesonofAhimelech,theonlyonewhoescapedthemurderofthewholehousehold,hadjoinedDavidinthecaveofAdullam.OnhispriestlybreastplateweretheUrimandThummim,brightandshiningjewelsthat,asthepriestwentintothepresenceofGodandprayedearnestly,grewdimifGod’sanswerwas“No.”ButifGod’sanswerwas“Yes,”thenthejewelsshoneallthemorebrightly.

ItwasthroughthepriestthatDavidwenttoGod,andfromthatheheardwhetherthelightwasclearordim.ThiswashowDavidfoundunmistakableguidance.LaterintheOldTestamenttimes,Godspoketomenthroughtheprophets,untilthey,too,weresilenced.

Havewenomeansofinquiry?Yes,wehave.InRevelation2:17theOldTestamentpictureisbroughtintoNewTestamentfocusandintoourexperience.TherisenLordsaystothechurchatPergamos,“TohimthatovercomethwillIgivetoeatofthehiddenmanna,andwillgivehimawhitestone,andinthestoneanewnamewritten,whichnomanknowethsavinghethatreceivethit.”TotheovercomerChristwillgiveabrilliant,shiningstone.ItisbelievedthatthisisaNewTestamentallusiontotheOldTestamentmethodofguidancebytheUrimandThummim,thestonesthatshoneinthebreastplateofthehighpriest.

Wheredoyougowhenyouareinajam?WehavealwayswithusthegreatHighPriest,whoeverlivestomakeintercessionforHispeople.HewillsendthatflashinglightfromheavenintothesoulofthemanwholongstoknowHiswill,andHewillgiveitunmistakably,forinHimeachofushasapersonalUrimandThummim.Towhomisitgiven?Itisgiventotheovercomer,themanwhosehearthasbeenwashedinthebloodandwhoselifehasbeenfilledwiththeHolySpirit.Totheovercomeristhewordfromheaven,“Thisistheway,walkyeinit.”

Ontheotherhand,againstthemanwhoselifeisstainedwithsin,totheChristianwhoselifeisworldlyandcarnal,thedoorsofheavenremaincloseduntilherepentsandturnstoGod.OnlywherethebloodhasbeensprinkledistheWordofGodmadeknown.ThecrossmarksthepaththatleadsusrightintothepresenceofGod,asdesperatelyandurgentlyweneedawordfromheavenforourpresenttestimonyandministry.EquallyurgentlyandeagerlyGodwaitstotelluswhatweshouldatthistime,butHeisonlygoingtogiveHisWordtotheovercomer.

GodwillnotgiveHispowerorshowHispurposetoaworldly,compromising,defeatedChristianwhocouldn’tcarelessaboutHiswill,whogiveshimselfovertothegodsofmaterialgainandamusements,

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whorevelsinthelustofthefleshandunholydesires.HowmuchHischurchneedsthebloodofChristappliedtoeverypartofitslife,thatthewillofGodmightbemadeknown!

Areyouindoubt?Onevoicemaysaytoyou,“Comethisway.”Prudencemaysuggesttoyouonething,faithanother.Worldlywisdomsaysthispath,butthevoiceoftheSpiritsaysthatpath.Ifyouarenotsure,getalonesomewherewithGoduntileveryothervoiceissilentandallhumanopinionsareshutout,andlearntolooktotheLord.

Butremember,thestoneofbrilliantsplendor,theflashing,clearrevelationfromheaventhatenablesustosaywithassurance,“Thisistheway,”isgivenonlytotheovercomer.Ifyouwantguidance,therefore,areyoupreparedtopaythepriceforit?Aguidedlifeisdependentuponacleansedheart.Thereisnovictorywithoutafight,andthereisnobattlewithoutwounds.ThoseinflictedbythetreacheryoffriendshurtDavidmostofall,buttherearenowoundsthatcannotbehealedytheGreatPhysician.AllthesethingsDavidlearnedinadversity,andinthebattlewithhisenemiesheovercamefearbyfaith.

Ifyouwantguidanceanddirection,ifyouwantthelightfromheavenonyourpath,areyouhonestlypreparedtopaythepriceandliveasanovercomingChristian?

Hastthounoscars,nohiddenscaronfootorsideorhand?

Iheartheesungasmightyintheland,

Ihearthemhailthee,bright,ascendingstar.

Hastthounoscar?

Nowound,noscar,yetastheMastershalltheservantbe,

Andpiercedarethefeetthatfollowthee,

Butthinearewhole.

Canhehavefollowedfarwhohasnorwoundnorscar?

AmyCarmichael

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Chapter10LOVINGYOURENEMIES(ISamuel24:1-22)

Godhasagreatpurposeofblessing,agreatdestinyforDavid,butatthispointhewasbeingputthroughthecrucibleoftestingtodeterminehisfitnessforwhatGodhadplannedforhim.Therefore,inaveryrealsensewearestudyingthelifestoryofeachofusasChristians.

ItisnotthewillofourFatherinheaventhatanyoneshouldperish.ItisHisconcernthateachofusshouldcometoknowHimwhotoknowislifeeternal,andthatweshouldbecomeheirsofGodandjoint-heirswithChrist.ThisisthegreatdestinythatGodhasforus,andonlyintherealizationofitcanwefindrealpeaceandhappiness.Butinorderthatitmightbefulfilled,Godoftenusestheflame,asPetersaid,“Thatthetrialofyourfaith,beingmuchmorepreciousthanofgoldthatperisheth,thoughitbetriedwithfire,mightbefounduntopraiseandhonorandgloryattheappearingofJesusChrist”(1Peter1:7).

Davidwasnowatapointofgreaterdangerthananyhehadhithertoexperienced.ItisalwaysGod’swaytouseeachvictorythatwehavewonbygraceasthebackgroundforthenextphaseoftestingatadeeperlevel.ThatispartofthemakingofamanofGod.Herethen,in1Samuel24and27,wefindDavidpresentedwithtwogoldenopportunitiestoridhimselfofhisenemy,Saul,toshortenthedayofsuffering,andtomakeagrabforthethronewhichGodhadpromisedhim.

David,withhissixhundredmen,hadtakenrefugeataplacecalledEngedi,whichmeans“thehauntofawildgoat.”ThiswasaverymountainousareasouthwestoftheDeadSeainwhichweremanycavesandgreatrocks,andthereDavidwassheltered.OnedaySaul,withhisthreethousandpickedmen,huntedforDavidthroughthisrockycountrywhereitwouldbeverydifficulttofindanyone.

Davidandhismenwerehidinginacave,pressedaroundthesidesofitastheywatchedSaul’smenmarchby,thenSaulhimselfturnedsuddenlyandcameinsidetogetalittleshelterfromtheheat.Asheenteredthedarknessfromthebrillianceofthesunshine,hecouldseenothinginside;hewascompletelyunawareofthepresenceofDavidandhismen.Thenhedecidedtotakeanapinthecoolness.

WhatachanceforDavid!Breathlesslyhismenwaited;perhapstheywhisperedsomeadvisetohim,sayingineffect,“Hereisyouropportunity!Godhasbroughtyourenemyrightwithinyourreachandyoucandestroyhimeasily.Youcanendallourhardshipandsufferingandsitonthethronetoday!”(1Samuel24:4).

Youcanimaginewithwhatintensitytheywatchedtheirleaderslipstealthilythroughthedimnesswithadaggerinhishand-theyexpectedtoseeitdrivenintoSaul’sback.ImaginetheiramazementwhenDavidjustcutabitofftheendofSaul’srobeandquietlyreturnedtohishidingplaceinthedarkness.TheyhadthoughtDavidbrave,buthemusthaveseemedtothemacowardatthatmoment.Whatafoolhewastomisssuchachancetogetridofhispowerfulenemy!

NoticeDavid’swords;hewasashamedthathehaddoneeventhelittlehehadtoSaul:

“TheLordforbidthatIshoulddothisthinguntomymaster,theLord’sanointed,tostretchforthminehandagainsthim,seeingheistheanointedoftheLord”(1Samuel24:6).Davidcontrolledhimself,andwhatisevenmoreremarkable,healsocontrolledthesixhundredmenwhowerewithhim;he“stayedhisservantswiththesewords,andsufferedthemnottoriseagainstSaul.”

WhenSauleventuallyleftthecave,Davidranafterhimintotheopenandconfrontedhimwiththeevidenceofhismercy,provingtohimthathehadnointentionofharminghim.DavidaskedSaulwhomhethoughthewaschasing:sayingineffect“AfterwhomisthekingofIsraelcomeout?Iamashelplessasadeaddogandashardtocatchasaflea.Whydon’tyouleavemealone?”(1Samuel24:14).

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Onanotheroccasion,recordedinchapter26,Saulwasagainonthechasewithhisthreethousandmen,andDavidfoundhimatnight,inhiscampasleep.Apparentlywithoutputtingasentryonduty,Saul,withAbnerhiscaptainandthewholearmy,madecampandwenttosleepwhileDavidandhismenwatchedthem.

Davidtookwithhimatrustedfriend,Abishai,andtogethertheywentdownintothevalley,stealthilycreepingintothemidstofthecampuntiltheycametowhereSaulwasasleep,andAbner;andonceagaintherewasmadetoDavidthesamewhisperedsuggestion.Abishaiusedwordlikethese,“Godhasdeliveredyourenemyintoyourhandagain.Ifyouraresqueamishaboutkillinghimyourself,letmedoitforyou.Iwillsmitehimwithaspearrightthroughtheheartintotheearthbeneathhim-onestrokeandthatwillbethefinish,Iwon’tneedtorepeatit”(1Samuel26:8).

OnceagainfromDavidcamethesamereply:“Destroyhimnot,forwhocanstretchforthhishandagainsttheanointed,andbeguiltless?”Thentheywithdrew,takingSaul’sspearandhiswaterbottle.SafelyawayfromSaul’scamp,torelievethetensionofthattremendousmoment,theyshoutedbackacrossthevalleyatthesleepingarmy,wakingthemallupandtauntingAbnerwithbeingasleeponduty.

Davidhadmissedanotheropportunityofgettingridofhisenemy,ofendinghissuffering.Surely,whenachancetogetevenwithsomeonewhohasdoneyouwrongpresentsitself,youshouldtakeit.Whentheopportunitycomestoescapefromatightcorner,yououghttotaketheinitiative.Orshouldyou?

Whatdowelearnfromthenarrativeinthesechapterstoblessourownhearts?Firstofall,seetheprinciplewhichDavidhaslearned.ThoughSaulwasrejectedbytheLord,yetthemanwasstilltheLord’sanointed.Othersinsistedyouhavetoloveyourfriendsandhateyourenemies,butsomehowDavidlearnedwhattheLordJesuscametoteachus,“Loveyourenemies,blessthemthatcurseyou,dogoodtothemthathateyou,andprayforthemwhichdespitefullyuseyou”(Matthew5:44).

IfDavidhadslainSaulhewouldhavebeentakingthingsoutofGod’shands,andtoseizetheinitiativehimselfcouldhavebeendisastrous.ItwasfarbetterforDavidtoawaitGod’stimethantoattempttohelpHimtodosomethingmerelybecausecircumstanceswereuncongenial.

Whenamomentlikethiscomesinlife,weneedtobeawareofit.Howeasyitistotaketheinitiative,howhardtowaitforGod!Howpainfulperhapsarethecircumstances,buthowmuchmorepainfularetheconsequencesofactionoutsideGod’swill!

HowharditistolearnthelessonwhichourLordpracticed,“Who,whenhewasreviled,revilednotagain…butcommittedhimselftohimthatjudgethrighteously”(1Peter2:23).HowdifficultitistowaitfortheslowlyunfoldingpurposeofGod;howmucheasiertotakethingsintoourownhandsandmakeadashforit!Alwaysitishardto“standstill,andseethesalvationoftheLord”(Exodus14:13).

ToSaul,Davidsaid,“TheLordjudgebetweenmeandthee,andtheLordavengemeofthee:butminehandshallnotbeuponthee”(1Samuel24:12).Inotherwords,DavidknewthatGodhadputhimintothatsituationforapurposethatHeknewbest,becauseHehadagreatdestinyforDavid’slife.BecauseGodhadputhimthere,DavidtrustedHimtogethimoutwithouthishavingtoliftonelittlefingertohelp,neitherwouldheallowanyonewithwhomhewasconnectedtodoanythingaboutit.

Nomatterwhatthesituationmaybe,God’schildneedstolearntowaitandwatchfortheLord,whohasputhimtheretoprovethekindofstuffheismadeof.“Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod.”BecauseDavidlearnedthatprinciple,herefusedtotaketheinitiativeandaccountofGod’swill.

Whenamanlearnsthatlessonheisgettingsomewherespiritually,andheisabouttoseeliberatedthroughhislifeanewmeasureofpower.SeewhathappenedbecauseDavidtookthisline.Thinkoftheeffect,forinstance,uponhimself.Justsupposehehadgivenwayandhadkilledhisenemy.Thatwould

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haveendedthesonginhisheart;itwouldhavesilencedhismusicandputanendtothePsalmsthathewrote.Hewouldhavegonethroughlifewithabadconscienceandashadowfromthepast.

Muchlater,Davidhadaverysadexperienceandhadtoliveagainforawhileinexile.HissonAbsalomhadrebelledagainsthim,andasDavidwasabouttoreturntoJerusalem,amannamedShimeicametocursehim.HetriedtotellDavidthatthisrejectionbyhispeoplehadhappenedbecausetheLordwasrewardinghimforhisshamefultreatmentofSaul(IISamuel16:8).Davidknewtheaccusationwasnottrue,butifhehadactedoutofGod’swillhereitwouldhavebeentrue.HeknewthathehadnotdoneanythingtobringaboutSaul’sdeath,andthereforeGoddeliveredhimfromthecurseofShimei.

Whatwouldhavebeentheeffectonhissixhundredmen?TherearemanyevidencesthatthegentlenessofDavidandhisloveforSaulinfluencedhismenandshowedupaspartoftheircharacterinthedaysthatlayahead.IfDavidhadactedwronglyitwouldhaveaffectedhiswholearmy,andmuchofhisgodlyinfluencewouldhavebeenlost.

Mostofall,whataboutSaulhimself?“Anditcametopass,whenDavidhadmadeanendofspeakingthesewordsuntoSaul,thatSaulsaid,Isthisthyvoice,mysonDavid?AndSaullifteduphisvoice,andwept”(ISamuel24:16).“ThensaidSaul,Ihavesinned:return,mysonDavid:forIwillnomoredotheeharm,becausemysoulwaspreciousinthineeyesthisday:behold,Ihaveplayedthefool,andhaveerredexceedingly…ThenSaulsaidtoDavid,Blessedbythou,mysonDavid:thoushaltbothdogreatthings,andalsoshaltstillprevail.SoDavidwentonhiswayandSaulreturnedtohisplace”(ISamuel26:21,25).

Thispoorwretchedman,whospenthisdaysbattlingagainstGod,hadsuddenlycomefacetofacewiththeloveandpatienceofGodshiningoutthroughanotherman’slife,andforamomentitmeltedSaul.Thereisapatheticremembranceofdayswhenthingsweredifferentbetweenthem:“MysonDavid,”heremindedhimselfofthesweetfamilyrelationship.

Therewasaconfessionofsin,“Ihaveplayedthefool,andhaveerredexceedingly.”Itwouldseemthatjustforamoment,likeaflashoflightning,thismanwasmeltedbythepowerofloveandsawhisstupidityandfolly.Butalas,hehadbeensoheldinthegripofpassionthathenolongerhadpowertoshakeoffhismadness.

ItisonlytheloveofGodshedabroadbytheHolySpiritthatcancauseeffectiverepentanceandcleansing–notsimplyChristianworkorservice,buttheshiningsweetnessandfragranceoftheloveofJesusChrist.ItisthiswhichtouchesalifethatisoutofadjustmenttothewillofGod.Itisthiswhichmakesamanrealizehehasbeenafoolandthathehassinned.Itislovethatmeltscoldnessofheartandbringsconviction.ThatiswhyCalvaryhassuchmagnificence;thatiswhyatJesus’cry,“Father,forgivethem,fortheyknownotwhattheydo,”thousandsofheartshavebeenmeltedbytheloveofGodrevealedtothemthere.

Thatiswhythepracticeofloveinyourlifeliberatesspiritualpowerasnothingelsecan.Itisnotsimplythedistributingofatract;itisnotthepreachingofasermonortheteachingofaSundayschoolclass.Itissomethingfardeeper:alifesaturatedwithlove,alifethathaslearnedtheprinciplethatDavidlearned,tolovenotmerelyyourfriends,butalsoyourenemies;andalifethathaslearned,also,towaituponGod.

ButwhatamiserablepictureSaulis!Thismanletpassionandsindrivehimrightovertheprecipiceuntilheseemsalmostbeyondhope.Whatistheuseofsaying,“Ihaveplayedthefool,”ifhegoesonplayingthefool?WhatusearehistearsandconfessionbeforeDavidifhedoesn’tactuponhisremorse?

Wesometimesseepeoplestreamingdowntheaisleinanevangelisticmeetingwithtear-stainedfaces,butwhatdifferencedoesemotionmakeifitdoesnotleadtoobedience?Whatprofitisitthatahearthasbeenstirred,unlessfromthatmomentthemanlivesinsubmissiontothewillofGod?Indeed,itdoesmakeadifference,forifamanisemotionallyupset,asSaulwas,andawakenstohiscondition,butonly

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weepsaboutitandstilldoesn’tobeyGod,hissecondstateisathousandtimesworsethanthefirst.Emotionthatdoesnotleadtoactiononlyleadsdeeperintosinandrebellion.

IamfearfulforthemanwhoisnotfarfromthekingdomofGod,whohasoftenweptunderthesoundofthepreachingofthegospel,whohasoftenseentherealityoftheloveofGodinJesusChristatthecross,whohasoftenrecognizedhisownsinfulwaysandsaid,“Ihaveplayedthefool,”butfiveminutesafterthemessageisoverheisoutsidethechurch,allconvictionforgotten.Hehassilencedtheholyemotionandhasgoneouttoliveindisobedienceagain,inspiteofthestirringoftheHolySpiritinhisheart.

RememberthatSaulwasanointedofGod;hehadbeengiventhesameprivilegesandopportunitiesthatDavidhad.TheoneacceptedHisanointingwithgodlyfear,submission,andyieldedness.Theotherrefusedtheprincipleofobedienceandfaith,andbecameanoutcast.

Eternityisdecidedbyaseriesofchoiceswhicheachofusmakesinthecourseoflife.HownearrepentancedidSaulcomewhenhefelttheimpactofDavid’slove?ItwastheloveofGodinDavid’slifethatawakenedhim,eventhoughhewentbackintohisstubbornways.WhatmadeDavidbehavelikethat?Howdidhelearnthisprincipleoflove?Whydidn’thetakeadvantageofSaul?Wehaveoftenwantedtobehavelikethat,butwehavefailedtodoit.HowdidDavidsucceed?

Asamatteroffact,theanswerisverysimple.Inthesestudieswehavenotonlynarrative,butwehaveheartexperience.ThenarrativeisinthebooksofSamuel;theexperienceisinthebookofthePsalm.Davidopenedhishearttoshowwhatwasgoingoninit.AtthistimehewrotePsalm57,wherewefindouthowhelearnedloveandgraciousness.HereishowDavidlearnednottohurryGod,buttostandstillandseethesalvationoftheLord.

InPsalm57:4,hespokeabouthisenemies:“Mysoulisamonglions:andIlieevenamongthemthataresetonfire,eventhesonsofmen,whoseteetharespearsandarrows,andtheirtongueasharpsword.”Haveyoueverbeeninapositionlikethat?Davidrecognizedhisenemies,whowerethereallalong.

ButheprayedandtalkedwithGodaloneinthesecretplacewiththedoorshut.Thegreatestfactofallwasnothisenemies,butGod;andthefearoftheenemywasovercomebyfaithinhisGod.Listentotheopeningverses:“Bemercifuluntome,OGod,bemercifuluntome:formysoultrustethinthee;yea,intheshadowoftheywingswillImakemyrefuge,untilthesecalamitiesbeoverpast.”Likeamotherbirdunderwhosewarmandprotectingwingalittlechickissecure,soDavid’sLordishisplaceofrefuge.

Withtheenemyallaroundhim,andwiththehatredofSaulgettingmoreintensedaybyday,thisiswhatDavidsaid:“IwillcryuntoGodmosthigh;untoGodthatperformethallthingsforme.[Hedoestheperforming;Idothewaiting.]Heshallsendfromheaven,andsavemefromthereproachofhimthatwouldswallowmeup.Selah[justthinkofthat!].Godshallsendforthhismercyandhistruth”(Psalm57:2-3).SoDavidliesdowntorestonthepromisesofGod,andputshimselfundertheprotectionofHiswings,althoughtheenemyisstillaroundhim.

ItisawonderfulOldTestamentpicture,andthereisaNewTestamentstorytomatchit.InActs12wereadthatSimonPeterwasputinprisonandwastobebeheadedthenextmorning.Prayerwasheldforhimthatnightinthecity–everybelieverinJerusalemwaswideawakeprayingforPeter.Buthewasfastasleep,probablytheonlyChristianasleeptherethatnight.Howcouldhesleep?

OnlyafewweekspreviouslyinapersonalinterviewtheLordJesushadsaidtohim,“Simon,whenthouwastyoung,thougirdedstthyself,andwalkedstwhitherthouwouldest:butwhenthoushaltbeold…anothershallgirdthee”(John21:18).Thatnightinjail,withhisheadduetocomeoffthenextmorning,SimonreflecteduponthepromiseoftheLordandsaidtohimself,“Well,myLordsaidthatIwouldbeold,andthatwasonlyafewweeksago,sonomatterwhatHerodmaytry,hecan’ttouchme.Iamgoingtosleep.”SohelaydownonthepromisesofGod.

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CharlesWesleyreflectsthisfaithinhisbeautifulhymn:

Jesus,Loverofmysoul,

LetmetoThybosomfly,

Whilethenearerwatersroll,

Whilethetempeststillishigh:

Hideme,OmySaviour,hide,

Tillthestormoflifeispast;

Safeintothehavenguide;

Ohreceivemysoulatlast!

ThesoulofDavid,amongdeadlyenemies,overcameallitsfearsbyfaithinthepromisesofGod.HeleftalltheissuesofthedayintheAlmightyHands,andoutofhislifeofintimatefellowshipwithGodtherearosethepowerthatcouldkeepsixhundredruffiansinsubjectiontohisruleandbringconvictiontotheheartofanungodlymanlikeSaul.

ForDavidhadlearnedhislessoninthisdesperatemomentofhisexperience:hemustrefusetotaketheinitiativeandhemustleanuponthelivingGod.David,whowasundertheauthorityoftheLord,becametheoneinauthorityoveralltheothers.ButSaul,proudandarrogant,rebelledagainstthesovereigntyofGodandbecameapathetic,tragicfigure:aslavetohimself,hispassionandhissin,onlyapuppetkingofadecayingkingdom.

Seethosetwopicturesplainlybeforeyou:intowhichcouldyoustepandsayitistrueofyou?Basically,youareinoneortheotherofthesesituations.YoumaybewalkingwithGodinthelightofHisWord,havingcometoasavingknowledgeofJesusChristandhavingsubmittedgladlytoHsruleinallthings,thoughyoumaybeoftentesteduntilitisalmostbeyondyourendurance.ManytimesyoumayhavebeentemptedtogetyourownbackortotakeastepoutofGod’swill,butyouhaverefusedandhaveinsteadwaiteduponGod.YouarehidingundertheshadowofHiswingsinabsolutepeace,andyouarewatchingGodworkthroughyourlifeinpower.

Oryouhavesaid“No”atsomepointinyourlifetotheauthorityoftheLordJesusChrist.ThoughanointedbythesameSpiritandgiventhesameprivilegesandopportunities,youaremovingoutofGod’swill,outofthestreamofblessing,outoftheplaceofpowerandvictory,outoftheplaceofauthority–oneday(asPaulfearedconcerninghimself),havingproclaimedtherulestoothers,tobeyourselfcastaway.

Whichisitwithyou?Itisnevertoolatetobeginagain,tocometoCalvaryandsubmittotheauthorityofourcrucified,risenSaviour:youmaydothatrightnow.

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Chapter11HANDLINGTHEHIGHHANDED(ISamuel25:4-35)AsyouhavestudiedyourBibleIamsureyouhavebeenimpressedmanytimeswiththefaithfulnessoftheHolySpiritinrecordingfactsaboutpeople.TopresentthebestsideofthepictureforDavid,onewouldglossoverthestoryinISamuel25.ItseemsnoadvertisementfortheLord’scausetorecountsuchasadlackinthelifeofamanofGodaswefindrelatedhere.

Butno,theSpiritofGodistheSpiritoftruth,andHeisnotafraidtorevealwhatisinourhearts.Healwaysdelightstoworkagainstthebackgroundofabsolutehopelessness.EvenamanafterGod’sownheart,whoalreadyhasshownmanyspiritualqualitiesandmuchevidenceofspiritualgrowth,iscapableoflosinghistemperandtakingvengeanceintohisownhands.WefindDavidrushingtocommitaterriblesinfromwhichheismercifullydeliveredbytheprovidentialinterferenceoftheLord.Thisisaveryheart-searching,andyetwonderfullycomforting,revelation.

Letmeaskyou,therefore,asweturntothisnarrative,tolookattheprovocationtosinwithwhichDavidisfacedhere.

BecauseofSaul’scontinuingenmity,DavidhadtakenrefugeinthesouthernmostpartofthelandofJudah,inthewildernessofParan.HispresenceintheseborderlandsofJudahhadbeenarealhelptothefarmersandshepherdsandallthepeoplewholivedinthoseareas,becauseDavidprotectedthemtimeandtimeagainfromtheattacksofthePhilistines.OneofNabal’sservantsborewitnesstothiswhenhesaid,“Themenwereverygooduntous,andwewerenothurt,neithermissedweanything,aslongaswewereconversantwiththem,whenwewereinthefields:Theywereawalluntousbothbynightandday,allthewhilewewerewiththemkeepingthesheep”(ISamuel25:15-16).

ThereforeitseemedonlyrighttoDavid,whenheheardthatoneofthewealthiestofthefarmerswasshearinghissheep(amancalledNabal,whoowedagooddealofhisrichesandfortunestoDavid’sprotectinghand),thatheshouldsendafewofhismentoaskNabalforalittlerecognitionofhisservices:“Give,Ipraythee,whatsoevercomethtothinehanduntothyservants,andtothysonDaivd”(ISamuel25:8).

ThecharacterofthismanNabalisvividlypicturedforusinafewstokesofthepenastheHolySpiritrecordsit.Noticethecommentofhisservantinthesecondpartofverse17:“HeissuchasonofBelial,thatthemancannotspeaktohim.”Wehavealsothecommentofhiswife–afterall,sheshouldknow:“Letnotmylord,Ipraythee,regardthismanofBelial,evenNabal:forashisnameis,soishe;Nabalishisname,andfollyiswithhim”(ISamuel25:25).

NabalcertainlygaveaverychurlishreplytoDavid’sservants:“WhoisDavid?AndwhoisthesonofJesse?Therebemanyservantsnowadaysthatbreakawayeverymanfromhismaster.ShallIthentakemybread,andmywater,andmyfleshthatIhavekilledformyshearers,andgiveituntomen,whomIknownotwhencetheybe?”(ISamuel25:10-11).

Itisalwaysanunpleasantshocktomeetamanlikethat,buttheyareeverywhere–overbearing,contemptuous,hardhearted.NabalknewperfectlywellwhoDavidwas,andwhyDavidwasforcedintothisvagabondlife,yetheinsinuatedthatDavidwasinfactbeingdisloyaltoSaul,andhecoveredhisrefusaltohelphimunderaverypiousshowofregardforlawandorder.HetoldDavid’smenthathewouldrathergivehisrichestothepeoplewhohadworkedforthemthantoidlerslikethemthemselves.

ThatgotunderDavid’sskin,ofcourse!Itwasagreatprovocation;hiskindness,yourservicehasbeenunrecognized,andyourmotiveshavebeenmisrepresented.Indeed,eventodayyourpatiencemaybeexhausted!

Letusnotminimizetheprovocation,orhowintolerablethesituationwas,orhowunkindNabalwasto

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David.Onewouldhaveeveryexcusetoretaliateinsuchasituation.

NoticealsothathereisapassiontowhichDavidissuccumbing.IamnotsurprisedatNabal,butIwouldbestaggeredatDavid’sreaction,exceptthatIknowmyownheart.Lookatverse13:“AndDavidsaiduntohismen,Girdyeoneverymanhissword.Andtheygirdedoneverymanhissword;andDavidalsogirdedonhissword:andtherewentupafterDavidaboutfourhundredmen;andtwohundredabodebythestuff”(ISamuel25:13).

Canyoupicturethat?David,inablazingtemper,setoutwithfourhundredmennotonlytomurderNabal,butalsoeverymalerelative.Hewasmutteringtohimself,“SurelyinvainhaveIkeptallthatthisfellowhathinthewilderness,sothatnothingwasmissedofallthatpertainethuntohim:andhehathrequitedmeevilforgood”(ISamuel25:21).

David!David!Whatiswrongwithyou?Why,oneofthemostwonderfulthingswehavelearnedaboutyourecentlyisyourpatiencewithSaul.YoulearnedtowaitupontheLord,yourefusedtoliftyourhandtotouchtheLord’sanointed,althoughhehadbeenyourenemyforsomanyyears.Butnow,lookatyou!Yourself-restrainthasgonetopiecesandafewinsultingwordsfromafoolofamanlikeNabalhasmadeyouseered!David,what’sthematter?

“Iamjustifiedindoingthis,”Davidwouldreply.“ThereisnoreasonwhyNabalshouldtreatmeashehas.Hehasrepaidallmykindnesswithinsults.Iwillshowhimhecan’ttriflewithme.ItisonethingtotakeitfromSaul,whoismysuperioratthispoint,butthissortofman–thishighhandedindividualmustbetaughtalesson!”

Hasthateverbeenyourreaction?Doesn’titexposesomethingthatoughttomakeuscringeinthepresenceofGod?Forhereistheinveteratesinfulnessofthehumanheart,evenwhenrenewedbygrace.DoesitnotshowbeyondallpossibledoubtthatIcannotstandagainsttheenemyofmysoulunlesstheLordupholdsmemomentbymoment?ThisstorytellsmethathoweverlongImayhavebeenontheChristianpath,howeveroftenImayhaveovercomeonetemptationoranother,howevermanytimesIhavedefeatedsininonearea,itcanstrikeinanotherandcrushmeinamoment.ImayhaveovercomegreattemptationbythegraceoftheLord;Imayhavestoodmygroundagainstthefierceonslaughtoftheenemyinonewayoranotherandyetbetrippedupbythesmallestpinprickthatgetsundermyskin.

ThevictorieswhichIwin–bythegraceofGodandthroughthepowerofbloodofJesus–cannotimpartstrengthtomeforthefuture.Nospiritualtriumphinmylifecangivemepowertoresistthedevilthenexttimehecomes.ThereisnothingsosinfulbutthatImayfalltoitatanytime,unlessmomentbymomentIambeingkeptinHislove.

Toshowrestraintindealingwithonepersonwhohasbeenunkind,highhanded,hateful,isnoguaranteethatanunguardedmomentmaynotcomewhenIwillsay,“Iamgoingtowreakmyvengeanceonthisperson,”especiallyifitissomeonetowhoIthinkIamsuperior.

HowtragicitisthatafteryearsofChristianexperience,menandwomensavedbyGod’sgrace,redeemedbyJesus’blood,indweltbytheHolySpirit,fallintoasillylittletraplikethatandruintheirtestimony!Thattrapisthetemptationtohitback,thepassiontopayoffthehighhandedindividualinhisowncoin.Eventhoughforyearswehaveshownrestraintinonearea,ononelevel,ontheverysamething–whenwehavebeenattackedbysomebodyelse–wemaysuddenlyfindthatapinprickhascausedustoexplode.

WefindDavidhereontheveryvergeofcommittingasinwhichwouldhavecastadarkshadowuponhiswholelife:murder,noless!Ofcourse,yousayyouwouldneverdothat.No,perhapsyouwouldn’t,butyoudon’tmurderpeoplesimplybyshootingthem,youcanalsodoitbyhatingthem.TheLordisnotinterestedonlyinknockingthegunoutofyourhand;Heisconcernedabouttakingthepoisonfromyourheartandmakingyouloveyourenemies.Noticewithmenow,notonlytheprovocationandthepassion,

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butalsotheprinciplethatwillsaveusfromthem.

Nabal’sservant,hearingoftheeffectofhismessageonDavid,immediatelyinformedAbigail,Nabal’swife,andboretestimonytoDavid’skindnesstothem.Abigailwasaveryinterestingandremarkablewoman;“shewasawomanofgoodunderstanding,andofabeautifulcountenance”(ISamuel25:3).Thosetwothingsdon’talwaysgotogether.Thereisabeautythatisonlyskin-deep,orappliedfromtheoutside,whichoftenaccompaniesanemptyheadandashallowlife.ButwheneveryoufindtrueChristiancharacterintheheart,thensomehowthelovelinessofitshinesoutevenintheplainestofcountenances.

But,Iaskmyself,whydidsuchawomanasAbigailgetinvolvedwithamanlikeNabal?Isupposeinthecustomofherdayandtimeshemaynothavehadanythingtodowithit;probablyhermarriagewasplannedbyherparentswhenshewasachild.ButwhydoyouthinkthatmodernAbigailsgetinvolvedwithmodernNabals,whentheyhaveeverythingtodowithit?HowoftenaChristiangirl,oraChristianmanforthatmatter,withhighidealsandChristianprinciples,hasbeendeceivedbyflatteryorenticedbymoneyandhasenteredintoanalliancewithsomeonewhohasnoprinciplesatall,exceptduringthetimeoftheirengagementinorderto“catch”thefish!Theresultisabsolutemiseryfortherestoftheirlives.

MayIsaytoyoulovingly,butfirmly,ifsuchacircumstancehasbefallenyou,thatisnoreasonforyoutoinvokethelawofthecountrytogetoutoftheentanglement.PerhapsGodknewthatyouneededthefierytrialtohumbleyouandtomakeyouatestimonytoyourpartner.TheBiblesaysyoumuststayasyouare.Maybetherewillcometoyouoneday,astherecametoAbigail,anewopportunity;butuntilthen,itisforyoutoprovethegraceandpoweroftheLordinyourhearttostrengthenyouandtokeepyoupure.

Iwouldsaythis,too,ifIshouldhappentobespeakingtosomeyoungpersonwhoistemptedtosellouttothelureofmoneyorposition,irrespectiveoftheChristiancharacterorlackofitintheotherpersoninvolved:suchamarriage,contrarytothewillofGod,alwaysendsinoneway–disaster.Youneverraisethatotherpersontoyourlevel,yousinkdowntohis–Ihaveseenthathappensooften.

Returningagaintothenarrative,wefindthatAbigailhastenedtopreparealiberalgiftforDavidandsetouttomeethim(ISamuel25:18-20).TolistentothepleadingofthiswomanwithDavidislikesimilarprovocation.SeehowthiswonderfulwomanofsuchfinecharacterandlovelycountenanceapproachedDavidandpleadedwithhimthathewouldnotsoilthepageofhislifeneedlessly.

YounoticethatsheagreedNabalwasentirelywrong,butshesuggestedthathewasnotworthyofonemoment’snoticebyDavid:“Letnotmylord,Ipraythee,regardthismanofBelial,evenNabel[andtheworkmeans“fool]:forashisname,soishe”(ISamuel25:25).Inotherwords,sheadmittedthatDavidwasrightandNabalwaswrong,butsheadvisedDavidnottowastehisattentiononamanwhowasnotworthit.

ThensheexpressedherthankfulnessthatDavidhadbeensparedsofarfromavenginghimselfandpleadedwithhimnottostooptothatlevelnow.InaverysweetandlovelywaysheappreciatedhistruedesiretofighttheLord’sbattlesandtokeepacharacterthatwasunstained.SheremindedhimofacomingdaywhenallthepurposesofGodforhislifewouldbefulfilledasshesaid,ineffect,“David,howwonderfulitwillbeonthatdaynottohavetolookbackonablackshadowcastbymurder”.

Themasterstrokeofthewholeargument,however,isinthewordsofverse29.Ineffectshesaid,“David,yoursouliswrappedupinabundleoflifeintheLordyourGod,andthestrengthofthatbundleliesintheidentityofGodwithallthatgoesoninsideit.Heistherewithyou!Therefore,thelifeofamanafterGod’sownheartissafeinGod’skeeping,andwhatcanthechurlishnessofNabaldoagainstyou!Whyshouldyoustooptohislevel?”Thensheaddedaverylovelytouchbyremindinghimthathewastakingfourhundredmen,withtwohundredbehindlookingafterthestuff,todowhatGodcoulddoaseasilyas

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throwingapebbleoutofasling!IwonderifDavidheldhisheadalittleloweratthatpointandrememberedadayinhisyouth–inalltheardorofhisloveandaffectionandcommitmenttotheLord,andthefragranceofthatfreshanointingoftheSpirit–whenhetookonestoneoutofaslingandkilledagiant.WhentheissuesareleftinGod’shand,itisaseasyasthat.ButtakingthemoutofHishand,andgettinghotunderthecollarwitheverythingburstinginsideyouuntilyougetyourownback,isnotthewayforamanofGod.

Isn’tthisalessontoallofuswhowouldseektogetalongsideothersinneedandhelpthemnearertotheLord?Abigail’sargumentwassograciousandtender,withoutawordofharshnessorrebuke.Whenyouareonthepointoflettingsomebody“haveit”,ifonlyyouwouldstopandkneelinthepresenceoftheLord,thentheHolySpiritwouldspeaktoyoujustasAbigailspoketoDavid.

HowDavidmeltedunderherpleading!“BlessedbetheLordGodofIsrael,whichsenttheethisdaytomeetme:Andblessedbethyadvice,andblessedbethou,whichhastkeptmethisdayfromcomingtoshedblood,andfromavengingmyselfwithmineownhand”(ISamuel25:32-33).Howthankfulhewas,notsimplyforhergift–evidentlyhehadforgottenallaboutthat,forhesaidnothingaboutit–butforherinterventioninhislifeatthatmomenttodeliverhimfromanactthatwouldhaveleftastainuponhislifeforever.

Idon’tknowabouthumanstories,butGod’slovestoriesalwayshaveahappyending,andthisisnoexception.Soonafterwards,Nabaldrankhimselftodeath–thatwasn’taveryhappyending!

ButthenDavidsentamessagetothewomanoflovelycountenanceandgoodunderstandingtosay,“Iwanttomarryyou,”andAbigailbecamehiswife.Whatahappyendingtosomethingthatcouldhavebeenadesperatetragedy!

DoestheHolySpiritdrawneartoyounowandsay,“Mychild,ofcourseyouareright,forthatpersonshouldneverhavetreatedyoulikethat.Eventhoughhehasbeenveryhighhanded,itisnotworthyofonemomentofyourattention.RememberwhoyouareandrememberthegreatpurposeIhaveforyoulife.Rememberyourhighcalling,thatyouareachildofGod,ajoint-heirwithChrist,destinedtoshareMykingdom.”YoumustnotmeettheLordJesuswithsoiledhandsoralifestainedbysomethingthatcouldruinyouaftersomanyyearsofChristianexperience.

“Listen,mychild,”saystheLordtoustoday,“Iknowthatyouhavenostockofgraceatyourcommand.ThestrengththatIgaveyouyesterdayisnotenoughtotoday.Thegraceyouhavealreadyreceivedwillnotenableyoutostandrightnow.DependuponMeagainforwhatyouneedatthismoment.”WehavetolearnthattheChristianlifeisasuccessionofholymomentsinwhichwecountonHisgraceandstrengthtoseeusthrough.

“Oh,butIcan’tlivelikethat!”youmayobject.

ThenletthisbetheclimaxoftheLord’sappealtoyourheart:yourlifeisboundupinthebundleoflifewiththeLordyourGod.HehasidentifiedHimselfwithyouinJesusChristwhodiedforyouonCalvary.NowidentifyyourselfwithHim.

WhatdoImean?Iwilltellyou.Abigailisjustapicture;theLordisthegreatReality,andHewantsyoutomarryHimtoday,tobecomeidentifiedwithHim,tofindindeedthatyourlifeisboundupinabundleoflifewithHimself.ThenallthesecomplicatedsituationsthatdriveyoutothepointofdistractionHewilldealwithassimplyasthrowingastoneoutofasling.TrustHimrightnowinwhateversituationyoumayfindyourselfsothatyoumayrestinHimandinHispower.

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Chapter12AFITOFDEPRESSION(ISamuel27:1-12)

AtonemomentwefindDavidfacingcircumstancescalculatedtotempthimtoblazingangerandimmediateretaliation.Atthenextmoment,heissurroundedbysuchconstantandoverwhelmingattacksfromhislifelongenemythatheisdiscouragedandalmostreadytogiveup.HereistheanviluponwhichthecharacterofmanofGodishammeredout,thefieryfurnacethroughwhichheismeltedandpouredassteelforthegloryofhisLord.Thustheirongetsintoaman’ssoul.

ThelanguageofDavidatthispointinhislifeisintheminorkeyofdepressionandsadness,aswehearinextractsfrompsalmswhichhewroteatthisperiod.“Whystandestthouafaroff,OLord?Whyhidestthouthyselfintimesoftrouble?”(Psalm10:1).“Howlongwiltthouforgetme,OLord?Forever?Howlongwiltthouhidethyfacefromme?”(Psalm13:1).“MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?Whyartthousofarfromhelpingme,andfromthewordsofmyroaring?”(Psalm22:1).

Amanwhotalkslikethatisatthebreakingpoint.Istherecurrenceofmoodsofdepressionyourproblem?DoyoucometothetasktowhichGodhascalledyoueachdaywithdespairandfrustrationuntilyoufeellikethrowingthewholethingoverandmaybeevenyourselfoutthewindow?Comewithme,myharassedbrotherorsisterinChrist,intothetreasuryofGod’sWord,intothequietnessofGod’spurpose,andletuslookatthereasonfordepressions,theresultsofgivingintothem,andthewonderfulremedyforallofthem.

IneverliketomeetagloomyChristian–heisamiserablespecimen!Soarepeoplewhogoaroundwithfacesamilelong,lookingasiftheywerecarryingthewholeworldontheirshoulders!Theyhavemoods,andtheygivewaytodepressionanddespairattheleastlittleexcuse.Whatisthereasonforthat?

Itwouldseem,onthesurfaceanyway,thatDavidhadamplereasontofeelashedid.Saul’shatredwasdeeplyrooted;jealousywaseatinguphisheartandheresortedtoeverypossibleexpedienttocaptureandkillDavid.Furthermore,SaulhadtraitorslikeDoegathisdisposal,readytobetrayDavidintohishands.PerhapsthemostgraphicstatementconcerningthesituationisinISamuel23:14wherewereadtheseenlighteningwords,“Saulsoughthimeveryday.”Thepressurewasabsolutelyrelentless.EvenchecksimposeduponSaul’sconsciencebyDavid’skindness(whenonatleasttwooccasionshehadhimathismercyandsparedhim)madenodifference,becauseSaulwasdeterminedonnothinglessthanmurder.

Despiteallthat,Davidhadsixhundredmenwiththeirwivesandchildren(andISamuel30:3and6suggestthiscomprisedalargenumberofpeople)underhiscare,inadditiontotwowivesofhisown.Howwashetofeedsuchacrowd?Howwashetoprotecttheminsuchawildcountry?HowwashetoavoidcapturebythethreethousandtrainedmenofSaul’sarmywhowereconstantlyafterhimandwhokneweveryinchofthisterritory?Theseproblemsproducedgroundsforfear;Davidhadeveryexcusetosayinhisheart,“IshallnowperishatthehandofSaul!”

Itisn’thardtofindyourselfinthesamesortofsituation.IfyouareacommittedChristian(andIunderlinecommitted)whoselifeisunreservedlyinthehandsofGod,thenyouaresubjecttotheconstantbuffetingofthedevil.AstheApostlePaulsaid,“Wewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities,againstpowers,againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld,againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces”(Ephesians6:12).

ThecommittedmanofGodisagainstsin,andallthepowersofevilareagainsthim.Insuchawarfarethereisnointermissionatall.Thedevilnevertakesfiveminutes’vacation!Hehadanendlessvarietyofmethodsofattack,andalas,letusacknowledgeit,weallknowonlytoowellthatwithinourheartsthere

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ismanyatraitorreadyandeagertobetrayusintohishand.ManytimesyouandIhavebeensavedonlybyamiracle,buttheenemieswethoughtwehadonceovercomeandslainandleftbehindyearsagohaverisenupagainstuswithfreshpower.

Baffledinoneattackagainstus,Satanmayretreatforamoment,buthegathersreinforcementsandrenewstheonslaught.HeisbentuponthespiritualdestructionofallwhonamethenameofChrist.Heisnotinterestedinyouasanindividual,buthehatesthatwhichiswithinyou,theredemptivelifeofJesusChristbytheHolySpirit,andhemakeseveryefforttodestroyit.

Ifthatlanguagesoundsstrangetoyou,don’tcongratulateyourself!Itisstrangeeitherbecauseyouareinthedevil’sgripandhedoesn’thavetobotheraboutyou;orworsestill,asaprofessingChristianyouhavegivenupthefight,andyourreligiousexperienceisnomorethananemptyrehearsalofpiousevangelicallanguagethatisabsolutelyunrelatedtoyourlifeandhasnospiritualvalueforyoursoulatall.ThesearethealternativesifwhatIsayisstrange.Butifitisindeedyourexperience,thennowondertherearetimeswhenyouarediscouragedandatthepointofsaying,likeDavid,“IshallnowperishonedayatthehandofSatan.”

Thereisareasonfordepression,butseetheresultofit.Certainlyitisneverwrongforamantobedepressed.Weareonlyhuman,andtheLordknowsit.Weareengagedinabattlewhichisfartoomuchforus,andconstantlytherewillbereasonsfordepression.Itisnotasintosufferfromdepression,butthepointis,whatdoyoudoaboutit!Whatareyourreactionstoit?Supposeyougivein,whatthen?

Noticeaveryinterestingthing:atfirstsightitseemsthatitpaystogiveintothedevil.“AnditwastoldSaulthatDavidwasfledtoGath;andhesoughtnomoreagainforhim”(ISamuel27:4).Thebattleiscalledoff;thepressureisreleased.Theenemywithdrawsandforthemomentwhatmightseemtobepeace,butinfactisonlystupor,descendsuponthesoul.

Thepeacewhichistheoutcomeoftakingdrugsisonething;thepeacewhichistheoutcomeofovercominginthebattleisanother.GiveintothedevilandIpromiseyouwithoutanypossibledoubtthe“enjoyment”ofpeaceimmediately.Ifyouwantthatkindofstupefyingdrugyoucanhaveit:onlymove,asDavidmoved,intoenemy-occupiedterritoryandSatanwillgetoffyourneck.Therewillbethreecheersinhell,andyouwillhavealovelysenseoffreedom–foratime.Butwhatisthepriceofit?

Atfirstsight,Isay,ifyougiveintoSatanatanypointinyourlife,youwillhaveanimmediatereleasefromthepressure,andyouwillgoawaysaying,“Whatisthepreachertalkingabout?It’snotworthfightingthebattle,forI’mhavingawhaleofatimenow!Itislovelytobefreeofconflict.”Ihaveheardpeopletalklikethatforashorttime.Butwhatistheresult?

IaskyoutonoticehowdishonoringthiswastotheLord.Hadn’tGodpromisedDavidhewouldbeking?Hadn’ttheLordsaidthatHewouldcastoutDavid’senemieslikeastoneoutofasling?Hadn’teverywordofGodbeenconfirmedtoDavidbySamuelandJonathanandAbigail,andevenbySaulhimself?TherehadbeenamomentwhenDavidhadexulted,inthelanguageofPsalm27,“TheLordismylightandmysalvation;whoshallIfear?…Thoughahostshouldencampagainstme,myheartshallnotfear…inthetimeoftroubleheshallhidemeinhispavilion”(27:1,3,5).

David,areallGod’spromisestobediscarded?Isallyourpreviousconvictionoffaithandcommitmentoftrusttobecompletelydenied?Areyougoingbackuponallthat?

InthisdepressedmoodDavidwassaying,ineffect,“IamafraidtheLordhasundertakensomethingmorethanHecanaccomplish.IknowthatHehaskeptmesofar,butthesituationisgettingtootoughforHim;soonerorlaterSaulisgoingtogetholdofme.Afterall,itisstupidtoattempttheimpossible.IhavewaitedfortheLordlongenough,andI’mtiredofwaiting.ItistimeItookthingsintomyownhandsandusedmyownwitstogetoutofthissituation.”

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OhDavid!Ohyou!Ohme!Itisonethingtocounselothers,ortocondemnthemwhentheygiveintotherelentlessattacksofthedevil,butwhataboutourownbehaviorwhenthewatersthreatentooverwhelmus?ArewedishonoringtheLordbyrefusingtowaitandtrustHim?

Noticeagainthatthisattitudewasalsoharmfultohisfriends.WhenDavidwenttoPhilistineterritory,wheredidhego?AchishgavehimZiklagforaplacetolive(ISamuel27:6).LookupZiklagintheOldTestament:itwasacityinthesouthernmostpartthatbelongedbyrighttoJudah,beingallocatedtothemwhenJoshuaenteredtheland.LateritwascapturedbythePhilistines,butwasneveroccupiedbythem.AtthisperiodofSaul’sreign,thoughinPhilistineterritory,itwasbeingoccupiedbythedescendantsofSimeon–youfindthatinIChronicles4:30.ThesepeoplewerelivinginterritorythathadbeengiventothembyGod,butitwascontrolledbytheenemyandtheywerelivinginsubjection.Evidently“peaceatanyprice”wastheirmottoandtheyhadnostomachforafight!

TheterrorofthewarningisinmysoulasIthinkaboutit!GodforbidthatasIgetolderintheChristianlifeIshouldsettledownlikethat,tolivewithsomeareainmylifewhichGodhaspossessed,yetSatanhasovercome,andIhavenodesiretodrivehimout.GodforbidthatIshouldallowhimtoconquerinonerealmafteranotherandsay,“Well,Iamsavedanyway!Iamundertheblood!Ifthedevilrecapturesabitoftheterritory,doesitreallymatter?”Oh,perishthethought!

WhatadisastrouseffectthismusthavehadonthefightingqualitiesofthesixhundredmenunderDavid!Whatpoisonmusthavebeeninjectedintotheirheartswithtragicresultsforyearstocome!Iwouldsuggesttoyou(andyoucantraceitbystudyingtheWordofGod)thatoutofthisepisodetherecameagreatdealofidolatryandcompromiseinthemarriage.

Ofcourse,someofDavid’ssixhundredmenwouldnodoubtbeverythankfulforrespitefromdangerandgladtoaccepttheloweredstandardoftheirleader.ItwouldmakeiteasierforthemtolivetopleasethemselvesifhestoppedgettingundertheirskinandletthemjustenjoylivinginZiklag.

LetaChristianleader,amanofGod,giveintotheenemyinthemidstofthepressuresandbattles,andhowwidespreadaretheconsequences!HowthankfulsomeofthepeoplearewhenaChristianleaderfalls!Itgivesthemanexcuseforthepolicyofpeaceatanyprice.“WewanttoliveinGod’sterritory,”theysay,“butletusnottroubletheenemytoomuch.”Whenamandescendstothatlevel,howharmfultohisfriendsandhowhurtfultohisownlife!

InthethirdverseofISamuel27,weseeDavidandhismenwelcomedwithopenarmsbyAchish.Whenwegoalongthatsameroadwefinditmakesthedevilhappytoo.Andwhy?ThePhilistinesnowhadanexcellentopportunityofturningthewholebattleagainstthepeopleofGodbecausetheyhadthosewhomtheythoughtweretraitorsinthecamp.

Ifyoudeserttothedevilinoneissueofyourlife,hecanturnthewholetideofthespiritualwarfareinyourcommunity.Thatiswhatadeserterdoes:hegivestheadvantagetotheenemy.

JustlookatthedeceitandtheliesandthesufferingwhichbecamepartofDavid’slifeatthispoint.Hehadtogetprovisionssomehow,andtheonlywayopentohimwasplunder,soheattackedtheoccupantsofthesouthcountry,theGeshurites,Amalekites,andothers(ISamuel27:8).ThesepeoplewerenomadtribeswhoweretheenemiesofJudah.Inhisheart,DavidwasstillwiththepeopleofGod,eventhoughhewasinanembarrassingsituation.Sowhenhewentouttoplundersothathecouldkeephimselfandhiscompanyalive,heattackedthosewhoweretheenemiesofhisownpeople.

InordertomakeAchishthinkthatinfacthewasattackingIsrael,Davidwasobligedtoslaughterthewomenandchildren,everybody,toleavenotraceatallofhisattack.Whenhewasaskedforareportofhisactivitiesfromhisnewfoundlord,Davidrepliedthathehadbeenmakingaraid“AgainstthesouthofJudah,andagainstthesouthofJerahmeelites,andagainstthesouthoftheKenites”(ISamuel27:10).

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David,thatisalie!Youhaven’tbeendoinganythingofthekind!ButAchishbecamethoroughlyconvinced,he“believedDavid,saying,HehathmadehispeopleIsraelutterlytoabhorhim;thereforeheshallbemyservantforever”(ISamuel27:12).

Nowonderthemusicofthisman’slifewasintheminorkey.Itislikelisteningonemomenttothemagnificenceofthe“Messiah,”andthenextmomentgoingtoajointwheretheyplayjuke-boxjazz.Ablightdescendedonhissoulandthesonginhisheartwassilencedwhenhedescendedtoexpediencyandgaveintodepression.

ItisatragedyinthelifeofachildofGodwhenheyieldstothepressureofSatan,andGodleaveshimonhisown.Heisreducedtoschemingandplanning,andwhenheisdrivenintoatightcornerhecanonlyescapebydeceit.Suddenlythemanwhohasgivenintodepressionrealizesthathehaspurchasedhisdeliverancefromthepressureofthedevilattoogreataprice.Hehasobtainedreleasefromtensionforamoment,buthehasexchangedthesmileofGodforthegrinoftheenemy.

HehasexchangedtheprotectionofJesusChristforflimsywallsofdefeat,asDavidexchangedtrustinthepromisesofGodforthewallsofZiklag,whichsoonweregoingtobeburnedbyfireandoverwhichDavidwouldweepscalding,bittertearsofrepentance.Oh,theharmthatisdonebyamanwhogivesintotheenemy!

Thereis,however,aremedyforthis.Itneednothappentoanyofus,bythegraceofGod,ifwejustlistenandpray.Whatistheanswerforsuchasituation?

GobackamomenttotheScriptureforthediscoveryofwhat,Ibelieve,liesattherootofDavid’sfuture.“Davidsaidinhisheart”(ISamuel27:1).Thereyouhaveit.Aswehaveseen,inothertimesofemergencyheinquiredoftheLord.Andwewillfindthatwhenhelearnedhisbitterlessoninthesedesperatecircumstances,onceagainDavidinquiredoftheLordandtheLordmethimimmediately(ISamuel30:8).

DavidhadfailedtoseekGodinthematterofNabal,beingovercomebypassionandtemper.AtZiklaghewasovercomebypanic,andhe“saidinhisheart”,withnoreferenceatalltotheLord.

Neveractinapanic.Neveractwhenyouremotionsarearousedandyourbloodisattheboilingpoint.Waituntilyourpulsebeginstobeatsteadilyagain.Ifatanymomentoftremendouspressureyoufeelthatyoumustdosomething,thatmomentisthetimewhenyouwillbeapttomakethemosttragicmistakeinjudgment.Atthatmoment–andmayIusetheword!–forceyourselfintothepresenceofGod,andImean“forceyourself.”Whenyoufeellikeflyingoffthehandle,whenyouareavictimofdepression,whenyouareinamoodofdespair,whenyouareonthepointofgivingin,thelastthingyouwanttodoistoseektheLord.Youaretooashamed,andyoufeelthattheonlythingyoucandoistoact.

Whateveryoudo,standstill!WaituntilyouhaveawordfromtheLord;castyourselfonyourkneesandcryouttoJesusformercyandforhelp.WaituponGoduntilHemakesHiswayplain.Aslongasthatwayishidden,ifHekeepsitclosed,quiteclearlythereisnoneedtodoanything.IfonlyyouandIappliedthatprinciplealwaysinourwalkwithGod,thinkwhatdamagemightbeavoided!

WhileyouwaitupontheLord,IwouldaskyoutorememberthreesimplebutbasictruthswhichDavidrememberedatanothertimeinhislife.

First,rememberthatGod’spromisesaresure.“TheLordredeemeththesoulofhisservants:andnoneofthemthattrustinhimshallbedesolate(Psalm34:22).GodhasprovidedthatweshouldbeacceptabletoHimthroughthebloodofJesusChrist.HehasprovidedforourrenewingintothelikenessofourSaviour,andforourperseveranceinalifeoffaithbecauseoftheperseveranceofJesus,andnooneshalleverpluckusoutofHisFather’shand.

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Secondly,rememberthatHispromisesareconditional.“TheeyesoftheLordareupontherighteous,andhisearsareopenuntotheircry.ThefaceoftheLordisagainstthemthatdoevil”(Psalm34:15-16).NotonepromiseintheBiblecanbeyoursuntilyourepentandbelievethegospel.Thereforeexaminethecauseofyourdepressionandfears.

AreyoudepressedincaseGodshouldforgetallaboutyou,denyingHiswordandleavingyoutoperishnotwithstandingthefactthatyouhavetrustedHim?Thenthatiscriminal.OrareyoudoubtingthatyouhaveeverreallycometoJesusatallinHisappointedway?

Thenthesecircumstancesthatareflyingatyoufromallsidesmaynotbefromthedevil,itmaybethattheLordisdrivingyoutorepentandbelieve.HaveyoufledtoJesusforrefuge?Ifnot,thentotrustGodforhelpissheerpresumption.

Thirdly,rememberthatHispromisesarecorrective.Davidsaid,“ThereisnothingbetterformethanthatIshouldspeedilyescapeintothelandofthePhilistines”(ISamuel27:1).Inotherwords,heallowedthepressuretodrivehimawayfromGod.ButtowaitupontheLordistoprovethatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGodandthatnothinginthewholeuniversecanseparateusfromtheloveofGodinJesusChrist.ThepromiseoftheLordisthatHewilldrawusnear:“TheLordisnighuntothemthatareofabrokenheart”(Psalm34:18).NeverletanythingdriveyoufromthewoundedsideofJesusChrist.

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Chapter13RETURNTOSANITY(ISamuel29:1–30:10)

Itisindeedtruethatthedarkesthourinaman’sexperienceisalwaysjustbeforethedawningofnewlight.WellmightDavidsayatthispoint,“Thesorrowsofdeathcompassedme,andthefloodsofungodlymenmademeafraid.Thesorrowsofhellcompassedmeabout:thesnaresofdeathpreventedme”(Psalm18:4-5).

WefindDavidhereinrealextremity–butwhenamanisinsuchaplace,Godistheretoo.Themanmaynotrecognizeit;hemayfeelhimselfhelplesslyadriftinthestorm,butalways“theLordisnighuntothemthatareofabrokenheart”(Psalm34:18).SoweshallfindthatDavidprovesthetruthofthesaying,“Man’sextremityisGod’sopportunity”.Whenwereally–Isayreallywiththresholdemphasis–cometotheendofourselves,weareatthethresholdofanewworldofdiscoveryandadventureinthewillandpurposeofGod.

ThereisnobodytowhomtheLordisnearerthantheonewhoissoweakthatheissaying,“Butasforme,myfeetwerealmostgone;mystepshadwellnightslipped”(Psalm73:2).Iwouldthatsuchhelplessnessmightbetheattitudeofeachofus,always,inthepresenceofourLord,becauseconsciousweaknessisalwaysaprerequisiteforheavenlyreinforcement.WhenIamweak,then,andthenonly,amIstrong.Theentryofself-confidenceintoaman’sexperiencemeansthedepartureofheavenlystrength.

MaytheLordspeaktoourheartsasweconsiderthistremendousmomentinDavid’slife,andaswesee,inthefirstplace,theplighttowhichself-willbroughthim.

InthecontextwefindthatDavidisinadesperateposition:overcomebydepressionandfearofSaul,hehassoughtrefugeamongthePhilistinesandhasbeenstayinginthebordercityofZiklag.

Intheopeningtwoversesofchapter28,wearetoldthatKingAchishofGathconsideredthisanappropriatemomentforlaunchingafull-scaleinvasionofIsrael.DidhenotseethatSaul’skingdomwastottering?MoreandmorepeoplewereleavingIsraeltolivewithinthePhilistinearea,andthereforeAchishwelcomedDavidwarmlybecausehewasquitesurethatDavidandhismenwouldbeawonderfuladditiontohisforces.HeofferedtoDavid,therefore,thepositionascaptainofhistroopswhentheysetouttoattacktheIsraelites.

Oh,whataplight!HereisamanofGodinthebattleallright,butheisonthewrongside.Heisinthepositionofleadingthearmiesoftheenemy,aligningwiththePhilistinestoattackhisownpeople.Inotherwords,hefoundhimselfinvolvedinahopelesscompromisefromwhichthereseemedtobenoescape.

But,worsestill,nosoonerdidhesetoutthanhefoundthateventhePhilistinesdidnottrusthim.“ThensaidtheprincesofthePhilistines,WhatdotheseHebrewshere?”(ISamuel29:3).Thatwasagoodquestion!AndinspiteoftheprotestofAchish,thosesuspiciousPhilistinesinsistedonsendingDavidback,asthefollowingtwoversessay:

“Makethisfellowreturn…IsnotthisDavidofwhomtheysang…SaulslewhisthousandsandDavidhistenthousands?”(29:4-5).Canyoupictureanythingmorehumiliatingthantheirrejectionofhim?

IsthismerelyaninterestingOldTestamentstory?Itcertainlyisnot;thisisalsoatwentieth-centuryexperience.IhopeyouarenotamongthosepeoplewhocarveuptheirBiblestosuchapointthatyouexcludecertainportionsashavingnobearinguponourlivestoday.Ofcourse,IamperfectlyawarethatwemustrightlydividetheWordoftruth–butatthesametime,IamalsocommandedtodeclarethewholecounselofGod,and“allscripture…isprofitable…forinstructioninrighteousness”(IITimothy3:16).Therefore,Iamconcernedthatweshouldseeinthisancientstoryagraphicillustrationofwhatis

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happeningtodaytothousandsofChristianpeoplewhoarepursuingthepathofself-willastheyrefusecompleteallegiancetoJesusChristanddenytheauthorityofHisWordwhenHesaid,“Nomancanservetwomasters.”Theyhavesoughttoliveasnearaspossibletotheworld,justascloseastheydare.Perhapstheydon’tsmokeordrink,butotherwisethelineofdemarcationbetweenthechildofGodandtheunbelieverisinvisible.

TheChristianhashisdevotions,butheletsdownthebarsandminglesunconcernedlywithworldlypeople.HesharesintheirgodlessconversationandnevertalksaboutJesus–why,thatwouldembarrasseveryone!HeignoresaltogetherthecounseloftheWordthatsay,“Beyenotunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers…comeoutfromamongthemandbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnottheuncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou”(IICorinthians6:14-17).

Ifullyrecognizethedangeroftheoppositeextreme,whenseparationequalsisolationtoapointofhavingnocontactatallwithunsavedpeople.SurelythetruepositionoftheChristianistocopytheexampleoftheLordJesus.Hewasthefriendofsinners,soneartothoseindesperateneed,andyetholy,harmless,separate,undefiled.

LikeDavid,theChristianoftenfindshimselfinthewrongcamp,goingalongwiththewrongcompany.Hehasloweredthestandard,andheexcuseshimselfbysayingthatyoumustbeasliketheworldaspossible;youmustimitateungodlypeopleandnotletthemthinkthatyouarepeculiarorunusual.Thenhediscoverstohishumiliationthattherecomesapointwheretheunbeliever,whoholdsahigherstandardfortheChristianlifethanhedoes,suddenlyturnstohimandsays,“WhatdotheseChristianshere?”

TherewasworsetofollowforDavid,butwewillleavehimthererightnow,thatyoumayseetheplightintowhichself-willhadbroughthim,andthenseethepatiencewithwhichtheLordhisGodfollowedhim.

Iwouldaskthisquestion,whichyoumayhaveframedinyourownmindalready:DoesamanwhobehaveslikethatfindhimselfforsakenofGod?Indeedhedoesn’t!WhenGodhadspokentoMosesabouttheIsraelitespossessingtheland,Hesaid,youmayrecall,thatwhenanyoftheoutcasts–outcastsbecauseofdisobedienceandapostasy–wereeveninthe“outmostpartsofheaven,”sofarfromHimthattheirrecoveryseemedbeyondmaypossibility,“fromthencewilltheLordthyGodgatherthee,andfromthencewillhefetchthee:AndtheLordthyGodwillbringtheeintothelandwhichthyfatherspossessed,andthoushaltpossessit;andhewilldotheegood,andmultiplytheeabovetheyfathers”(Deuteronomy30:4-5).

SospoketheLordJehovahinOldTestamentdays,andintheNewTestamentwefindtheLordJesusChristsaying:“MyFather,whichgavethemme,isgreaterthanall;andnomanisabletopluckthemoutofmyFather’shand”(John10:29).

ListenagaintotheconfidenceoftheApostlePaul:“ForIampersuaded,thatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels,norprincipalities,norpowers,northingspresent,northingstocome,norheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord”(Romans8:38-39).

IbelieveintheperseveranceofthesaintsbecauseIbelieveintheperseveranceoftheLordJesusChrist.Hereinourstoryisamanreducedtoanappallingplightbecausehehascompromised.Butitisthrillingtoknowthatnomatterhowfarthatmanhasgone,thebloodofhisredemptiongoesfurther.NomatterhowfarhiswanderingshavetakenhimfromGod,heisnever,neverbeyondthereachofourwonderfulLord.

HowtheLordwatchedoverDavidashewanderedaway!Eveninthatcompromisingsituation,GodmadethewrathofmentopraiseHim.HowskillfullyheprotectedDavidfromdeath!

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AllthetimethatDavidwasoutofGod’swillandinthewrongcompany(livingaworldlylife,aswewouldputit),whatwasGoddoing?WasHeinactiveorindifferent?Oh,no!TurntoIChronicles12andyouwillfindthenamesofallthemenwhocametoDavidinZiklag:“atthattimedaybydaytherecametoDavidtohelphim,untilitwasagreathost,likethehostofGod”(IChronicles12:22).

Ultimatelyoverthreehundredandfortythousandpeopleactuallygatheredaroundthisanointedexileandhelpedhimsecurethekingdom(IChronicles12:24-37).Butatthispoint–althoughheisoutofblessingandoutofthewillofGod–themindoftheEternalisfixeduponHisultimatepurposeforDavid,foramomentignoringthefactthathehastrippedupandfallenoutofHiswill.OnebyonetheycametoDavidfromtheotherside.SomeofthemactuallyswamtheJordanwhenitwasinflood(IChronicles12:15)!Othersofthem,thepeopleofManasseh,camebackfromthebattlewithDavid(IChronicles12:19).

AlthoughthismanwasoutofGod’sblessingandinthewrongcompany,theLordwasquietlysendingreinforcementsthathewouldneedforfuturebattles.TheLordneverallowedthelapseofHisservantintogodlessnesstodivertHimfromHiseternalpurposeforDavid.

DoIbelievethatistruetoday?Imostsurelydo!“Forwhomhedidforeknow,healsodidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon…whomhedidpredestinate,themhealsocalled:andwhomhecalled,themhealsojustified:andwhomhejustified,themhealsoglorified”(Romans8:29-30).Itisallinthepasttenseofaccomplishment.AlthoughSatanmaytripusupandputusonthesidelines,eventhoughweseemtobemarchinginthedevil’sarmy,GodsilentlyworksalongthelinesofHiseternalpurposes.Maythatwordringthebellsofcomfortandencouragementandhopeforsomeonewhoisweakandhelpless!

Futhermore,thePhilistinesthoughttheywerebeingprudentinsendingDavidbackhome.Butthoughtheywereignorantofit,theyweremerelytheinstrumentsGodwasusingtoextractDavidfromhiscompromisedposition.

IneverysituationGodissovereign.David’sdeliverancewassoperfectlytimedthatitenabledhimtogetbacktoZiklag(thoughnotintimetostopitsbeingburned,becauseGodmeantittobedestroyed)todiscoverthefruitsofhisownself-willandsin,andtoseewhatdamageithaddone.Hewasalsointimetogoaftertheenemyandrecoverallthatwaslost,asweshallseeinthenextchapter.

Itistruethat“allthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccordingtothispurpose”(Romans8:28).EvenwhenIamoutofGod’swill,whenIhaverefusedGod’sdiscipline,whenIhavesoughttoescapeHislovingchastening,whenIhavefoundmyselftrappedincompromise,whenIfeelthattheLordmusthavejustifiablyforsakenmeforever,thereisnobodyunderheaventowhomHeisnearer!“Ifwebelievenot,yetheabidethfaithful:hecannotdenyhimself”(IITimothy2:13).

CouldyouresistaGodlikethat?CouldyoueverturnyourbackandyourheartupontheLordwholovedlikethat?Youmaybesayingthatinsuchacaseitdoesn’tmatterverymuchhowyoubehave,becauseGodhasholdofyouanyway.Nowwaitaminute!SeethepointatwhichsalvationmetDavid.AllofGod’sdealingswithhim,asalsoHisdealingswithyouandme,aredesignedwithonesupremeobjective:tobringustotheendofourownresources.

GodsucceededwithDavid,butatwhatacost!WhenDavidandhismenreturnedtoZiklagtheyfoundtheplacetheyhadchosenasarefugedestroyedbyfire.“SoDavidandhismencametothecity,and,behold,itwasburnedwithfire;andtheirwives,andtheirsons,andtheirdaughters,weretakencaptives.ThenDavidandthepeoplethatwerewithhimlifteduptheirvoiceandwept,untiltheyhadnomorepowertoweep”(ISamuel30:3-4).

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Canyoupicturethatscene?LettheHolySpiritlayholdofyourimaginationtopictureDavidhere,amanofGoddespisedbythePhilistines–hehasgotteninthewrongcompanyandevenhisenemieshavenouseforhim.Nowhisfamilyandpossessionshaveallbeendestroyedorstolen,andworstofall,hisownbravemenarethreateningmutiny(ISamuel30:6).

HereisDavidstandingamongtheruinsofhisself-will;theoutcomeofhiscompromiseislyinginashesaroundhim.Heisdespisedbyhisenemies–theyhavenouseforamanwhocompromises.Heisblamedbyhisownpeople–theythreatentostonehim.Apparentlyheisfeelingabsolutelydownandout,milesawayfromGod.

Cananybodybelowerthanthat?NobodyexceptJesus,whowentdowndeeperstilltosaveusallbybeingcompletelycutofffromGod.

ButcananyofusbeinaworseplightthanDavid?Whatdoesonedowhenhegetstosuchaplace?Whatcanhedo?“DavidencouragedhimselfintheLordhisGod”(ISamuel30:6).

Herewefindhisreturntosanity;hewascomingbackfromthemadnessandstupidityofcompromise.Suddenlyhesnappedrightbackintotheplaceofblessing,andforthefirsttimeinmonths“DavidenquiredoftheLord,saying,ShallIpursueafterthistroop?ShallIovertakethem?”(ISamuel30:8).

AndtheLordmusthaveansweredhim,“David,Ican’ttrustyounow.”No,Hedidn’t’!“David,I’mgoingtokeepyouonprobationforatleastsixmonths.”No,notthat!

“David,youhavetogobackintrainingforalongtimebeforeIcantrustyouinMyarmy.”No,notthatthreatofpunishment,either!

“Andheansweredhim,Pursue.”

Immediately,whenDavidtouchedrockbottom,heturnedbacktoGod.Attheveryfirstupliftingofthattear-stainedface,theveryfirstmomenttheLordlookeddownandsawHisbrokenheartedchildweepinguntilhecouldweepnomore,thenheavenansweredwithanimmediatewordofpowerandvictory,andsenthimouttoconquer.ThatmomentbecameforDavidthegatewayintovictory,thestepping-stoneintoblessing,thebeginningoftheaccomplishmentofGod’spurposeforhislife.

ThisisexactlytheplacetowhichGodwantstobringyoutoday,forthisissimplyanOldTestamentillustrationofNewTestamentprinciples.

DoyoureallydesirethatGodmaybringyouintovictoryandblessingtoday?Thenthemomentyoustandwithabrokenheartamidtheruinsofyourself-life,acknowledgingthefutilityoffightingagainstGod;whenyouturnyoureyesuponJesusandliftyourtear-stainedfacetoyourwonderfulLord,atthatmomentHenotonlyliftsyouup,butbringsyouvictoryandsendsyououttopursueyourenemies–andHis.IfyouwantthatinNewTestamentlanguage,hereitis:“Iknowthatinme(thatis,inmyflesh,)dwellethnogoodthing”(Romans7:18).NobodysaysthatwithgenuinenessuntilitisspokenwithasobtothethroneofGod.

Thenthatconfessionbringsheavenlyreinforcement.Therecomesanewstepandanewsong.“Ilive;yetnotI,butChristlivethinme:andthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme”(Galatians2:20).“Beingfullypersuadedthat,whathehadpromised,hewasablealsotoperform”(Romans4:21).

Thatisthewayintothekingdom.Itistheonlyway,andifyouwantitconfirmedfromtheverylipsofourMasterHimself,listentoHimsay,“Ifanymanwillcomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscrossdaily,andfollowme”(Luke9:23).Youmusthumbleyourselfandbecomeasalittlechild,for“ofsuchisthekingdomofGod”(Luke18:16).

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Ifyourself-will,yourrejectionofGod’sprinciplesoflife,yourcompromises,havedrivenyouintoadesperateplight,rememberthatGodlovesyou,thatHeisstillplanninggreatthingsforyou,andthatHealonecandeliveryou.ThemomentyoustopfightingagainstHimandhumbleyourselfbeforeHim,whenyouencourageyourselfintheLordandinquireofHim,atthatmomentHeisthere.Infact,HeiswithyourightnowtodoforyouasHedidforDavid,giveyouvictoryandblessing.

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Chapter14REVIVALORFUNERAL?(ISamuel30:11-31)

Inthreewords,“Davidrecoveredall”(ISamuel30:19),thereisaverylovelyOldTestamentpictureofwhattheLordJesusChristaccomplishedforusbyHisdeathandresurrection:therecoveryofeverythingthathadbeenlostintherebellionofthehumanraceagainstGod.

Beforethatgreatdayofrecoveryandvictory,Davidwasinasorryplight.Hehadlosteverything:possessions,home,family.Why?Hislosswasonlytheoutwardevidenceofhisspiritualdecline.TheAmalekiteswerebutthechasteninghandofGodtobringhimbackintoHiswill,backintothepurposeofGodforhislife.

Davidhadlosthisvision.Chapter27beginswithDavidexpressinghisdiscouragement,“IshallnowperishonedaybythehandofSaul.”Becausehehadlosthisvision,hehadlosthispassionalso,forthatsameversesays,“Davidsaidinhisheart…”Hehadforgottentopray;hehadturnedasidefromtheplaceofinquiryatthethroneofGod.BecausehehadlostvisionandpassionhehadalsolosttheabilityforSpirit-governedaction.ThuswefindDavid(inchapter28)onthewrongside,marchingwiththewrongarmy,andfightingagainsthisownpeople,thepeopleofGod.

Thesearethreethingsthatanygroupofbelieversmusthaveiftheyaretoexistandtosurvive:vision,passion,action.Manychurchestodaystandatthecrossroads,facingeitherarevivalorafuneral.PeoplecangetawaywithagreatdealtodayasChristians:livingcomfortably,listeningtogoodpreaching,enjoyingitallwithverylittlepersonalsacrifice.ButthatkindofeasyChristianityistotallyinadequatefortherealeffectivenessofanychurch.

WhatdoImeanbyrevival?Vision,passion,action!Visionistheupwardlooktowardheaven.Passionistheinwardhungerandcompassionofsoul.ActionistheoutwardliberationofbothvisionandpassioninHolySpiritpower.Butwehavelostallthree.Wehavelittlevision,scarcelyanypassion,andhardlyanyheaven-directedaction.Wecannotgoonasweare.

Whatisvision?Whatisthisupwardlook?

DavidhadlosthisvisionbecausehehadforgottenGod’spromisesandceasedtobelieveGod’spower.HehaddoubtedGod’sabilitytoprotecthimagainsttheenemy.Thereforehehadlosteverythingelse,becausehehadbecomebankruptofvision.

WhathaveyouandIlost?Howhavewelostourvision?

WesaythatwebelieveGodandHisWord–butdoweliveeverymomentofeverydaywithoneeyeuponthejudgmentseatofChrist?Wemustconsidereverytransaction,everygift,everywordthatwespeakaboutotherpeople,everythingwedoorsay,inthelightofthepresenceofChristHimself.BeliefhasoneeyeuponthethroneofGodforHisorders,andtheotheronthejudgmentseatofChristinresponsibilityforourwordsandactions.

Manyseemtothinkthat,firstofall,theBiblehastobeexplained,butthatisnottrue.Ithastobebelievedandobeyed!WefailtoseethetremendousdifferencebetweenknowingtheWordofGodandknowingtheGodoftheWord.Conferences,rallies,missionaryconventions,andchurchservicescomeandgo,andweremainunchanged.Weareoftenjustagroupofunbelievingbelievers,perhapsneversowellequipped,butneversopoorlyendued.

Isaiahhadavisionofholinesswhichbroughtfromhislipstheconfession,“Woeisme!forIamundone;becauseIamamanofuncleanlips,andIdwellinthemidstofapeopleofuncleanlips:formineeyeshaveseentheKing,theLordofhosts”(Isaiah6:5).Thiscamefromapreacher,ifyouplease!Hehada

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visionofsinfulnessbecausetheholinessofGodmadehimconsciousofhisowndepravity.Thisbroughttohimthewordofcleansing:“Lo,thishathtouchedthylips;andthineiniquityistakenaway,andtheysinpurged”(6-7).HehadavisionofthehopelessnessofhispeoplewhowerewithoutGod,andthatbroughtfromheaventhewordofcommission:“Go,andtellthispeople…”(6:9).

Isaiah’svisionofholinessbroughtconfession;hisvisionofhisownsinfulnessbroughtcleansingfromsin;hisvisionofthehopelessnessofhispeoplewithoutGodbroughttheheavenlycommissiontogoandpreachtheWordofGod.

Butthesethingsdon’tseemtomoveus!

IntheworldtodaytherearefifteenmillionJews,threehundredandfiftymillionMoslems,onehundredandseventy-onemillionBuddhists,threehundredandfiftymillionConfucianists,twohundredandfiftymillionHindus,ninetymillionShintoists–forwhomChristdies.Buttheyhavenothearsthetruth,neitherdotheyknowthegospel.

IntheUnitedStatesofAmericatherearetwenty-sevenmillionpeopleundertwenty-oneyearsofagewhoreceivenoChristiantrainingatall.Juvenilecrimeinthebigcitiesistremendous–sometimesitseemsabsolutelyoutofcontrol.EveryweekonemillionpeoplearedyingwithoutJesus.Inoneminute,eighty-fivepeoplepassintoeternity.InjustthebriefspanofachurchservicehundredsarepassingoutintothepresenceofGod.Doesthatmeananythingtoyou?

ItcouldbethatGodismoregrievedtodaywiththeUnitedStatesandBritain,forinstance,thanHeiswithRussia.Theremillionsofpeoplehaveneverheardthegospel,andperhapstherearemanywhowouldbelieveintheLordiftheyhadthechance.

WilliamBooth,thatgreatfounderoftheSalvationArmy,oncesaidthatifhecould,hewouldfinalizethetrainingofeverymaninhisArmybysuspendinghimfortwenty-fourhoursoverhell.Thatisthekindofvisionweneed!

ArenownedcriminalinBritain,justbeforegoingtothegallows,washavingScripturereadtohimsomewhatpiouslybythechaplain.Hesuddenlybrokeinandsaid,“Sir,ifIbelievedwhatyousayyoubelieveaboutwhatyouarereading,evenifEnglandwerecoveredwithbrokenglassfromshoretoshore,Iwouldgladlywalkoverit–onmyhandsandknees,ifneedbe,andthinkitworthlivingtodothat–ifonlyIcouldrescueonesoulfromthathellaboutwhichyouhaveread!”

Wegiveafewdollarstotheforeignmissionaryprogramandnevercrossthestreettotalktoanunsavedfriend.WenevermakeanyeffortwhatevertobringoneunsavedpersonunderthepreachingoftheWord.Iaskyoulovingly,asthesethingshavesearchedmyownsoulinGod’spresence:HaveyouanyvisionofthehopelessnessofthosewhoarewithoutGodandwithoutsalvation?

Dowehaveavisionofsinfulness?Iwonder!Wemayhaveplentyofvisionofthesinfulnessofotherpeople,butnotofourselves.Theotherfellow,wesay,hasaterribletemper–butwithmeitisonlyrighteousindignation.Didyoueverseesuchacovetousmanasheis?ButIamonlyexpandingmybusiness.Lookathim,heissostubborn–butwithmeitisonlyrealconviction.FromthearrowofGod’sWordandtheconvictionofthespiritwecoverupforourselvesandputtheblameuponourneighbor.Haveweavisionofourownsinfulness?

Haveweavisionofholiness?DowereverenceGod,orinplaceofthatdowetrytosyncopatetheHolySpirit?HowdoweprepareourheartsfortheLord’sday?HowdidweprepareourselvestomeetGodinHishouselastSunday?Didweprepareourselvesthepreviousnight?

WhataboutourpassionforseekingGod?DavidhadnotinquiredoftheLordinalongtime;thatwaswhyhegotsoentangledincompromise.Hehadforgottentopray;hehadbeenabsentfromtheplaceof

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prayerformonths.

Whataboutyourchurchprayermeeting?Isittuckedawaysomewherebecausethereisabusyprograminoperationandfolkshavenotimetostopandpray?WhatwouldhappenifyourwholeSundayschoolgatheredtogetherforonehourtowaituponGod,tobeseechHimtopouroutHisblessingonyouchurch?ToofrequentlyourprogramsmakenoroomforGod’spresenceorforHispowertowork.Churcheshaveplentyofpeoplereadytointerfere,butveryfewwillingtointercede.

HowlongisitsinceyouandIforfeitedjustonehourofconversationwithafriend,oronehourofsleep,inorderthatwemightwaituponGod?Rememberthatthemanwhosinswillstopprayingandconversely,themanwhoprayswillstopsinning.Themanwhogossipsaboutanotherwillneverprayforhim,butthemanwhopraysforanotherwillnotgossipabouthim.Inourchurchwehavewhatwecalla“mutualencouragementfellowship,”butmanyseemtopayitonlylipservice,andspendmanyhoursgossiping.

VictoryinamorningworshipserviceorintheSundayeveningserviceiswonorlostbeforethepreacherentersthepulpit–itissettledonourknees,byyourprayersandmine.Whyisthepenitentformoraltarempty?Thespacebeforethepulpitisnotaplaceforpeoplesimplytosignacard;itisaplacewherepeopleshoulddietoselfandbegintoliveforGod.Isitemptybecausewedonotpray?AndbyprayerIdonotmeanthekindofthinglikethemischievouslittleboywhorunsuptoahouseandringsthedoorbell,thenrunsawaybeforethedoorcanbeopened.ImeantheagonyofaHannah,whoselipsmovedbutwhosevoicewasnotheard–theNewTestamentintercessionoftheSpiritthroughuswith“groaningsthatcannotbeuttered.”

Isthechurchprogramsoindispensable,ourtraditionssounbreakable,thecomfortsoflifesodear,successinbusinesssoimportant,thatitmustbepurchasedatthepriceofprayerlessnessandspiritualbarrenness?OnthatjudgmentdaytherewillbemultitudesofpeoplewhomIwillmeetforthefirsttime,andwhowillsaytome,“Youfaithlesspreacher,youcoveredupyourindifferencetousbymanytextsandsermons,butyoudidnotreallycare,becauseyoudidnotreallypray.”Oh,howthishaskeptmeawakemanynights!

WouldyoudowhatIhavedonerecently?WouldyoushutyourselfawayforawholedaywithyourbibleandnoothervisitorthantheHolySpirit?Ifyou,asachildofGod,woulddothat,soonyouwouldeitherbreakuporbreakoutinpowerandrevivalblessing.Rememberthatthepriceofbirthistravail–youcannotescapeit.

Whereisthetravailinourchurches?DoyouthinktheHolySpiritdelightsinprogramsandplans,machineryandequipment,ifthecribswherenew-bornbabesinChristshouldbearealwaysempty?

AmyCarmichaelprayed,

Oforapassionforsouls,dearLord!

Oforapitythatyearns!

Oforalovethatlovesuntodeath!

Oforafirethatburns!

Ofortheprayerpowerthattravails,

Thatpoursitselfoutforthelost;

VictoriousprayerintheConqueror’sName:

OforaPentecost!

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Theproverbisstilltrue,that“Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleperish”(Proverbs29:18).Anditisalsotruethatwherethereisnopassion,thechurchperishes.

Davidwentovertotheenemy’ssidewhenhebecamethevictimofdepression.HisgreatvictoryoverGoliathbecameonlyafadedmemoryashelivedalongsidethepeopleofGoliath.Hislossofvisionandhislossofpassionparalyzedallhisheaven-inspiredactivity.

HowthendidDavidrecoverhisspiritualandmateriallosses?HereturnedtoGodandwasgivenanewbreathofvisionandanewflameofpassion.Thetwomosteffectiveforcesintheworldarewindandfire;theyareirresistible,uncontrollable,unpredictable.AtPentecosttheHolySpiritlittheflameofmissionaryzealandkindledrevivalfire.TheBreathofGoduponHispeoplequenchedtheflameofviolenceandthefireoftheenemy.

Breathonme,BreathofGod

thatisthewind;

TillIamwhollyThine,

Untilthisearthlypartofme

GlowswithThyfiredivine.

thatisthefire.

Othatinmethesacredfire

Mightnowbegintoglow;

Burnupthedrossofbasedesire,

Andmakethemountainsflow!

CharlesWesley

IfyouaregoingtobeapreacherorateacheroftheWord,thewindandthefirefromGodarewhatyoumusthave.Youcanaffordtobetentimeslesscleverifonlyyouaretentimesmorespiritual.WhentheHolySpiritisfreetomoveandhasroomandopportunity,Hewilldestroythedrossofsinandpurifyourlives.Butweactasifwehavelostall.

Davidrecoveredall–notonlyhislovedonesandmaterialpossessions,butalsohisspiritualvision,passion,andaction.InISamuel30,wefindDavidinquiringoftheLordagain.Wefindhimsopassionatelyconcernedforvictorythathesetsoutaftertheenemyatsuchapacethattwohundredofhismenhavetobeleftbehindbecausetheycannotkeepupwithhim.

Davidrepented,andthereforeherecoveredall.Repentanceisnotjustafewtearsattheendofatouchingsermon,notjustemotionorreformation.ItisachangeofmindaboutGodandsin.Itistheconditionofsalvationanditisinseparablylinkedwithsavingfaith.ItisalsoaninevitablefactorforrevivalintheChristianchurch.

Davidrecoveredinadaywhathehadlostoveraperiodofmonthsandyears.WhenheturnedbacktotheLord,immediatelyheavenansweredhim.AndtheLordwillanswerusimmediatelyifwemeetHisconditions.

Thequestionis,then:HowareyouandIlivingtoday?

WemusthaveGod-givenvision–ofHisholinessandoursinfulness,andofthefulfillmentofHispromises.

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Theterrorsofhellarereal,andsoulsaredyingallaroundus,butarewecaring?NotunlesswehaveSpirit-firedpassion.

ThentheremustbeGod-directedaction.HowareyouandIserving?ArewelivinginHiswill;arewemovingonlyunderHisorders?

Whichdoyouwant,arevivalorafuneralinyourchurch?Youwantarevival,ofcourse.LikeDavid,youwanttorecoverall.How?ThenstopcriticizingandbegincryingouttoGod;stopshirkingHiswillandbeginworkingunderHisdirection;stopspendingonyourselfandbegingivingtoHiscause.Repent,return,andtheblessingsandguidanceofGodareyours,rightnow.

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PARTIITHEMANOFGOD:LESSONSINLEADERSHIP

Chapter15CORONATIONDAY(IISamuel3:1-39)

HavingconqueredtheAmalekitesandrecoveredeverythingthathehadlostatZiklag,DavidwaitedpatientlyforthenextstepinGod’splanforhislife.WhenthenewsreachedhimthatSaulandJonathanhaddiedinbattle,hemusthaverealizedthatthethroneofIsraelwouldnowbehis,thatGod’spromisewasabouttobefulfilled.Yethehadnothoughtforhimself;thejoyofthislong-awaitedmomentwasforgottenintheamazingandbeautifullamentrecordedinIISamuel1:17-29,asheweptoverhisloss,thetragicdeathsofKingSaulandhisson,David’sbelovedfriendJonathan.

QuiteclearlywecanseethatDavidisbackattheplacewhereheiswaitinguponGod.ItwasforGodtogivehimthekingdom;herefusedtoreachoutandgraspeventhatwhichGodhadpromisedhim,apartfromdirectionfromheaven.Humanlyspeaking,hehadeveryreasontomakeagrabforthethroneatthispoint,becausethePhilistineshadinvadedIsrael.Afterall,Godhadanointedhimking,anditwouldseemthattakingtheinitiativewouldbetherightthingtodo.Butno,Davidhadlearnedhislesson–abitteronetoo–thathemustwaitupontheLord.

ThusonceagainDavidinquiredoftheLord(IISamuel2:1),andonGod’sinstructionhemoveduptoHebron,wherehewascrownedkingoverJudah.Atlastabridgeheadwasestablished,andforsevenandahalfyearsDavidreignedaskingoverJudahinHebron.

MeanwhileAbner,thecaptainofSaul’sarmy,tookSaul’ssonIshboshethandcrownedhimkinginafutileattempttokeepfromcollapsethetotteringhouseofSaul,whichGodhadrejected.TherefollowedaprolongedperiodofcivilwardescribedinIISamuel3:1,duringwhichDavidgrewstrongerandstronger,andthehouseofSaulbecameweakerandweaker.

AtlastAbnerrealizedthathewasonthewrongside,thathewasfightingagainstGod.HewentthroughthelengthandbreadthofthelandofIsraelsayingtothepeople,“YesoughtforDavidintimespasttobekingoveryou:Nowthendoit.”Thiswasthemomentforaction!TheyhadsoughtlongenoughtokeepSaul’sincompetentdescendant.ItwastimetogiveinandcrownDavidasking!

ThoughAbnerneverlivedtoseeitbecausehewasmurderedbyJoab,David’scaptain,yetitwasnotlonguntilthecoronationdaydawnedandDavidwasanointedkingoverallIsrael(IISamuel5:3).

Thatisthenarrative,butmyheartthrillsastheHolySpiritspeakstome–andItrustHewillspeaktoyoutoo–concerningtheimplicationsofthisOldTestamentstoryinyourlifeandmine.Manyofushavebeen,ormaybeevennow,likethosepeopleinIsraeltowhomAbnerspoke.WehavesoughtintimespastforDavid’sgreaterSontobeKingoverus.WehavethoughthowwonderfulitmightbetoexperiencethesovereigntyofJesusChrist,howwonderfultobeledofGodandliveaheaven-directedlife.Whatadifferenceitwouldmake!

Wehavethoughtabouttheprospect,butsomehowwehavehesitated.Theproblemsaretoogreat;theconsequencesmightbetooserious,thecomplicationswouldinterferetoomuchwithourlives.LikeDavid,theLordJesushasneverenforcedHisauthority;Hehastaken,asDaviddid,onlywhatweoffertoHim.DavidsteppedtothethroneatHebronwhenitwasoffered;hesteppedtothethroneofallIsraelwhenthatwasofferedtohim.Henevermovedoneinchuntiltheinvitationcame.

SimilarlytheLordJesushasonlyhelpedHimselftowhatwehaveofferedofourlives.Someofus,Godforgiveus,haveofferednothing;thoughperhapswewouldn’tbereadytoadmitit,weliveinopenrebellionagainsttheKing.OthershaveofferedHim,sotospeakHebron.WehavegivenHimalittlepart

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thatwouldn’tinterferetoomuchwithourownmonopoly.ButifwehavegivenHimsomuchandnomore,Itellyou,wecanhavenopeace.

InthelivesofmanyChristianpeopletodaythereisraging,literally,acivilwar.Theflesh–thekingdomofSaul,struggleswiththespirit–thekingdomofDavid,andtheconflictisbitter.Wedoeverythingwepossiblycantoholdupthetotteringkingdomofself,sothatismightexistjustabitlonger.Ifonlywecouldpreservesomerights;ifonlywecouldhaveatleastpartofourownway;ifonlywecouldkeepthisorthatatanycost!Wefeelwemustbolsterupthiskingdomofself,thatwecannotletourselvesbecrucifiedwithChrist.

Thereforethebattlerageson,althoughchurchservicesareattended,sermonsarelistenedto,themessageoftheWordofGodisheard.Oh,howfondlydowecherishthelifethatGodwantstocrucify!Yet,aslongassuchaconditionispermitted,thetragicevidencesofconflictremaininyoursoul.ThereisnoauthoritypowerfulenoughtoforceyourlifetoyieldtoGodtheHolySpiritwhoalonecangiveyouvictory,blessing,power,andusefulness.ThetragedyunfoldingyearafteryearinthelifeofsomeChristiansisthattheyremainontheshelfasfarasavailabilitytoGodisconcerned.

Nowisthetimeforaction!Itistimetosayinyourheart,“DownwithSatan;upwithJesusasLord!Downwiththeusurper,upwithmyRedeemer!Offthethronewithsinandself,onthethronewithmywonderfulLord!”Oh,whatadifferenceitmakestobelongcompletelytotheOnewhohasneverlostabattle!YehavesoughtforJesusintimespasttobeKingoveryou.Nowthendoit!

Therearestrongreasonsfortakingactionnow,formakingthisthecoronationdayoftheKingofkingsinyourheart,adaythatwillliveinyourmemoryasthetimewhenyourevoltedcompletelyfromSatanandjoinedthearmyofGod’sKing.RecallsomeofyourformerimpulsestowardtheLordJesusChrist.WithrespectandloveIwanttoinvadetherealmofyourmemoryandunlocksomedoorsthatmayhavebeenforgotten.ItrustthattheHolySpiritmayprythemopenasyoulookback.

HowmanytimeshaveyoubeenonthevergeofmakingJesusKing?SomeofyoucanrecalltheinfluenceofgodlyparentsandaChristianhome.YoucanrememberwhenyouryoungheartwastendertowardtheLord,andlikeAgrippa,youwerealmostpersuadedtobeaChristian.Nowyoucanseewhathashappenedinyourlifebecauseyoudidn’tcarryitthrough!Ifonlyyoucouldgobacktothatday,youwouldn’twasteanotherminute!YouwouldmakeHimKing.

Nowyouhavebecomeentangledincircumstances,friendships,sin,failure,breakdown,caresandworries–athousandandonethings.Oh,occasionallysincethenasermonhasdrivenyoutoyourknees.Occasionallytheinvitationhasbeensostrongthatyouhavewantedtorespondpublicly–perhapsyouhaveevendoneso.Occasionallysorrowandheartbreakhaveleftyouweepingbitterlyuntil,likeDavid,youcouldweepnomore.Godhasbroughtyoutimeandagaintoastandstill,butyouhavestifledHispromptingsandhavepushedaheadinself-will.

Othersmayhavehadnosuchbackgroundoradvantage,butmanytimesyouhavebeenmadetothinkofJesusChrist.Youhavestood,asIhavestoodinearlierdays,amidthecatastropheofwar,thewreckageofhomesshatteredandcitiesburned.Asyouhave,youhavebeenforcedtoponder,“WhereisGod?Whatisthisallabout?”

Therehavebeentimeswhen,afteryouhavehadyourfling,youhavelostthesenseofglamourandhaveaskedyourself,“CanIeverliveright?CanIturnaroundandgostraight?Iscleansingfromsinreallypossible?”

LetmetrytoillustratetheseformerimpulsesbystickingtothenarrativeinIandIISamuel.ThereisaparallelinthecaseofIsrael.WheneverSaul’srulebecamemorethanusuallyoppressivetheybegantosighforDavid.

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Icantellyoufrompersonalexperience,andyoucancorroborateitfromyouownlife,thatwheneversinbeginstoexercisetyranny,welongforescape.Forawhilesin’sfascinationgrows–theglamour,thethrill,thepleasure,thewineandthesongarefunforatime,butitpasses.Somehowyouloseyourtasteforthesethings,andlifebecomesstaleandempty.Iknow,becauseIhavebeenthroughitmyself.Thenyoubegintosay,“Oh,wretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldeliverme?”

Again,whenIsraelsawtheirenemiesgraduallytakingoverterritorywhichrightlybelongedtothepeopleofGod,theylongedfortheiryoungchampionDavidandhissling.Oh,forareturnofthedaringshepherdboywhocausedthedownfallofGoliathandtheretreatofthePhilistines!“WhatonearthistheuseofapoorpuppetlikeSaul?”theywouldaskthemselves.“Weareunderthewrongauthority,wearefollowingthewrongleadership,anditisgettingusonlydefeat!”

Againfrompersonalexperience(withwhichIguaranteeyouwillsay“Amen”inyoursoul),astheenemyofyourlifebeginstoinfiltrateuponinnocenceandpuritysuchasitmighthavebeen,uponcharacter,habits,andcustoms,therecomesamomentinyourlifewhenyoustop,whenyoubecometerrorstrickenasyounoticethepathdownwhichthedevilisleadingyou.Theinfiltrationofevilmakesyoudesperatelyafraid.“OGod,whereisthistakingme?”yourhearthascriedouttoJesus.

Butworsestill–oh,shameonus,forIdon’tfinditdifficulttogobackinmymemory,andperhapsyoufindthisfamiliar,also–inthelightofthatwonderfulthingthematchlessSonofGoddidformeatCalvary,howmeananddespicablethatIshouldsaytoHim,“Justcomeinalittleway;don’tinterferetoomuch.Iwantaninsurancepolicytogetmetoheaven.IknowI’mnotright,butdon’tletmecarrythisreligionthingtoofar.Iwanttoescapefromjudgment,butdon’tletpeoplethinkI’mfanatical.IjustwantYoutobeKingoveralittleterritoryonly!”Andfromthatmomenttheresetsincivilwar.

Ifhehadameasureofso-calledpeaceinthedayswhenheknewnottheSaviour,theprofessingChristianwhohas,asitwere,letJesusintoonlyacornerofhislife,loseseventhepeaceheoncehad.Inhissoulthereisabattleraging.Hecannotbeatrest,althoughhewantspeaceandforgivenessanddeliverance.Helongsthatthisinnerstruggle,inwhich“twomasters”areseekingtorunhislife,mightend!

IsometimeswonderasIponderthisstoryif,whentheIsraelitesoccasionallysawoneofDavid’smen–alert,keen,onthejob,fullofauthority,amightymanofwar–whentheIsraelitessawthegenuinepowerofKingDavid,theymusthavesaidtothemselves,“IwishIcouldbelikethat!”

IfeellikehidingmyselfforshamewhenIhavetosaythatperhapsyouhavenotoftenseengenuinebelievers.Youhaveseenpeoplewhoknowalotintheirheads,butnotmanyofthegenuinearticle,themanfilledwiththeSpiritofGod:amanwhoisreal–notamystic,tooheavenlymindedtobeofanyearthlygood,butamanwithhisheartinheavenandhisfeetontheground,amanwhoisallthingstoallmenthathemightwinsome,amanwhostandsabsolutelyseparatefromsin.Wouldthatwewerealllikethat!

SometimesyourimpulsestowardtheLordhavebeenverystrong,haven’tthey?Theymayhavecausedyoutopray,ortosetupafamilyaltarinyourhome.Youhaveattendedchurchandmendedyourways,butnothingrealoflastinghascomeofit.YouknowthattheChristianwayisright;youdon’tquestionit.YouknowthatJesusisworthyofbeingKingofyourheart,andyouhavesaid,“OnedaywhenIhavemademoremoney–OnedaywhenIhavedealtwiththissocialsituation–OnedaywhenIhavegottentothetop–OnedaywhenIhavepursuedmyownpathandreachedmyowngoal–Oneday–“

YouhaveceasedeventoargueaboutthedesirabilityofmakingJesusyourLordandKing,yetyouarenotoneinchnearerdecidingtheissueforyourself.Someofyouareingravedangerofbecominghardandindifferent;indeed,youwouldn’thavebelievedfiveyearsagothatyouwouldbeasfardowntheroadasyouaretoday.

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InthelightofthesememoriesthatIhavebroughtbeforeyou,Iwouldrecommendimmediateaction:“Nowthendoit.”Hesitatenolonger!Asofold,whenElijahfacedtheprophetsofBaal,thequestionwas,“Howlonghaltyebetweentwoopinions?IftheLordbeGod,followhim:butifBaal,thenfollowhim”(IKings18:21).Don’tremainintheabsurdanddangerouspositionofbelievingwhatisrightbutfailingtoputyourbeliefintoaction.Youcanberightinyourknowledgebutwronginyourheartandgotohell.

Iwanttomaketheissuecrystalclear.Therecanbenopossibledoubt,accordingtotheWordofGod:eitherJesusmustbeKing,orHecannotbeyourSaviour.DavidhadtobekingoverallIsrael,orhenevercouldhavedeliveredthemfromthePhilistines.Itwasabsolutelyessentialthat,ifDavidweretosecurehisrighttothecrownandleadthemtovictory,civilwarhadtostop.

ManyarewillingtobesavedbyChrist.ButwhentheycometoseethattheinitialstepintoChristianliving–notasubsequentstepwhenitsuitsthem,orwhentheirsavingsaccountisingoodshape,orwhentheirlifeisallsettled–isthatHemustbetheirRuler,theirMaster,theirLord,itcausesthemtohesitateortorejectHim.Eternityhingesonthatoneclear-cutissue.

IfChristisnotKing,indisputablyKing,thenSatanremainsonthethroneandyouarealostsoul.ButifChristisinsupremeauthority,thenHewilldriveouteveryoneofyourenemies.ThatsimplymeansthatthewillofJesusmustbeyourwill,thecommandsofJesusmustbeyourlaw,andtheexampleofJesusChristmustbeyourmodel.

Thismusttakeplacebyyourpersonalaction.Icannotdoitforyou,eventhoughIwishIcould.WhatwouldIgivetobeabletore-livesomeofmylife–especiallytheyearsfromabouteighteentothirty!Ican’tdoit,butbecauseofthosewastedyearsIwouldgiveanythingintheworldifonlyImightputmyarmaroundyouandbringyouintothethrillingexperienceofthesovereigntyofJesusChrist.

Godwon’tdoit,either!JesusChrist,Irepeat,hasneverforcedHismonarchyuponanyindividual.ThePsalmistsaid,“Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower”(Psalm110:3).Howwe’veprayed,howwe’vecriedtoGod,howwe’vepleaded,thatthismightbethedayofHispower!WhentheHolySpiritspeakswithauthority,then“Thypeopleshallbewilling.”Youdon’tneedtohigh-pressureappealwhentheHolySpiritisworking,whenHecomeinanswertotheprayerofbelievingpeople.

ThekingdomofChristisnotoneofforcebutoneoflove.Heinsistsonhavingtheabsoluteconsentofyourwill,andthatmeansthatHisrivalmustbeputdown.DoyouimaginethatIsh-boshethandDavidcouldhavebeenkingatthesametime?No,norcanyouserveSatanandtheLordJesus.MayIsayfirmlythatitisyourfavoritesinsthathavetogo,theonesyousecretlyadorehavetobeabandoned.Mostimportantofall,loveofyourselfandprideinyourreputationmustgo,fortotalkaboutbeingsavedandyettoloveyourownwayisabsoluteblasphemy.LetusnotimaginethattheLordJesusisgoingtopamperusinourunholywaysandhabits,thatHewillgiveuslibertytogoonbehavinglikethatandthentakeustoheaven.Thatisabsoluteheresy!Hewillneverletamandotheworkofthedevilandthencrownhimwiththerewardofthegodly.

Therehastobeacleansweepofthefalsetomakeroomforthetrue.IfDavidistobeking,Ish-boshethmustbebeheadedandfinished.Butyouwillnotbeabletomasterevenonesininyourownstrength.Ofcoursenot;Goddoesn’texpectyouto!Youcannotchopofftheheadofthishabitandthat,becauseifyoudo,youonlydriveitinsothatitcomesoutinworseform.

Ifyouwantsalvationinreality,youhavetoturnthisdaywithaperfecthearttowardGod,aheartwhichisdeliberatelyturningformeveryfalsehood,everysin,andeveryfailure,andisturninginhelplessnesstotheLordJesusindeeprepentance.

YousaythatisnotNewTestamentteaching?Remember,Jesussaid,“Ifthyrighteyeoffendthee,pluckit

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out,andcastitfromthee…itisprofitablefortheethatoneofthymembersshouldperish,andnotthatthywholebodyshouldbecastintohell”(Matthew5:29-30).

InthenameofheavenIwouldsaytoyouthatsuchistheimperiousdemandofGodtheHolySpiritforrepentance.TomakeJesusKingistoturntoHimwithallyourheartandtrustHimcompletely.AndtotrustHimcompletelywillbringintoyourheartstrengthandpowerbywhichyourrepentanceistransformedintoHisdeliverance.

“Nowthendoit!”Don’tgoonjustwishingandresolving–maytheHolySpiritpushyouintodecision.TherehavebeentimesinmylifewhenquitefranklyIhavefelttheLordpushingmebacktothewall.ItisasifHehadgotmeinacorner,andIhadtofacetheissuesquarely.IhopethatnowyouarefeelingthepressureofGod’sSpiritpushingyoubackinyourseatsothatyoumustfacethisissueoftheKingshipofJesusChrist.

“Nowthendoit,”forunlessyoudo(andIdon’tsaythistofrightenyou),yourhearthasonlytomissabouthalfadozenbeats,andyouwillbeinhell–withallyourgoodintentions,withallyourresolves,withallyourprofessionsoffaith,withallyoursoundtheology.YouwhosoughtintimespasttomakeJesusKing,youthechildofChristianparents,thefrequentattenderatthehouseofGod,thelistenertotheWordofGod,thehearerofthegospel–alltheseprivilegesandbenefitswillbemerelymillstonesaroundyourneckinalosteternityunlessyoumakeHimyourKing.

Iwouldreasonwithyou,andgiveyouthreeargumentsforwhatIsay.First,youneedJesusChristasyourKingdesperately;sinandselfhaveruledwithcrueltyrannylongenough.Whatdelighthaveyoufoundinthem?

Second,GodhaschosenJesustobeKinginspiteofallthemachinationsofmenandthetumultofnations.Hedeclared,“YethaveIsetmykinguponmyholyhillofZion”(Psalm2:6).BeforethatKingonedayeverykneeshallbow.CouldyouhaveabetterkingforyourlifethantheonewhomGodhaschosen?

Third,itisonlyKingJesuswhohaspowertodeliveryoufromthepredicamentsofyourlife.“Nowthendoit:fortheLordhathspokenofDavid,saying,BythehandofmyservantDavidIwillsavemypeopleIsraeloutofthehandofthePhilistines,andoutofthehandofalltheirenemies”(IISamuel3:18).

“OwretchedmanthatIam!”criedtheApostlePaul,“whoshalldeliverme?…IthankGodthroughJesusChristourLord”(Romans7:24-25).

ReadnowthefirstthreeversesofIISamuel5,andastheIsraelitescametoDavid,makeyourresponsetotheLord.TheLordhadsaidofDavid,“ThoushaltfeedmypeopleIsrael,andthoushaltbeacaptainoverIsrael”(5:2).

LordJesus,wegladlycrownTheenow!Leadus,OThougreatShepherdofthesheep!Leadus,ThougreatCaptainofoursalvation!WeareThineandThinealone,andbeforethefaceofGodourFather,inthenameoftheHolySpiritourcounselor,LordJesusChristwebowtoThee,andwesubmitbody,soul,andspirit.WeareThineforevermore,andwecrownTheeKingofall!

Nowthendoit!

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Chapter16SOVEREIGNTYCONTESTED(IISamuel5:1-25)

ImmediatelyfollowingDavid’scoronationday,someimportanteventstookplaceinhislife.TheseeventsrecordedinIISamuel5showanOldTestamentpicturefromtheeventswhichtakeplaceinthislifeofachildofGodwhentheLordJesusChristhasacoronationdayinhisheart.

ItrustthattheLordhassteppedintoHisrightfulplaceinyourlife,andthatHeisundisputedKing.IfHehasentereduponthethroneofyourheart,youareabletosay,“ItisnolongerI,butChrist.”Thisisjustthegatewayintoabundantlife,butitistheonlygatewayintothatfullnessofblessingwhichisourinJesusChrist.

Thelittleslogan,“Letgo,andletGod,”isnotwhattheNewTestamentteaches–atleastthatisonlypartofthetruth,fortheactoftotalsubmissiontothesovereigntyofJesusChristisbutthebeginningofanewregimeinyourheart.NolongeristhepuppetkingSelfuponthethrone,butthegreatKingofkingsandLordoflordshassteppedintotakeoverthegovernmentofyourlife.Whenthatrevolutionarychangetakesplace,surelythereoughttobesomeevidencesofit.TheseevidencesIwishtoconsiderwithyourightnow.

WhathappenswhenJesusisKing?Lookatourtextforamoment:whathappenedwhenDavidwasking?

Inthefirstplace,thesovereigntyofDavidwasimmediatelyconfirmed,anditwasconfirmedintwoways.IfyoulookatIISamuel5:7,youwillseethefirst:David“tookthestrongholdofZion.”

ProbablyyouknowthehistoryofthepeopleofGodinthelandofCanaanwellenoughtorememberthatthecityofJerusalemwasalwaysathornintheirside.Inspiteofthefactthatthewholelandhadbeengiventothem,theyhadsofarneverbeenabletopossessitall.ThecityfromwhichGod’sKingwasdestinedtoreign,themoststrategic

Cityinthewholelandwas,alas,acityinwhichtheenemywasdeeplyentrenched.TheJebusiteswerefartoostrongforthechildrenofIsrael;theycouldnotcastthemout(Joshua15:63).LaterwediscoverthattheBenjamitessettleddowninJerusalemonthebasisofapeacefulco-existencewiththeenemy(Judges1:8,21).Thiscouldnotbeallowedtocontinue;whenDavidbecamekingofallIsrael,wearetold,heimmediatelytookthestrongholdofZion.

TheconquestwhichhadbaffledtheIsraelitesthroughtheirwholehistorybecameamazinglyeasywhenDavidwasking.OneofthefirstevidencesoftheenthronementofJesusChristinourliveswillbethatdeeplyentrenchedhabitsofevilwillbeputundersubjectiontoourrisenLord,whowillinhabitthattempleoftheHolySpirit,yourbodyandmind.Thatstrongholdofsinwhichhasdefiedourbestefforts,thatwhichhascausedusmanyaheartacheandmanyatearandmanyafeelingofremorseandfrustration,thatwhichhasalmostmadeusgiveupthefightaltogether–howwonderful,whenJesusbecomesKingitisputunderHisfeet.

HecomesintoourlivestoestablishHiskingdom,andtoinaugurateitbygivingusthefirsttasteofdeliveranceandvictoryoverthepowerofinbredsin.

HaveyouevernoticedhowtheLordJesuslikedtodealwithlongstandingcomplaints?HowmanyinstanceswefindintheNewTestamentofmenandwomenwhoforyearshadbeenboundbyinfirmityandsin,crippledandhelplessandhopelessuntiltheLordcame!

IwillremindyouofjustoneNewTestamentexample.WhenPeterandJohnwenttothetempletoworshipandfoundatthegateamanwhohadbeenlameforbirth,Peterlookedathimandsaid,“SilverandgoldhaveInone”–thechurchboastedinitsbankruptcyinthosedays–“butsuchasIhavegiveI

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thee:InthenameofJesusChristofNazarethriseupandwalk”(Acts3:6).Immediatelythemanleapedtohisfeet,deliveredfromhislifelonginfirmitybythepoweroftherisenChrist.

IwanttosaytoyouinthenameoftheLordJesusthatthereisnohabitthathasgonesodeepbutthepowerofthebloodofJesuscangodeeper,andthereisnoentrenchmentofsinthathasgonesofarbutthepoweroftherisenLord,byHisHolySpirit,cangofurther.Inourlives,thefirstmarkofthesovereigntyofChrististhatthehabitsofyears,whichhavebaffledalloureffortsandmockedallourstruggles,thethingswhichhavebroughtusinshameandconfessionoffailuretimeandtimeagaintotheLordincontritionandrepentance–theirpowerisbrokenwhenHeisuponthethrone.

Furthermore,thesovereigntyofDavidwasnotonlyconfirmedbythisconquestofthestrongholdofZion,butitwasalsoconfirmedinthat“Davidwenton,andgrewgreat”(IISamuel5:10:margin,“wentongrowingandgrowing”).Inotherwords,thesovereigntyofDavidwasexpressedinever-increasingareasofthekingdom.

WhatwastrueinDavid’skingdomistruealsointhelifeofaChristian.JesusChristuponthethroneisbuttheinitialstepofalifetimeinwhichyouwilldiscoverthatHissovereigntyisevergrowingandeverextendingandbecominganevermoreblessedexperience.YourememberthatwhentheangelannouncedtoMarythebirthofourblessedLord,hesaidtoher,“TheLordGodshallgiveuntohimthethroneofhisfatherDavid:AndheshallreignoverthehouseofJacobforever:andofhiskingdomthereshallbenoend”(Luke1:32-33).

Whatistruepropheticallyisalsotrueexperimentally:ofthekingdomofJesusChristinyourlifethereisnoend.ItisimpossibletobeaChristianunlessJesusChristisyourLord.“IfthoushaltconfesswiththeymouthJesusasLord,andshaltbelieveinthyheartthatGodraisedhimfromthedead,thoushaltbesaved”(Romans10:9,ASV).YoucannotbeaChristianunlessHeiscrownedLordofyourlife,buttheinitialcoronationdayoftheLordJesusisimmediatelyfollowedbyasuccessionofcoronations,inwhichHebecomesLordoveranever-increasingareaofyourpersonality.

InwouldbearhumbletestimonytothefactthatwhentheLordJesuscameintomylife,atthatmoment,uptothelimitofmyunderstanding,HewasLordofallIhadandallIpossessed.ButIdidnotknowthenwhatwouldbeinvolvedinsurrendertohissovereignty.HowthankfulIamthatIdidn’t!

IadmitIdonotalwayslikethesovereigntyofJesusChrist.Often,alas,Ihavedisputedit;buteverytimeIhavedisputedit,thatactofresistancehasbeenfollowedbyweeksandmonthsofspiritualstagnationandfailurewhen,althoughIdidnotlosemyrelationshipwithHim,Ilostsomethingalmostaswonderful–thesenseofHispresenceandtherealityofHisfellowship.Ilivedforweeksandmonths,alas,evensometimesforoverayearindarkness,becauseIhadagainraisedmyselfandsaid“No!”atsomepointtothesovereigntyofmyLord.

AtanypointinlifeyoucanresistHissovereignty,butatthatmomentGodputsyouontheshelf:youareuselesstoHim.Oh,youcancarryonpreachingsermons,teachingaSundayschoolclass,usingthesamepiouslanguageandsingingthesamehymns,buttheunctionandtheuplifthavegone.ThelibertyoftheHolyGhosthasgone;therealityhasgone.TheLordisinyourheart,butyouhavequenchedHisSpirit.

ButIwouldalsobeartestimonytothis:everystepoffaithandobediencehasimmediatelybroughtanewdemandthatmyLord’ssovereigntybedisplayedinanotherareaofmylife.OnemarkofthesovereigntyofChristinaman’slifeisthatdeeplyentrenchedhabitsareoverthrownatlast,andthereisfreedom,gloriousfreedom.AnothermarkofHissovereigntyisthateverystepoffaithandobedienceisfollowedbytheincreasingdemandsofourrisenChristthatHemayoccupyanewareaofourpersonality.

Doyoufindyourselfputtingthelabel“sin”somewhereinyourlifetodaythatyouwouldnotadmitfiveyearsago?DoyoufindtheHolySpiritgentlyandlovingly,butfirmly,puttingHisfingeruponsomething

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andsaying,“YouhavebeenaChristiantoolongforthat;ithasgottostop”?Youmaynothavethoughtaboutitevenayearago,butasyouhavesoughttogrowupinHim,theLordJesushasledyouontoanincreasingexperienceofHissovereignty.OfHiskingdomthereisnoend–Hissovereigntyisconfirmedforever.Isitbeingconfirmedinyourheart?

AreyourejoicinginlibertyandfreedomunderthesovereigntyoftheSaviour?AreyoufindingyoursubmissiontotheLordanincreasing,expandingexperience?PraisetheLord!Youareintheapostolicsuccession!

Inthesecondplace,thesovereigntyofDavidwasnotonlyconfirmed,butitwasimmediatelychallenged.

NoticethatthePhilistinesgatheredthemselvestogetherandcameuptoattackhim;theyspreadthemselvesinthevalleyofRephiam(IISamuel5:17-22).TheyhadnotbeenundulyconcernedaslongasDavidwassatisfiedtobekingoverJudah;butnowthatheruledoverthewholekingdomtheyfearedhispowerandtheymadeanimmediatecounterattack.

Alsoimmediately,whenJesusChristbecomesyourLord,youractofsubmissionwillbefollowedbyamassivecounterattackfromthepowersofevil.

WillyounoticehowpointedwasthisattackofthePhilistines:“Theyspreadthemselves.”Isn’tthattypicalofthedevil?ThePhilistinesspreadthemselvesinthevalleyofRephaim.Whereisthat?PracticallyunderthewallsofJerusalem!

Christian,markthisverycarefully:theyspreadthemselvesaroundafocalpointwhere,formanydecades,theyhadbeenoccupants,althoughtheyhadnorighttoclaimit.

TheyhaddefiedalltheattemptsofthepeopleofGodtothrowthemoutsinceJoshuafirstconqueredtheland.Butoncetheyhadbeenthrownout,theyimmediatelytriedtorecapturethestronghold.

Iwanttobecarefulnottobemisunderstoodonthispoint,butIdon’tthinkitconcernstheenemyundulywhenaChristian,injoiningachurch,signsadoctrinalstatementwhichsays,“Inolongersmoke,Inolongerdrink,Inolongerplaycards,andInolongergamble.”

Oh,donotmisunderstandme!Idonotadvocateanyofthosethings,andIthinkitwouldbeagreatpityifyoudidthem.Butthedefinitionofsinandworldlinesswhichenablesamantosay,“BecauseIdonotdothesethings,thereforeIamaconsecratedChristian,”iscompletelysuperficial.SuchachildofGodhasnotbeguntounderstandthemeaningoftheLordJesuswhenHesaidthatitisnotfromwithout,but“fromwithin,outoftheheartofmen,proceedevilthoughts,adulteries,fornications,murders,thefts,covetousness,wickedness,deceit,lasciviousness,andevileye,blasphemy,pride,foolishness:Alltheseevilthingscomefromwithinanddefiletheman”(Mark7:21-23).Whenamanreallygetsconcernedaboutthesinfulstateofhisownheart,hebeginstocryinthelanguageofCharlesWesley:

ThouwhoatPentecostdid’stfall,

DoThoumysinsconsume:

Come,HolyGhost,onTheeIcall:

Spiritofburning,come!

Whenamangetsthatdesperate,whenhecannotgoonashehasbeenlivingbutcriesouttoGodwithallthehungerofhissoul,“LordJesus,setmefree;cleansemyheartfromsecretsin,”atthatpointthedevillaunchesanall-outattach.

Satancounterattackspointedlyandhecounterattackspersistently.Hewillneveradmitdefeat;ifyouhavecrownedJesusChristasLord,youareinforalifeofconstantwarfare.Thedevildidn’thaveto

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bothertoomuchaboutyoubefore,butifyoubecomedeterminednevertoacceptapeacefulco-existencewiththeenemyonanypoint,ifyoubecomeconcernedthattheLordmightcreateinyouacleanheart,thatHemightgiveyouablessedexperienceofdeliverancebythepoweroftheindwellingChrist,thenIsaytoyouthatsuchholylivingisamenacetothepowersofdarkness.

Inthistwentiethcenturythechurchdesperatelyneedsmenlikethat,thosewhohavesosubmittedtotheLordJesusthattheyhaveatestimonyofdeliverancefromsin.

ThesovereigntyofChristinthebeliever’slifeiscounterattackedateverypoint,persistentlyandrelentlessly.ButthesovereigntyofChristisalsocommunicatedtotheChristianbytheLordHimself.

WhatamItodointhemidstofthebattle:HowamItofaceanenemywhoistoopowerfultome?HowamItodealwithallthedevil’sbesettingtemptationsthatspreadthemselvesaroundmylife?NowIhopeyouwillunderstandthattemptationisnotsin:theLordJesuswastemptedineverypointlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.AndmayIgoastepfurtherinthatdefinition,andsaythatsinfulthoughtsarenotsin,either.

Haveyoueverheardpeoplesay,“Theotherday,thisthoughtpassedthroughmymind…”?That’swonderful–justletitpassrightthrough!Satanhasnootherwayofattackingusexceptbyeye-gateandear-gateandthought-gate.Asheflingshispoisonintoourhearts,ashewillcontinuouslyandpersistently,whatisachildofGodtodoaboutthat?

Letmetellyouthis–andIdoitwithsuchathrillinmysoul:thesovereigntyofJesusChristiscommunicated!How?Lookatthestoryagain.VictorywascommunicatedtoDavid,inthefirstplace,byprayer.“DavidenquiredoftheLord”(IISamuel5:19,23).Onbothoccasionshere,whentheenemycametoattack,wefindthatDavidwentrighttohiskneesandsaid,“NowLord,IlooktoYou.”

Myfriend,itisjustaswellhedidsoonbothoccasions,fordoyounoticethatthedivingstrategyforvictoryinthefirstinstancewastotallydifferentfromthestrategyinthenext?Thefirsttime,hewastoldtogoandattack;butinthesecondbattlehewastositstillandwait.IfDavidhadfollowedthestrategyofyesterdayinthebattleoftoday,hewouldhavemissedHisdivineresourcesandwouldhavebeenhumiliatedbydefeat.

WhatdoIdointhefaceoftheenemywhoattacksmewhenJesusChristbecomesmyLord?Igetonmyknees!OrifI’mnotinaplacewhereIcandothat,Iliftupmyheartandsay,“NowLord,Ihavenomightorpower;Iknownotwhattodo,butmyeyesareuponThee.”

Thevictoryofyesterdaydoesnotputintomestrengthfortoday.Idiscover,asIgooninlife,thatthefleshistotallycorrupt,andisgoodfornothing.Ibegintounderstandthat,inthelanguageoftheApostlePaul,“Inme(thatis,inmyflesh,)dwellethnogoodthing”(Romans7:18).Suchisnotthelanguageofabackslider;itisthelanguageofamanilluminatedbytheHolySpirit,whohasdiscoveredthatGodexpectsnothingfromhimbuttotalfailureandthathecanneverbeanydifferent.

IhavebeenalongtheroadthirtyyearsnowasaChristian,andeveryexperienceofthegraceofGodandthecleansingpowerofthebloodofJesushasonlyconvincedmemoredeeplythaneverofthecorruptionofmyownheart.Basically,AlanRedpathisnodifferentfromwhathewaswhenhewassaved–probablyalotworsebynature,potentially.ButIknowthis:thebattleisnotmine,butGod’s;andtherefore,duringeverymomentofeverytestingHecommunicatestomepowerasIlooktoHim.

“Watchyeandpray,”saidtheLord,“lestyeenterintotemptation”(Mark14:38).Wewillalwaysbefacedwithit,butthereisnoneedtorunheadlongintoit.Watchandpray!SeektheLord,andHissovereigntywillbecommunicated.AlwayslistentoHisanswer:sometimesitisthewordsaying,“Gooutandattack,”butmoreoftenitisthewordtellingustowaitfor“thesoundofagoinginthetopsofthemulberrytrees”

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(IISamuel5:24).

Whatisthat“soundofagoing”?Surelyitisthesameaswhathappenedwhen120discipleshadwaitedandprayedfortendaysinanupperroom:suddenlytherewasthesoundasofarushing,mightywind,andGodtheHolySpiritcamedownuponthemandempoweredthem,sendingthemouttoblazeatrailforHim.

ThatishowGodcommunicatesconstantlytomypoorandneedyheartHissovereignty:inthepersonoftheHolySpirit.

HegivesthepowerofHisSpiritinanswertothemanwhohasacknowledgedhisownbankruptcyandsubmittedtotheLord’ssovereignty,andwhowaitsuponHimforthewordfromheaven.

Butletmesaythis:wedonotmoveawayfromtheLordJesustotheHolySpirit.No,HesaidtoHisdisciples,“Whenhe,theSpiritoftruth,iscome…Heshallglorifyme:forheshallreceiveofmine,andshallshewituntoyou”(John16:13-14).AndHeprayed,“Asthou,Father,artinme,andIinthee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinus…Iinthem,andthouinme”(John17:21,23).ThesovereigntyofGodiscommunicatedbytheHolySpiritimpartingthelifeoftherisen,victoriousChristintomyheartandsoul.TheHolySpiritpointsmyheartupwardtothethrone,andfromthatthronethereiscommunicatedtomethevictoriousresurrectionlifeofourpreciousSaviour.

Rememberthatwearenomatchforthecounterattacksoftheenemy!I’vehadenoughexperiencewithhimtoknowthatthedevilisfartoocleverandfartoopowerfulforme.ButheisnomatchformyLord,andheisnomatchfortheHolySpirit.Inmyhearttoday,andinyourheart,ifthereissubmissiontoChrist,thereislifefromthethroneofheavenwhichcanenableyoutolivevictoriously.Allthestrengththatyouwilleverneed,ineverysituation,isinthepowerofGodtheHolySpirit.

Haveyoubeguntoseetheanswertoyourneed?IstheHolySpiritmovinguponyouinconviction?Hasthismessagebeensomethingmorethantheorytoyou?Hasitbeenlife,andhasitbeenvictory,andhasitbeenpower?

Thenlisten:whatdoestheBiblesaynext?Bestiryourself!“Andletitbe,whenthouhearestthesoundofagoinginthetopsofthemulberrytress,thatthenthoushaltbestirthyself:forthenshalltheLordgooutbeforethee”(IISamuel5:24).

Whatareyougoingtodoaboutthistremendouspotentialofthelifeofvictory?Are

yougoingtodiscarditbecauseyoudon’tunderstandit?OrareyougoingtolistentoGodasHespeaks,andreachoutforallthattheLordJesushasforyouoftheenablinggraceandpowerofHisHolySpirit?Bestiryourself:actandobey.Oh,thattheLordJesusmaynowfillyourheartandthatthroughitmayflowthatlife-givingriver,thepowerofarisenChrist,byHisHolySpirit!

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Chapter17PREPARATIONFORSERVICE(IISamuel6:1-23)

ThereareinthischaptersomeveryimportantprinciplesforChristianlivingwhichareillustratedinDavid’slifenowthathehadbeencrownedkingandassumedtheplaceofGod’sappointment.Aheadofhimlayalifeofresponsibilityandleadership.

DavidfacedthismomentwithagreatdesirethatallhedidmightbetothegloryofGod.Assooftenhappenswhenamanreachessuchaplace,steppingintothecenterofGod’splanforhislife,Davidencounteredsomeexperiencesthatlefttheirmarkuponhimfortherestofhisdays.

Ofthethingsthathappenedtohimatthistime,someweregood,othersunpleasant.Ifeel,however,thatGodknowsbesthowtotrainHisownforHisserviceandtopreparethemforeternity.SomeoftheexperiencesHegivesuswewouldnotexchangeforanythingintheworld,andotherswehavefounddistasteful;yetinthemall,aswehavesubmittedtoHim,Hehasprovedagainandagainthat“allthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod”(Romans8:28).

Wemightcorrectlyentitlethefirsttenversesofthischapter,IISamuel6,“ThesanctityofthepresenceofGod.”TheonethingaboveallelsewhichDavidwantedwasthat,havingassumedtheresponsibilityofthisposition,heshouldknowconstantlythepresenceofGodwithhim.HecouldnotpossiblyruleinauthorityandpowerandvictorywithouttheLord’sguidance.Itwouldbeessentialforeverybattle,foreveryjudgment,foreveryaction.ThatDavidshouldreceiveandenjoythecontinuouspresenceofJehovahwasabsolutelyvital.

Therefore,hedeterminedimmediatelytorestorethearktotheplacewhereitshouldbe–intheveryheartofhiskingdom.Hehadinmindlateron,ofcourse,tobuildthetemple.ButatthispointitwasaquestionofgettingthearkbackintothecenteroftheirnationallifebecausethearkinOldTestamenttimeswasthesymbolofthepresenceofthelivingGod.Thearkcontainedthetablesofthelaw,andaboveitwasthemercyseat,overshadowingwhichwerethecherubim.

Mostimportantofall,theLordhadsaid,“thereIwillmeetwiththee,andIwillcommunewiththee”(Exodus25:22).ThisiswhatDaviddesiredwithallhisheart.Thisiswhatheknewheneeded,anavailableplaceofmeetingwithGod,anopportunityforconstantcommunionwithHim.

Foralmostseventyyearsthearkhadbeenmissingfromitsrightfulplace.Tobeginwith,itwascapturedbythePhilistines.However,theyfounditaperpetualembarrassmenttothem,sotheybuiltanicenewcartandsentitback.FordecadesithadlanguishedattheborderofJudahinthehouseholdofAbinadab,andfromthereDaviddeterminedtorescueit.

ThereisnothingmoreimportantinanylifethantheconstantlyenjoyedpresenceoftheLord.Thereisnothingmorevital,forwithoutitweshallmakemistakes,andwithoutitweshallbedefeated.WithoutthesenseofHisabidingpresenceandaplaceofconstantcommunionandfellowship,howfarwrongwewillgo!

Iknow,ofcourse,thatthepresenceoftheLordisnotnowlocalizedasitwasinDavid’stime.TheLordJesussaidthat“wheretwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinmyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem”(Matthew18:20).Nevertheless,inourpersonalexperience,thepresenceoftheLordmaynotbeareality.AndanyonewhohasexperiencedthejoyoffellowshipwiththeLordJesusisbereftifthatfellowshipistakenfromhim.ThisisthethingthatmattersmostinthelifeofaChristian:thattheungrievedHolySpiritisindwellinghislifeinpowerandauthority.

Ioftenhearotherspray,andIoftenpraymyself,“OLord,grantmetodaythesenseofThypresence!WithoutTheemypurposefaints;withoutTheemyspiritgrowsweak;withoutTheeIshallmakesomany

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mistakesandgowronginsomanydecisions.Lord,thisdayIdesireaboveallelsetheconscioussenseofThypresenceinmylife.”

Yousee,yourdesirewasDavid’sdesire.Itisnotsuchanold-fashionedstoryafterall,isit?Exceptthatthegreatestthingsinlifeareold-fashioned!TodesirethepresenceoftheLordisalwaysagoodthing,butIamconfidentthatourdesireisnotalwaysaccompaniedbyanunderstandingofthesignificanceofHispresencewithus.

WefindinthisstorythatDavidsetoutwiththirtythousandmentorecovertheark.Butthearkitselfwasplacedonanicenewcart,whichwasexactlywhatthePhilistinesdidlongago.ThepeopleofGodevidentlythoughtthatthebestthingtodowastocopytheirneighbors,sotheymadethecart,whichwasdrivenalongtheroadbyAbinadab’stwosons.Afterall,thearkhadstayedaroundtheirhouseforanumberofyears,anditwasonlynaturalthattheyshouldbechosentodriveit.Inthecourseofthejourney,however,becausetheroadwasabitrough,oneofthemputouthishandtosteadytheark.Tothehorrorofthewholecrowd,hefelltothegroundanddiedonthespot.

“Davidwasdispleased…andDavidwasafraidoftheLordthatday”(IISamuel6:8-9).Well,naturally!HisfirstattempttosatisfyhisdesireforthepresenceofGodhadmetwithdisaster.Perhapshesaidtohimself,“Lord,itisn’tfair!YouknowIwantedYourpresence.YouknowthatIneedtheark,sowhydidthishavetohappen?Whyshouldthismanbekilledbecauseofit?”

IsuggesttoyouthatifDavidhadinquiredoftheLord(ashadbecomehisusualpractice,althoughapparentlyhehadomitteditinthiscase)hecouldhaveavoidedthecatastrophe.Whyshouldthisthinghavehappened?SurelyitseemsabittoughofGodtostrikeamandeadsimplybecausehedidthethingthatwasnatural.Afterall,thearkmighthavefallenoffthecartaltogether.Surelyitwasallrighttotouchitandkeepitsteady.Butthepointis,yousee,thearkshouldneverhavebeenonthatcartatall!

Intheconstructionoftheark,ascommandedbyGodinExodus25:12-15,itwasmadewithringsandstavesforcarryingit.TherewasnothingmechanicalaboutthearkofGodwhatever;itwasadivineinstitution.WhenitwasmoveditwastobecarriedexclusivelybytheLevites,andeventheywerenotallowedtotouchit,aswefindinNumbers4:15.ThearkwasnothinglessthantheburdenoftheLord,andtheburdenoftheLordwastobecarriedontheheartsoftheLevites.

WewantGod’spresenceverymuch,don’twe?ButweliketohitchHispresencetosomeofournewcarts.WeliketoaddHimtoourlistoforganizations,toloadHimontopofthemechanicsofabusylife,andthendrive.Howmuchofourserviceisreallyintheenergyoftheflesh,Iwonder!Sooftenweputforthourhands,butnotourhearts.WeputforthourhandstotheworkoftheLord,butsomehowourheartshaveneverreallygottenundertheburdenoftheLordandbegun,liketheLevites,tocarryit.

AlwaysitisatragicthingtodieunderthejudgmentofGod,butIsuggesttoyouthatthebiggesttragedyofallwastodierightalongsidethearkofGod’smercy.TobeslainbythehandofGod’sjudgmentwithinreachofprivilegeandfellowshipisthegreatestdisasterthatcouldhappentoanyone.Butthatiswhathappenswhenweonlyputforthourhandstowork,andwedon’tputforthourheartstotheLord.Ofcourse,welongforHispresence,butonlywhentheburdenoftheLordisuponourheartscanweknowthelivingpresenceoftheLordJesus.Onething,therefore,thatDavidlearnedatthatmoment–andI’msureheneverforgot–wasthesanctityofthepresenceofGod,Hisuntouchableholiness.

YoumaythinkthatthisisonlyOldTestamentlawandsomewhatharsh.Butremember,inthere-establishmentofthekingdomundertheleadershipofDavid,theessentialthingwasthatalltheceremoniallawGodhadgiventhemshouldbeputintheplacewhereHedesired,andthatthepeopleshouldrecognizethattheLordtheyworshipedwasabsolutelyholy.BackofeverythingthathappenedonthatdaywasademonstrationthatyoucannotpushordriveGod.Heisaltogetherholyanddemandsnot

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onlytheputtingforthofourhandstowork,butalsotheputtingforthofourheartstoworship.

ThisexperienceofDavid’swasaccompaniedbyanotherwhichIwoulddescribeassatisfactionintheserviceoftheLord.WecouldwriteoverIISamuel6:11-19thattitle:“ThesatisfactionofGod’sservice.”Inverse11wefindDavidtiredandresigned.Hehadgivenuptheproject,andforthreemonthsthearkrestedinthehouseofObed-edom,whowasjustoneoftheportersinGod’shouse.Hewasthecustodian,asitwere,averyhumble,ordinaryindividual.

Duringthethreemonthsthearkstayedinthisman’shouse,Davidseemstohavelearnedatleasttwothings.First,helearnedthathehadtackledthesituationinthewrongway,attemptingtogetGod’spresencewithoutrecognizingGod’sholiness.Thereforehe,theking,hadbeendealtwithinjudgment.ButthenheheardhowapparentlythisverysignificantmanwhohadtheawesomepresenceofGodinhishomewasbeingblessed.Inotherwords,thearkofGodwasasPaulwroteinIICorinthians2:16,“Totheone…thesaviourofdeathuntodeath;andtotheotherthesaviouroflifeuntolife.”

ThisissomethingthatGodhasbeenshowingmetocomfortaswellastochallengemyownheart,thatthepresenceoftheLordJesusinHispurityandholinessisalwaysoneorotherofthesethings–eitherasaviourofdeathoroflife.Inthehomeofanordinary,humblemanlikeObed-edom,thepresenceofthelivingGodblessedhiswholehousehold.InthelifeofDavidandtherestofthepeopleofIsraelatthatpoint,astheytriedtogetthepresenceofGodinthewrongway,thearkbecameaninstrumentofjudgment.

WheneverGodcomesintoourlivesbythepowerofHisHolySpirit,Hecomeseithertoblastortobless,eithertocondemnortocomfort,eithertodestroyortodeliver,eithertojudgeortosave.Somehow,thepresenceofthearkwhichbroughtblessinginthehouseofObed-edomremindsmeofthewordsoftherisenLord:

“Behold,Istandatthedoor,andknock:ifanymanhearmyvoice,andopenthedoor,Iwillcomeintohim,andwillsupwithhim,andhewithme”(Revelation3:20).

IthinkDavidlearnedsomethingelse,too.Thosethreemonthsgavehimtimetothinkandpray:“ThenDavidsaid,NoneoughttocarrythearkofGodbuttheLevites:forthemhaththeLordchosentocarrythearkofGod,andtoministeruntohimforever”(IChronicles15:2).

JusttomakeitsimpleIwillputitthisway:apparentlyDavidhadbeenreadinghisBible!HehadtakenthesethreemonthstogetalonewithGodandsay,“Now,Lord,whathasgonewrong?YouknowthatIwantYourpresencewithme;IneedYourpowerformytestimonyandservice,butlookwhathashappened.Whatisthematter?”Ashethoughtandprayedaboutit,theLordevidentlydirectedhismindtothebooksofMosesandhesawwherehehadmadehismistake.NobodyoughttocarrythearkbuttheLevites,hediscovered,andconsequentlyhetoldthepeople,“becauseyediditnotatthefirst,theLordourGodmadeabreachuponus,forthatwesoughthimnotafterthedueorder”(IChronicles15:13).

“SothepriestsandtheLevitessanctifiedthemselvestobringupthearkoftheLordGodofIsrael.AndthechildrenoftheLevitesbarethearkofGodupontheirshoulderswiththestavesthereon,asMosescommandedaccordingtothewordoftheLord”(IChronicles15:14-15).

Nowtheyweredoingtherightthingintherightway!TheywereseekingforthelivingpresenceofJehovah,andtheyweregoingaboutitinthedivinelyappointedmanner.KingDavid,backatthetaskagain,wasapproachingGodintherightway:“…whentheythatbarethearkoftheLordhadgonesixpaces,hesacrificedoxenandfatlings.AndDaviddancedbeforetheLordwithallhismight”(IISamuel6:13-14).

YouwantthepresenceoftheLord,andyouneedHimdesperatelyforyourlife.YetwhenyouseekHis

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presence,IwonderifsometimesHehasnotdealtwithyouinadegreeofjudgmentsothatyoumaycometorecognizeHisholinessandHissanctity.Ifthisistrue,howbereftandhelplessyouare!

NomancanknowtheindwellingpresenceofChristinhislifeexceptfirstthebloodhasbeenappliedtohisguiltysoul.NomancanknowthejoyoftheLordinhissouluntilfirst–ashehassoughtfortheredeemingandrestoringpresenceofaholyGod–hehasmetHimatCalvaryandhasbeenwashedinthebloodoftheLamb.ThefirsttimeDavidsoughtthepresenceoftheLordtherewasnosacrifice;thistimetheyhadscarcelymovedthearkbeforeheofferedsacrificesbeforeGod,andthenDavidstarteddancingbeforetheLordwithallhismight.

Romans5:11says,“…wealsojoyinGodthroughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement.”Thatwhichbringsjoytotheheart,ashouttothelips,alilttothestep,andradianceinthecountenanceoftheChristian,isthepresenceofthelivingLordwhichhasbeensoughtinGod’sappointedway.WemustrecognizethatGodisaltogetherholyandwearecompletelysinful,thereforewemustcomebytheblood-sprinkledpathofCalvary.Asthebloodisapplied,wemaywalkinthelightdaybyday,havingfellowshiponewithanotherinthejoyoftheLord.

DavidexpressedhisjoybydancingbeforetheLordwithallhismight.AtthistimeinhislifeheprobablywrotePsalm132,andthisishowheexpressedhisdesire:“SurelyIwillnotcomeintothetabernacleofmyhouse,norgoupintomybed;Iwillnotgivesleeptomineeyes,orslumbertomineeyelids,untilIfindoutaplacefortheLord,ahabitationforthemightyGodofJacob”(132:3-5).Thenhewentontospeakofhowhefoundthearkinthefieldsofthewood(thatisthemeaningofKirjath-jearim)andofhowhebroughtitintoGod’stabernacleandworshipedatHisfootstool.

David’sdesireforthepresenceoftheLordwasofsuchintensitythathecouldnotrestuntilhefoundaplaceforHiminhislife.HaveyoueverlongedfortheLordlikethat?“LordJesus,IjustcannotliedownorfindanypeaceuntilIhavemadeaplaceforThee!

WiththatdesirehefacedthequestionfoundinPsalm24:3,whichwasalsowrittenatthesameperiod:“WhoshallascendintothehilloftheLord?Orwhoshallstandinhisholyplace?”ThenDavidansweredhimself:“Hethathathcleanhands,andapureheart…HeshallreceivetheblessingfromtheLord,andrighteousnessfromtheGodofhissalvation”(24:4-5).

WhatadifferenceitmakeswhenyoudoGod’sworkinGod’sway!WhatasongcomestotheheartwhenyoustoptryingtofitGodintoyourschemesandorganizationsandbegintorealizethatHislife-givingpresenceisknownonlybythewayofthecross.

Thereissomethingelseinthischapter:acloudthatcameintothishappydayinDavid’slife.IbelievethisexperiencerecordedinIISamuel6:20-23leftitsmarkfortherestofhisdays.Iwouldcallit“Thesorrowofalonelyheart.”

YoucanimaginethetremendousemotionswhichhadbeenarousedthatdayinDavid–hisspiritualhilarity,thesenseofjoyouslibertynowthathehadthatwhichhedesiredsomuch,thepresenceofthelivingGodwithhim.Bysacrificeandbyworship,God’spresencewasnearandrealafteralltheyearsofwaitingandwouldbewithhimforalltheyearsthatwereahead.Whatawonderfulmomentitwas!

Butwhenthedaywasoverandhewentbackhome,hewasmetbyhiswifewhochidedhimbitterly,“HowgloriouswasthekingofIsraeltoday,whouncoveredhimselftodayintheeyesofthehandmaidsofhisservants,asoneofthevainfellowsshamelesslyuncoverethhimself!”(IISamuel6:20).

LaterinhislifeDavidwascursedbyShimei,butsurelynothinghithimtothecorelikethesewordsfromthewomanhehadfirstmarried.DoyourememberaboutMichal?ShewasSaul’sdaughter,theking’srewardtotheyoungwarriorforkillingonehundredPhilistines.Atonetime,asISamuel18:20tellsus,

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shelovedDavid,butwhenhewasbeingpersecutedbySaulandhidinginthemountains,shewasgiventoanotherman,Phaltibyname(ISamuel25:44).AssoonasDavidwasapproachedtobeking,hedemandedofAbnerandIsh-bosheththereturnofthiswife(IISamuel3:14-16).David,itwouldhavebeenbettertoleaveheralone!

BeforelongwewillcometoconsiderthegreatsinofDavid’slife.Coulditsroothavebeenrighthere?Perhapsthethingthatstartedhimlookingatanotherman’swifewasthebitternessofsoulwhichbeganwhenhecamebackfromadayofvictorytofindthewomanofhisownheartandhousedidnotenterintothejoyofitbutdespisedhimforhisdevotion.

IsuggesttoyouthatthetroublewithBathshebabeganrightthere,forthetroublewithmanyamanorwomanhasbegunlikethat.ApersonwhoatonetimeinhislifehasgivenhimselfovertothewilloftheLordmaydiscoverasheorshegoesonwithHimthatthelifepartnerhasbeenleftbehind.Thentherehascomeadaywhenthatpartnerhasdespisedtheother,andthathascuttothequick.

SometimesIhavemetmenandwomen,evenmissionaries,whohavefallenintosinasDavidfellinthematterofBathsheba.IfyouhadtheopportunitylovinglytotalkwiththemasIhaveandseeintotheheartsthatarebroken,youwillfindthatbehindmostofthetroubletherehasbeenaunionwithsomeonewhohasnotunderstoodtheirdevotiontoChristandhasdespisedthem.

Thischapterislikeamirror,andItrustyouhavebeenlookingintoittoday.IfJesuscomessoon,aswehopeandbelieve,willHefindyouamongthesepeoplewithnewcarts,whoareputtingtheirhandstothethingsofGodbutkeepingtheirheartsback?Orwillyoubefoundwithyourheartundertheburden,enjoyingHispresence?

Godgrantthatyoumaybefoundamongthefaithful,suchasDavidwaswhenhereturnedagaintothetaskwithsacrificeandrejoicing.MayyoubefoundamongthosewhoknowthepresenceofthelivingChristbecausethebloodisconstantlybeingappliedtocleansetheirsinfullives.Thisiswhatbringsjoyandtestimonytotheheart!

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Chapter18WHENGODSAYS“NO”(IISamuel7:1-29;IChronicles17:1-27)

IwonderifyouhavehadtheexperienceinwhichyouhaveyieldedyourlifetotheLord,andthen,toquotethelanguageofScripture,youhavehadvisionsanddreameddreams,settingyourheartuponwhatyoubelievedtobeGod’splanforyou.Youdeterminedontheverybest,butGodsaid“No!”IthinkthatsometimesHehasmoretoteachusfromHisdenialsthanfromHispermissions.Therefore,IwonderhowyouhavereactedwhenHesaid“No”toyou.

Inthechapterthatweareabouttoconsidertogether,wefindthatsortofsituationanditsanswer.WithhiskingdomsettledinthecityofZion,DavidspoketoNathantheprophetaboutthedreaminhisheart.HerevealedtothismanofGodhisdesirethathemightbuildahouse,fortheLord.Davidwasconsciousthathelivedinaverylovelyhome,buttheLord’shouse,theshelterofthearkofHispresence,wasonlyatent.

Fromthecontext,IhavenodoubtthatDavid’sconcernwastosomeextentdictatedbycircumstances,becauseinIChronicles16wearetoldthatheappointedcertainLevitestoministerbeforethearkoftheLord.Atthistime,itwouldseem,therewassetupaplanoftempleservicewhichoperateduntilafterthetimeofJesuswhenHerod’stemplewasdestroyed.Thereweretwenty-fourcoursesofpriests,numberingtwenty-fourthousandLevites,togetherwithfourthousandmusiciansandfourthousandpeopleonguardovertheark.ThiswasatremendousnumberofpeoplewhoassembledaroundthearkofGodandthepalaceoftheking,andtheyallneededhousing.

SuchasituationmighthavecausedDavidtomakethisdecision,butIamconfidentthathealsohadadeepermotive.SurelyhisheartwasfulltooverflowingwithlovefortheLordandadeepdesiretoserveHim,toshowhisgratitudeforallthatGodhaddoneforhim.Sothereisayoungman,stillunderfortyyearsofage,uponwhosehearthasdawnedagreatvisionandintowhoselifehascomeaholypurpose.Somehowthispictureopensupawholeareaoftruthforourlives.

InIISamuel7wesee,first,heaven’sdenialofagreatresolve.Davidwasevidentlyinspiredbythehighestmotives,whichheexpressedinIISamuel7:2,“Seenow,Idwellinahouseofcedar,butthearkofGoddwellethwithincurtains.”

AsimilarmotivehasgrippedtheheartsofthousandsofpeoplesincewhohavededicatedtheirlivestoGodforHisservice,perhapsonthemissionfieldorintheministry.Indeed,IquestionwhetheranyonehashadarealencounterwiththerisenLordJesusatCalvarybutthatintohisorherlifehascomeaheavenlyvision,agreatdetermination,aholyresolvetobetheverybestforHim–aglad,happysurrenderofeverythingtotheMaster.

Someofthem,likeDavid,haveachievedtheir“houseofcedars”butunlikeDavidtheyhaveforgottenthosesacredmomentsofconsecrationandthesecretcovenantwiththeLord.

AstheLordJesustellsusintheparableofthesower,someseedfallsupongroundthatischokedwiththecaresofthisworldandthedeceitfulnessofriches,anditbecomesunfruitful.Oh,thesadnessofalifewhosehighresolvesofdedicationandcovenantwithGodhavebeenneglected!

ThatwasnotsoinDavid’scase,forhewasreadytoactonhisholyresolve,thisgreatdeterminationthatheshouldrespondtoGod’sblessingswithhisuttermostefforts.InthefirstinstancehereceivedafavorableanswerfromNathan(IISamuel7:3).ButitveryquicklybecameevidentthattheanswerofGodwas“No!”ThelanguageofthisbecameevidentthattheanswerofGodwas“No!”Thelanguageofthischapterseemsalittleuncertain,butitisquiteclearintheaccountgiveninIChronicles17:4.WhenDavidhadmadehisresolveknowntoNathan,thatverysamenightGodcametoNathanandsaid,“Goandtell

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Davidmyservant,ThussaiththeLord,Thoushaltnotbuildmeahousetodwellin.”

Thereyouhaveit–aclear,unequivocalstatementfromGodthatHisanswertoDavidwas“No!”Hegavenoexplanation:itwassimplyaloving,firmrefusal.Itwaswrappedupinsomewonderfulpromises,butnevertheless,thismanwhoofferedhislifeforatremendoustaskwasmetbythedivine“No!”

InlateryearsDavidunderstoodwhy,forGodtoldhim.Hecouldnothavetakenitatthetime,butthereasonfinallybecameclear.DavidsaidinIChronicles22:8,lookingbackonthisincidentashechargedSolomonwiththebuildingofthetemple,“ThewordoftheLordcametomesaying,Thouhastshedbloodabundantly,andhastmadegreatwars:thoushaltnotbuildahouseuntomyname,becausethouhastshedmuchbloodupontheearthinmysight.”

Ahandstainedwithblood,alifewhichhadbeenresponsibleforthekillingofothers,amanwhohadbeendeeplyinvolvedinthebattlesandbloodshedofwarfare,couldneverbeentrustedwiththebuildingofahouseforGodwhichwastobethesymbolofpeaceandrest,andthereforeGodsaid“No!”

Iwonderifsomethinglikethishashappenedinyourlife?PerhapsyoucanrecallatimewhenGodsaid“No”toyou,andtherewasnoexplanationatall.Youofferedyourlifeformissionaryservice,orfortheministry,fortheLord’sworkinsomeaspect,anditbecameperfectlyclearastheweeksandmonthspassedbythatGodhadsaid“No.”Perhapsyoubecamedoggedwithillnessandwererejectedbythemissionboardbecauseofyourhealth.Perhapsyouneverevengotthatfar;youhadtostayinyourhomeprovidingforawidowedmotherorcaringforalonelyfatherwhilethevisionofyourearlyyearsbecameimpossibleoffulfillment.Todayyouarestillatyourofficedesk;youarestillinyouhome.

Orwasitperhapsthatinyourheartyouhadaveryrealdreamofahomeandchildren?Buttheyearshaveslippedby,andGodhassaid“No.”Somedayyouwillunderstand,becauseGodhasareasonforeverydenial.Hemaygiveusnoexplanationatthetime.Hemaysimplyaskustotrust.Him.

Itcomesasashatteringblowwhenthemissionaryrecruitisrejected,orwhentheyouthfuldreamofgloriousservicebecomesimpossiblebecauseofsomehomesituation.Itisahardthing,astheyearsgoby,toattendthevaledictoryservicesandwatchothersgoingoutwhileyouareleftbehind.

PerhapsevenhardertotakeisthedisappointmentwhenthevisionofhomeandfamilyfadesandvanishesandGodgivesyounoexplanation.Onedayyouwillunderstand,maybeinthislife,butcertainlyinthenext;youwillseeGod’swayhasbeenbest.

AfewyearsagoitwasmyprivilegetovisitinParis,France,averyfamousoldbuildingquitenearNotreDameCathedralcalledSainte-Chapelle,the“chapelofthesaints.”Theoutsideofthatbuildingisthedrabbestanddirtiestthingimaginable.Itissoveryold,andthewindowsarecoveredwithdust.Butgoinside(andallwhovisitParisgoinsideSainte-Chapelle),forwhenyoustandlookinginacertaindirection,youcanseetheworld-famousRoseWindow.Idoubtifthereisanymorebeautifulstained-glasswindowintheworldthanthat.Youcouldstandthereforhoursspellboundbythelovelinessofit.Outsideyouhadyourbacktothelightandyousawnothingbutblackness.Inside,asyoufacethelightstreamingthroughtheglass,youseenothingbutbeauty.Italldependsonyourpointofview.

IfGodhassaid“No!”toyou,withyourbacktothelightinyourfailuretounderstand,thesituationlookssodark.ButifHehasnotalreadydoneso,perhapsasyoumeditateonthesethingstheLordwilltakeyouinsideHisheartandturnyouaroundsothatyoumayfacethelightandseethegloryofHiswill.

ThemostimportantthingishowyoureactwhenGodsays“No!”Therefore,Iwantyoutolookwithmehere,inthesecondplace,attheheart’sresponsetoGod’srefusal.

Whentheearlydreamandvisionareunfulfilled,thereisnothingmorelikelythanthatyouwanttositdownindespairandletyourlifegotowaste.NotsowithDavid–asamatteroffact,God’srefusal

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becametohimtheoccasionoftremendousblessing.

Notonlywasitaccompaniedbymightypromises,butitwassupportedbyawordfromtheLord.InIIChronicles6,whenSolomonhadcompletedthetempleandwasdedicatingit,hesaid,“NowitwasintheheartofDavidmyfathertobuildahouseforthenameoftheLordGodofIsrael.ButtheLordsaidtoDavidmyfather,forasmuchasitwasinthinehearttobuildahouseformyname,thoudidstwellinthatitwasinthineheart;notwithstandingthoushaltnotbuildthehouse;butthysonwhichshallcomeforthoutofthyloins,heshallbuildthehouseformyname”(6:7-9).

AlthoughGodrefusedDavid’srequest,Hesaidtohim,“Itwaswellthatitwasinthineheart.”Wasn’titgoodoftheLordtotellhimthat?SurelyitleftapermanentglowinDavid’slife.

DoIspeaktosomeonewhoisgoingrightalongwithmeinyourheartbecauseyouknowthatallIamsayingistrueofyourlife?Godhassaid“No”toyouaboutsomething.Remember,therejectedmissionaryisonafarhigherlevelbeforetheLordthanthepersonwhohasneverfeltthepulltothemissionfieldatall.Thesoulthatistiedtotheofficeortothehome(Iwasgoingtousethewordthatperhapsyouwouldhaveusedinthinkingaboutitinthefirstplace–“doomed”–butthatisquitethewrongword),whohastospenddayafterdayinthatroutine,unnoticedkindofservice,yethasaheartaflametowardGodandburdenedforotherswhoknownottheSaviour,Ibelievewillbecreditedinheavenwithaharvestasgreatashewouldhavereapedonthemissionfield.

IamquitesurethatinheavenDavidwillhavethegloryforthebuildingofthetemple,notSolomon.Ifyouwantauthorityforthat,IwouldreferyoutoapassageintheBookofRevelation,whereintheverylastchaptertherisenLordJesusspeaksofHimself:“IamtherootandtheoffspringofDavid,andthebrightandmorningstar”(22:16).Solomonisnotmentionedthere–infact,theLordJesusChristdidnotcomefromSolomon’slineatall,accordingtoLuke3:31.IamsurethatonthatgreatdayDavidwillhavecreditforthetemple,andIamsureonthatdaysomelifewhohadadreamunfulfilled,towhomGodsaid“No,”willbecreditedwithagreatharvest.

Godneversays“No”coldly;HewhispersintotheheartthatisattentivetoHisword,“Itwaswellthatitwasinthineheart.”Encouragedbythis,Davidgavehimselfwholeheartedlytothetaskofgatheringthematerials.InIChronicles29:2-3,whereDavidspoketohispeopleconcerningSolomonandthetemple,hesaid,“NowIhavepreparedwithallmymightforthehouseofmyGodthegold…thesilver…thebrass…theiron…andwood;onyxstones…andallmannerofpreciousstones…becauseIhavesetmyaffectiontothehouseofmyGod,Ihaveofmineownpropergood,ofgoldandsilver,whichIhavegiventothehouseofmyGod,overandaboveallthatIhavepreparedfortheholyhouse.”Thisman,whohadbeendeniedthefulfillmentofhisvision,insteadofsulkingaboutit,gavehimselfcompletelytothetaskinthebestwayheknewhow,preparingthatwhichhehimselfwouldneverbeabletocomplete.

Ifyoucannotbuild,youcangatherthematerials;ifyoucannotgo,youcansendsomebodyelse.IfGodhassaid“No”toyou,youcanmakeitpossibleforsomeoneelsetofillthatplaceonwhichyouhadsetyourheart.Thevisionneedneverhavebeeninvain,eventhoughitremainsunfulfilled,forGod’srefusalsinlifeareloadedwithimmeasurablepossibilitiesofblessings.Italldepends,however,onwhetheratthemomentwhenGodhassaid“No”yousulkoryouseek–ifyouseek,youwillfindthatGodisrighttherewithblessingsuchasyouhaveneverexperiencedbefore.

Noticefromthischapterthat,althoughthereisheaven’sdenialofhisgreatresolve,thereisalsoheaven’srecognitionofthedesireinDavid’sheart.HowwonderfullyGodmadeituptoDavid,andhowwonderfullyHemakesituptouswhenHesays“No.”HestoopedoverDavid’slifeatthistimewithunlimitedblessing;throughNathan,GodgaveDavidsometremendouspromisesandwonderfulcomfort.

TheLordremindedDavidthathehadbeencalledfromaveryhumblebackground:“Itooktheefromthe

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sheepcote,fromfollowingthesheep,toberulerovermypeople,overIsrael”(IISamuel7:8).ThenHeshowedDavidhowHehadpreservedhimfrominnumerabledangersandexaltedhimtothethroneofIsrael,givinghimrestandvictoryoverallhisenemies.

NowonderDavidwasatalosstoexpresshisgratitude.Wereadinverse18thathewentinand“satbeforetheLord.”Isn’tthataninterestingstatement?Hedidn’tfallonhisfaceorstandonhisfeet,hejustsatbeforetheLordandsaid,“Isthisthemannerofman,OLordGod?”Isthisthewaymendealwitheachother?Indeed,itisnot!ItispeculiartoourwonderfulGodtogiveevenHismostunworthypeoplethegreatestofHisblessingsandtherealityofHispresence.

HasGodsaid“No”toyou?Thenbeforeyouturnaway,beforetherecreepsintoyourlifesomeresentment,justsitdownbeforetheLordandthinkaboutHisblessings.

HegaveusthecapacitytoknowHim,andthatputsatouchofdignityuponhumanlife.ThoughbynaturewearesinfulanddeserveonlyHisjudgment,yetGodcaredenoughtogiveHisSontodieforus.Althoughinignorancewehavetrampledunderfootthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant,HesentHisHolySpirittorevealJesusChristtoourheartsandtofitusforheaven.

“Isthisthemannerofman,OLordGod?”Indeednot!Amanwillbestowhonoruponanotherbecauseheisgreatandnoble,butGodgoesmuchfartherthanthat.DoyouremembertheprayerofHannahinISamuel2:8?Thisiswhatshesaid,“Heraisethupthepooroutofthedust,andliftethupthebeggarfromthedunghill,tosetthemamongtheprincess,andtomaketheminheritthethroneofglory.”

ThatishowGoddealswithHispeople.Davidwaschosenfromfollowingsheep,butlookattheplacefromwhichGodchoseyouandme:guilty,sinful,incapableofrestoringourselvestoGod’sfavoratall,yetHesetHisloveuponusandliftedusupintoHiskingdom.Davidwaspreservedfromearthlyenemies,buttheLordhaspreservedusfrommanyspiritualfoes,fromthepowersofevilwhichwecouldnotpossiblycontendagainstexceptbyHisgrace,bythebloodofJesus,andbypowerfromheaven.

Ofcourse,forDavidtobeanancestorofChristwasaverygreathonor,buttobeunitedtotheLordJesus,tobemadewithHimanheirofgloryforever,isagreaterhonorstill.

BeforeyouturnfromGodindisappointmentafterHehassaid“No”toyouaboutsomethingveryfineanddesirable,rememberthatyourelectionwasfromafarmoredegradedstatethanDavid’s,andyourelevationwillbetoafarhigherthronethanDavid’s.Yourpreservationisfromfargreaterperils,andyourdestinyistofargreaterhonor.

Davidwasabsolutelyoverwhelmed;whenGodhadsurroundedHis“No”withthereminderofallthatHehaddoneforhim,Davidcriedout,“WhoamI,OLordGod?andwhatismyhouse,thatthouhastbroughtmehitherto?”(IISamuel7:18).

HowseldomdoesGodfindanyofHischildrensittingbeforeHimlikethat!Howfaintandcoldisourlove!PerhapssomeofyouhaveneverevenspentasinglehoursittingbeforetheLordinreflectionuponHisgoodness,especiallyatatimewhenHehassaid“No”.God’srefusaltoDavidwasaccompaniedbyareminderofHisgoodnessthatmadeDavidspeechless.

IhopeIamnotreadingtoomuchintothisstory,butIloveverse20.AsDavidsatinthepresenceoftheLord,thinkingofGod’sgoodnessinspiteofHisnegativeanswer,hesaid,“AndwhatcanDavidsaymoreuntothee?forthou,LordGod,knowestthyservant.”

Itwasnot“WhatcanIsaymoreuntothee,”but“WhatcanDavidsaymoreuntothee?”Whenalittlechildisinrealneed,shewillsay,“Mommy,MaryAnnhassuchabadpain!”Shewon’tsay,“Ihaveapain,”butwilluseherownname.Haveyounoticedhowchildrendothat?“Daddy,Johnnywantstogoforawalkwithyou.”Ofcourse,theygrowoutofitveryquickly,butthatischaracteristicofalittlechild.

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“WhatcanDavidsaymoreuntothee?”Asthismanfacedanegativeanswer,ashesatdownbeforetheLordandworshipedintherecognitionofGod’sgoodnessuntilhewasspeechless,hebecameasalittlechildbeforethepresenceoftheLord.

IamsurethatisonereasonwhyGodsaid“No,”justtomakehimlikethat.HasHedonethatforyou?

NoticeonefurtherthingthatDavidlearnedashefacedGod’sdenialofhisgreatpurpose.HewasbroughttoaplacewherehereallybegantoclaimGod’spromisesforhimself,personally.DavidfounditinhishearttoprayfortheblessingofhisownhousebecausehecametorestinthepromiseoftheLord:“Thewordthatthouhastspokenconcerningthyservant…doasthouhastsaid…Forthou…hastrevealedtothyservant,saying,Iwillbuildtheeahouse:thereforehaththyservantfoundinhishearttopraythisprayeruntothee”(IISamuel7:25,27).

Noticecarefully,especiallythoseofyoutowhomGodhassaid“No,”thatthereisnothingyoursoulcaneverneedbutiscoveredbyapromiseformtheWordofGod.Didyouknowthat?ButyouwillneverhaveevenoneofthemuntilyourestintheLordandclaimthem.

Whatisyourneedtoday?Isitforpardon?“Ihaveblottedout,asathickcloud,thytransgressions”(Isaiah44:22).

Isitforpeace?“MypeaceIgiveuntoyou:notastheworldgiveth…Letnotyourheartbetroubled”(John14:27).

Isitforguidance?“Iwillinstructtheeandteachtheeinthewaywhichthoushaltgo:Iwillguidetheewithmineeye”(Psalm32:8).

Isitforholiness?“Beyethereforeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect”(Matthew5:48).

IsittobewithHimingloryoneday?“Father,Iwillthattheyalso,whomthouhastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam”(John17:24).

ThereisnotaneedofanyoneofourlivesbutiscoveredbyapromisefromtheWordofGod.HehasputitintoourheartstoaskbecausefirstofallitwasinHishearttogive.AndwhenGodhassaid“No”totheambitionofyourlife,tosomethingthatisveryprecioustoyou,HebringsyouclosetoHisheartandshowsyouthateveryneedofyoursoulismetbyHispromises.Hewantstoteachyou,inthefaceofHisnegativeanswer,tolearntomakeyourowneverypossiblepromiseintheBook.

“Letusthereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed”(Hebrews4:16).

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Chapter19MORETHANCONQUERORS(IISamuel8:1-18)

InthelanguageofPsalm2:8,Godsaid,“Askofme,andIshallgivetheetheheathenforthineinheritance,andtheuttermostpartsoftheearthforthypossession.”ThatgreatpromiseistoHisSon,butitwaspartiallyfulfilledinthemanwhowrotethatPsalm,KingDavid.

ThecrowningofDavidaskingoverallIsrael,togetherwiththeestablishmentofhiskingdom,wasfollowedbyhisall-outattackontheenemiesofGod’speople.DavidcouldnotbecontentwithanythinglessthanthefulfillmentofGod’spurposeforhimselfandforthepeopleheruled.

ThenarrativeisinIISamuel8;andaboutthistimeDavidwrotethe2ndand60thPsalms.TheirhistoricbackgroundistheexperienceofDavidwhichwefindinthischapter.TheirpropheticsignificanceisgiveninRevelation11wherewearetoldthat“ThekingdomsofthisworldarebecomethekingdomsofourLord,andofthisChrist;andheshallreignforeverandever”(11:15).ThepersonalapplicationisfoundinRomans6and8and,ofcourse,thisisofimmenseimportancetoustoday.

WearenotprimarilyconcernedherewiththehistoricalaspectorthepropheticinterpretationofScripture,butwiththepersonalapplicationofDavid’sexperienceinourownlives.WearestudyingthemakingofamanofGod,andnothingmustbeallowedtosidetrackusfromthisparticulargoal.PaulsaidinIITimothy3:16-17that“AllscriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness:thatthemanofGodmaybeperfect,thoroughlyfurnisheduntoallgoodworks.”

“ThemanofGod”–thatisoursubject.Asweconsiderthebattles,theblessings,andthevictoriesofDavidinIISamuel8weshall,Itrust,havesomeinstructioninrighteousness.

Notice,inthefirstplace,thescopeofDavid’svictory.Ifyoucouldtaketimetolookupallthesenamesonamap,youwouldseesomeverysignificantthings,thefirstbeingthefactthatthevictoryofDavidwasabsolutelycomplete.First,IISamuel8:1speaksofthePhilistineswholivedinthewesternarea,alongtheMediterraneanSea.Verse2tellsoftheMoabiteswhoinhabitedtheareaontheeasternsideoftheDeadSea,andverse6referstotheSyrians,twocompaniesofthem,whocamefromthenorthandnortheast.Thenverse14speaksofthepeopleofEdomwhoinhabitedtheterritorysouthandeastoftheDeadSea.Thereforeoverthischapterwemaywriteeast,west,north,south–totalvictoryinallareas.ThePhilistineswereconqueredandtheMoabitesbecameDavid’sservants,asdidtheSyriansandthepeopleofEdom.

AllthesepowerfulenemiessurroundingIsraelwerecompletelysubdued.Significantly,itwasforthefirstandalmostthelasttimeinhistoryuptonowthatthepeopleofGodpossessedthewholeterritorywhichGod’scovenantwithAbrahamsaidthattheyshouldhave.

BackwhenAbrahamdidnotpossessaninchoftheland,Godsaid,“UntothyseedhaveIgiventhisland,fromtheriverofEgyptuntothegreatriver,theriverEuphrates”(Genesis15:18).

HereDavidpossessed,forthefirsttimeinhistory,thewholeterritory.Notcontentwiththebitthatheheld,DavidwentoutandmethodicallytookpossessionofallthatGodhadpromisedtoHispeopleIsrael.

ThethingthatfascinatesmeaboutthiscompletevictoryistheuttercontemptwithwhichDavidtreatedthegreatpowerofhisadversaries.ThePhilistines,forinstance,whohadoccupiedpartofthelandandharassedtheIsraelitesforsolong,hadtheirchiefcitytakenawayfromthem.InIISamuel7:1itiscalledMetheg-ammah,butthatisanothernameforGath,“thebridleofAmmah.”Thisimpliesthatthecitywasacurborabridle,andithadbeenthatverythingtothepeopleofIsrael.DavidsimplytookitoutofthehandsofthePhilistinesandthenuseditagainstthem.

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TheMoabites,wholivedeastoftheDeadSea,werethedescendantsofLot.Theirorigin(relatedinGenesis19:37)doesn’tbearthinkingabout.Theybeganandcontinuedtobeapeoplewhowereutterlycorrupt,andtheywereresponsiblemanytimesforthecorruptionofIsrael.Whenthedevilcouldn’tcapturethepeopleofGodanyotherway,heturnedthemfromGodbycorruptingtheirmorallives.

DavidwasparticularlyseverewiththeMoabites.Asamatteroffact,theyhadkilledhisparentswhenhewasinexileandhadleftthemundertheirchargeforatime(ISamuel22:3-4).Idon’tknowifDavidwastakingrevenge,buthecertainlydealtveryfirmlywithasituationwhichotherwisewouldhavecorruptedGod’speopleagain.HelaidtheMoabitesdownontheground,measuredthemup,anddecidedtokilltwothirdsofthem,sparingonethirdalive.

ThentherewasSyria,thegreatheathennationtothenorth,dividedintotwogroupswithcapitalsatZobahandDamascus.TheyunitedtogetherforprotectionbutfoundthemselveshelplessagainstthemightofDavid.

InawonderfulbitofironyinPsalm60:8,Davidmentionsthosewhohadthoughtthemselvessopowerful:“Moabismywashpot.”Ofthispeople,whohaddefiledandcorruptedIsrael,Davidwassaying,“Iwillwashmyfeetinthem!Iwilltakethesepeoplewhohavedefiledusandmakethemacleansingagent!IwilltakethislandanduseitforthegloryofGod!”

Then,inthesamebreath,hesays,“OverEdomwillIcastoutmyshoe.”EdomwasthedescendantsofEsau,apeoplereadytosacrificeanyspiritualbirthrightifonlytheycouldgratifytheflesh.Toemptyoutthedustinone’ssandalovertheheadofanotherwasaneasternsymbolofclaimingaslave.“Iwillputthemundermycontrol.ThatiswhatIwilldowiththispowerfuladversary!”saidDavid.

“Philistia,triumphthoubecauseofme”isthoughttobeeithersatireorsarcasm,orperhapsitshouldmorecorrectlyberendered,“Philistia,Iwilltriumphoveryou.”Inanyevent,theimportantthingtonoticeisthatDavid,God’sanointedking,occupiedthewholeterritorywhichGodpromisedandtreatedhisonce-powerfulenemieswithderision.HetookallthepoweroutoftheirhandstouseitintheserviceoftheLord.

Hemadehisenemiestobecomehisservants,bringingthemallintocompletesubjection.IfindthissothrillingtomysoulbecausethelanguageofPsalm2,wherethe“heathenrage,andthepeopleimagineavainthing,”and“Hethatsittethintheheavensshalllaugh”atHisenemies,“theLordshallhavetheminderision,”isalsoprophetic.ItisthelanguageoftheFatherspeakingtotheSoninglory:“Sitthouatmyrighthand,untilImakethineenemiesmyfootstool”(Psalm110:1).Itisthesolemn,awesomelaughterofGod.IamsurethatmostBiblestudentsknowthatthereisnoreferenceatalltoGod’slaughingexceptinscornandderisionatthepowerlessnessofHisadversaries.

HereisasureprophecyofthetriumphoftheLordJesusinthatgreatdaywheneverykneeshallbowandeverytongueshallconfessthatHeisLord.ButinthelanguageoftheHolySpirittoourhearts,itisalsothetremendousdeclarationthatwherewehavebeencorruptedandmadeunclean,wherewehavefallenintoidolatryandmaterialism,intherealmofthefleshtowhichwehaveoftenyieldedasithascriedoutforgratificationandforwhichwehavesoldspiritualbirthrightscheaplytogratifytheself-life–overeveryareaofourlivescanbewritten,“Inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimthatlovedus”(Romans8:37).

HaveyoudiscoveredthejoyofhandingoveryourbattletotheLordandallowingHimtotakecommandonyourbehalf?Areyoulaunchingintotheattack,asitwere,withyourLordandSaviour,andlettingHimdealwiththeenemy?TodothatistodiscoverthereisnothingthatGodwillnotdofortheobedientheart.Itellyou,thecauseofthedevilisabsolutelyhopelesswhentheLordtakesupthefight.Ibelievethateventheweakestofuscanlaughourenemytoscorn,takingthebridleoutofhishandandusingit

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forthegloryofGod.

DoyouknowthisglorioustruthofthegospelasappliedtoyourChristianlife?Yourweaknesses,deficiencies,failuresandsins,whenhandedovertotheLord,canbeasourceofblessingandpower.TheLorddoesnotcrushanyofus,butHetakesholdofalltheweaknessesofourlives,snatchingthemoutofthehandoftheenemyandmakingthemserveHisownends.

RemembertheApostlePaul,whowenttoDamascuseatenupwithjealousyanddeterminedtoslayeveryChristianhecouldgethishandson.GodmethiminJesusChristontheroad,andyearsafterwardhewrotetothechurchatCorinth,“ForIamjealousoveryouwithgodlyjealousy”(IICorinthians11:2).Godhadtakenholdofthethingwhichwashisweakness–hisjealousyandbitterness–butHedidnotdoawaywithit;Hetransformedandusedit.Initsplace,PaulbecamefilledwithajealouscompassionforothersonthebehalfofChrist.ThatishowGodtakesholdofourweaknessesandtransformsthembythepowerofHisSpirit,makingthemserveHisownpurposestothediscomfitureofhell!

AsyouthinkofthescopeofDavid’svictory,askyourselfhowcompleteisvictoryinyourownlife.AChristiandoesnothavetostruggleforit,butsimplyrestintheLordwhowonitforusbyHisbloodandsubmittoHisSpiritwhowillmakeitrealinourlives.

HaveyoueverconnectedPsalm2:8withActs1:8?Thecommissionis,“Yeshallbewitnessesuntome…untotheuttermostpartoftheearth,”andthepromiseis“Askofme,andIshallgivethee…theuttermostpartsoftheearthforthypossession.”

ThatisGod’splanofdeliverance,andwe,likeDavid,arecalleduponnevertosettleforanythinglessthanpossessingallthatGodgivesusinJesusChrist.Thereisnovictorywithoutafight;taketheinitiativeandtrusttheLordforpower.ThemomentthatGodseesyoudoingthat,Hewillworkwithyou,inyou,andthroughyou,sothatyoubegintohavecompletevictoryasHehaspromised.

NoticeherealsowhatIwouldcallthestrategyofDavid’svictory.Hisdiscernmentwassosignificant.Firstofall,hehamstrungthechariothorses(IISamuel8:4).Doesthissoundlikesavageslaughter?No,DavidwasdoingthisinobediencetoGod’scommandinDeuteronomy17:15-16,the“kingoverthee,whomtheLordthyGodshallchoose…heshallnotmultiplyhorsestohimself.”

ThepurposeofthiscommandwastokeepthepeopleofGodfromputtingconfidenceinanythingexceptintheLord.Anymisplacedconfidenceintheirownweaponsofwarfarehadtobecompletelydestroyed.SoDavidwrote,forinstance,“Sometrustinchariotsandsomeinhorses:butwewillrememberthenameoftheLordourGod”(Psalm20:7).AgainthePsalmistwrote,“Thereisnokingsavedbystrength.Ahorseisavainthingforsafety:neithershallhedeliveranybyhisgreatstrength”(Psalm33:16-17).

Herewasthefirststrategyforvictory–deathtoeverythingthatcouldleadDavidtoamisplacedconfidence.Secondly,therewassurrender.

FromtheSyrians–andindeed,fromalltheotherenemieswhomhehadovercome–hecapturedmanyvaluables:gold,brass,andotherarticlesofgreatworth.Why?EventhoughGodhadsaid“No”tohimaboutthetemple,Davidstillhadthetempleinhismind,andhewasnotgoingtoletthatvisiongo.HedidnotgetresentfulwiththeLord,butbroughtbackthespoilsofvictorytodedicatethemfortheLord’sglory.Hisfirstactionwastoburntheenemies’gods;thenhededicatedtheenemies’gold.ThereforemuchofSolomon’smagnificenttemplewasbuiltwithmaterialswhichhadbeencapturedfromtheenemiesofGod’speople.

ThethirdpointofstrategyforvictorywefindmentionedinIISamuel8:13.BecauseofhisvictoryoverthepowerfuloppositionofSyria,“Davidgathimaname.”WatchoutwhenamanofGodbecomesfamous!Thatisalwaysadangerousmoment,butDavidrefusedtotouchtheglory.InPsalm60:12hesays,

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“ThroughGodweshalldovaliantly:forheitisthatshalltreaddownourenemies.”Davidknewwhattodowithfame.Whenthepeopleapplaudedhimandgavehimanameandareputation,hebroughtthegloryrightbacktothethroneofGodandsaid,“Lord,Youhavedoneitall!”

Thatisthestrategyofheaven:thedestructionofeveryfalsestrength,thededicationofthefruitsofvictory,andthedecliningofapplause.TheBookofRevelationsaysquiteagreatdealconcerningthatholytempleuntotheLord,theNewJerusalem.EverylivingstonebuiltintothattempleofGodisasoulwhichhasbeencapturedfromthegripofthedevil.Thatishowheavenisbuilt;thatishowitisoccupied;thatishowitispopulated.ItiscomposedofpeopleinwhoseearthlylivestherehasbeenresidentthePersonoftheHolySpirit,whohaveglorifiedtheirSaviour,andthereforewho,throughalleternity,arethetempleoftheLord.EveryoneofthemhasbeenseizedfromthegripofSatanandputintotheserviceoftheLord.Thatisheaven’sstrategy.HowitmustannoythedeviltoseeGoddoingit!

ThatisalsothestrategyoftheHolySpiritintheconquestofasoulsavedbygrace.EverythinginalifethatstandsinoppositiontoGodhastobecondemnedandputtodeath.Everythinginaman’slifewhichcanbeusedtoglorifyGodhastobededicatedandcomeundernewownership.BeforeGodcaneveruseourlivestheyhavetobebroughttoCalvary,andthereHepicksthemupandusesthemforHisglory,becauseeverythinginthetemplemustproclaim“GlorytoGod!”

Yousee,David’sstrategyisbutapictureofheaven’sstrategyineternityandtheHolySpirit’sstrategyintime.Haveyouacceptedthisforyourlife–thecrucifixionoftheself-life,thecondemnationofthatwhichiscontrarytoGod?ThencometoJesusandbringtoHimallthatisyou,thattheremaybeachangeofownership,andthatyoumayknowthejoyofalifewhich,becauseithasfollowedheavenlystrategy,isexperiencingHolySpiritvictory.

Thenwhatisthesequeltovictory?Wehavealreadyseensomethingofthescopeofitandofthestrategyofit.Nowweseethesequeltoit:twiceinIISamuel8,inverses6and14,isthelovelystatementthat“theLordpreservedDavidwhithersoeverhewent.”

Itseemstoopenupaprinciple:becauseDavidobeyedtheLordandfollowedheaven’sstrategy,theLordpreservedhim.ItisaninescapablefactthatGodwillprotectandblesstheobedient.Hewillpunishandchastisethedisobedient,andthereisnoexceptiontothatrule.

“DavidreignedoverallIsrael;andDavidexecutedjudgmentandjusticeuntoallhispeople”(IISamuel8:15).AstheLordsavedhimfromhisenemies,Davidexercisedhisauthorityandrule.Notonlydidhehavearighttorule;hedidrulebecauseGoddeliveredhim.HepossessedallthatGodhadpromisedhim.

David’srulewasmarkedatfirstbygodliness,integrity,andjustice.However,itwasnotlongbeforeheforsookthoseheavenlyprinciplesandbroughtdisasteronhimself,hisfamily,andhisnation.ButaslongashemaintainedGod’sprinciples,theLordwaswithhiminpower.

IwouldremindyouofsomewordsinRevelation19:11-16,“Inrighteousnesshedothjudgeandmakewar.”HistoryisrapidlyconvergingtothatpointwhereJesusChristshallcometoreignasKingofkingsandLordoflords!HecomeswithavesturedippedinblooduponwhichiswrittenthatName.Herules!Hereigns!Why?BecauseHewasobedientuntodeath.

Ifthatbetrueineternity,thentheNewTestamenttruthconcerningyourlifeandminetodayisthesame,asweareexhortedbytheApostlePaul:“Knowyenot,thattowhomyeyieldyourselfservantstoobey,hisservantsyearetowhomyeobey;whetherofsin,untodeath,orofobedienceuntorighteousness?ButGodbethanked,thatyeweretheservantsofsin,butyehaveobeyedfromtheheartthatformofdoctrinewhichwasdeliveredyou.Beingthenmadefreefromsin,yebecametheservantsofrighteousness”(Romans6:16-18).

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Hereisthesameprinciple:thesequelofvictoryisarighteousandgodlylife.ThestrategyofvictoryisobediencefromthehearttotheWordofGod;therefore,becauseJesusisinauthorityovertheenemy,Heisabletosaveyoutotheuttermost.ThescopeofvictoryisthroughJesusChristHimself,forallthingsareofHimandHeisours.

GodcallsustoclaimallthatJesushasforus.Areyouvictoriousinthefighttoday?Youcanbe!BythegraceoftheLordyoucanpresshomethebattleinthenameoftheLord.AsyoudosoinobediencetoHisstrategy,therewillbeslaughterofthatwhichgrievestheSaviour–thereckoningofbeingdeadwithChrist–surrenderofeverythingthatisHis,andasanctificationthatrefusestotouchtheglorybutgivesitalltoHim.ThesequeltothisisthattheLordwillpreserveyouwhereveryougo,andyouwillreignwhereonceyouwereinbondage.

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Chapter20THEEXHIBITIONOFGRACE(IISamuel9:1-13)

InthisstorywereachthehighpointofDavid’slife.Herewashisgreatesthour.Tragedyanddeclinecamesoon,butatthispointDavidhadcapturedthewholelandwhichGodpurposedthatHispeopleshouldinhabitandpossess;hehaddrivenoutallhisenemiesandwasundisputedkingoverthewholenation.

Hetookthisparticularmomenttoreflectuponhisearlylife,thedaysoftesting,daysofsuffering,daysofrejection.AndashemusedoverthepastandrecalledSaul’sanimositytohim,therecamethethought:“IwonderisthereanyleftaliveofthehouseofSaul,thatImightshowkindnesstohim?”

ThusweareintroducedtooneofthemosttouchingchaptersintheOldTestament,avividillustrationofNewTestamenttruth.David’streatmentofMephiboshethisjustoneofthemanypicturesintheBibleofGod’sgracetowardHispeople.Isn’ttheLordgoodtogiveussomanyexamplesofHislove?AswemeditateuponDavid’skindnesstoMephibosheth,weshallcometounderstandandappreciatemorethaneverGod’sgracioustreatmentofus.

Tobeginwith,noticetheconditionwhichgracemeets.ThisisnotthefirstmentionofMephibosheth,forinIISamuel4:4,heisintroducedasachildfiveyearsold.Atthattimeanaccidenthappenedtohim.WhenthenewsofJonathan’sdeathinbattle,alongwithhisfatherKingSaul,reachedtheroyalhouseholds,immediatelythechild’snurse,filledwithpanic,pickedhimupinherarmstorunfortheirlives.Sogreatwasherhastethatshedroppedthechild,andhebecamelameonbothhisfeetfortherestofhislife.

Wemightaskourselveswhyallthehurryandpanic,butifwethinkamomenttheanswerisperfectlyclear.Mephibosheth,beingJonathan’sson,washeirtothethroneafterthedeathofhisgrandfatherandfather.EveryoneknewthatGodhadchosenDavidtobeking,however,andthereforeMephiboshethwouldbeindanger.SurelythefirstthingforDavidtodowhenhetookthethronewouldbetoeliminateanypossiblerivals.

Furthermore,thenursemusthavereflectedonhowSaulhadtreatedDavid,howdespicablyandjealouslyhehadbehaved,untilshehadbecomequiteconvincedthatthemomentDavidhadopportunityhewouldtakevengeanceonanyofSaul’sfamilyhecouldfind.Withthisfearinhermind,shepickedupthechildandranforsafety.

IntheninthchapterwefindthatMephiboshethisnolongerachild,butagrownman.ThesignificantthingisthathehadbeencarefultokeepclearofDavid.Nodoubthehadbeenindoctrinatedsincechildhoodtofeartheking,forcomingtotheattentionofDavidmightbefatalforhim.NodoubttheargumentsthathadledthenursetofunawaywithhimasalittlechildhadbeenrepeatedtohimmanytimesuntilJonathan’sson,althoughagrownman,hadadeeplyrootedfearofKingDavid.Perhapshealsohadasenseofresentmentagainstthemanwhostoodinthewayofhisownclaimtothethrone.

Therefore,wefindMephiboshethinthisattitudethatIamcalling“theconditionwhichgracemeets.”Icoulddescribeitinthreesimplewords,thefirstbeingaway–awayfromGod,whichisalwaystheconditionoftheheartapartfromHisgrace.

Away,afaroff,estrangedfromGod,perhapsindoctrinatedbyothers,wefeelthatthesafestthingistosteerclearofGod,nottogetonclosetermswithHim.Astheyearsgoby,manyofusmaintainourdistance,awayandastrayfromGod.

TheBiblesaysthat“byoneman’sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners”(Romans5:19).Fromourveryearliestdayswehaveknownasenseofestrangementfrometernity,afeelingofdistancefromGod,which

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beforelongdevelopsintomysecondword:afraid.Wearenotsimplyafaroff,butweareafraidofGod.Afterall,wemayargue,weknowthatourlivesarenotwhattheyshouldbe,andGod,iftherebeaGod,isabsolutelyperfectandrighteous,thereforewecannotfaceHim.“IamquitesurethatHeisagainstme,andthesafethingformeistokeepaway!”

Throughtheyearsfearaccumulatesanddevelopsintomythirdword:antagonism.ThereisevenasenseofresentmentagainstGodinthenaturalheart.“WhyshouldGodpermittheworldtobeinsuchamess?WhyshouldGodallowthistohappentome?IfHeisGod,whydoesn’tHedosomething?”

Theseandathousandotherthingsinvadetheconsciousnessofthenaturalman,andovertheyears–fromchildhoodthroughyouth,sometimesinmanhoodandeventooldage–heischaracterizedbythesethreewordsinhisrelationshiptoGod:away,afraid,andantagonistic.

Nothingbutgracecouldmeetaconditionlikethat,forthefactofthematteristhatourassumptionsconcerningGod,whichhavekeptusawayfromHimaresimplythelieofthedevil.Godisnotagainstus.HehasshownHislovetowardusbeyondalldoubt“inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus”(Romans5:8).“IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings?(Romans8:31-32).

IfyouhavedevelopedanattitudeofantagonismtowardGod,yourfearsarebuiltuponthedeceptionofSatan.ItisnotGodwhoneedstobereconciledtoyou;itisyouwhoneedtobereconciledtoGod.Atonementhasbeenmadeforyoursin,andthedistancebetweenyouandGodwasobliteratedatthecross.ItistruethatwhenyoucomeintothisworldyouareawayfromGod,thatyouareoutoftouchwithHim.ButthegaphasbeenbridgedatCalvary,for“GodwasinChrist,reconcilingtheworlduntohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem”(IICorinthians5:19).

ItisthelieofthedevilwhichpersuadespeopletodaytokeeptheirdistancefromGod,whileallthetimeGodHimselfispleadingthatHe“solovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon”(John3:16).Heisnotagainstus,Heisforus!

OurseparationfromGodistheconditionwhichismetbythegraceofGodinJesusChrist.Therefore,letmesayagain,thatifyouareinthatconditionyouarerightwhereHisgracecanmeetyourneed.

Thereisalsothesalvationwhichgraceministers.Noticehowthechapterbegins.AtthemomentofDavid’striumph,whatdidhedo?Hesaid,“IsthereyetanythatisleftofthehouseofSaul?”Why?“ThatImighttakevengeanceuponhim”?No!“ThatImightretaliateforSaul’spersecutionofmeandeliminateanypossiblerival”?No!But“ThatImayshowhimkindnessforJonathan’ssake!”

“Isthereanyleftofthefamilyorhouseholdofthemanwhotriedtokillmewithajavelin,whopursuedmefrommountaintomountain,fromstrongholdtostronghold?Isthereanyrelatedtothismanwhomademylifesounbearable?NotthatImighttakevengeance,butforJonathan’ssake–mybelovedfriendJonathan,withwhomIenteredintoacovenantwhichcoversallhischildren–thatImightshowthemkindness.”

DavidfoundaservantofSaul’snamedZiba,whotoldhimaboutMephibosheth.AtonceDavidsentforhimwherehewaslivinginthelandofLo-debar.Thatwordmeans“thebarrenland,”aplaceofemptinessanddissatisfaction.ThatwaswhereMephiboshethlived.IcanimaginethathewasfilledwithfearwhenheheardthatKingDavidwantedaninterviewwithhim!Hecame,however,andimmediatelyfellonhisfacebeforeDavid,callinghimmasterandlord.WhenDavidspoketoMephibosheththerewasnochidingoranger:“Fearnot:forIwillsurelyshewtheekindnessforJonathanthyfather’ssake,andwillrestoretheeallthelandofSaulthyfather;andthoushalteatbreadatmytablecontinually”(IISamuel9:7).

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Observethatlastlittlephrase,whichfindsitswaynolessthanfourtimesintoIISamuel9,inverses7,10,11and13.WhentheHolySpiritsayssomethingfourtimes,itisobviousthatHeintendstogripourheartswithanimportanttruth.

Hereisthesalvationwhichgraceministers,andagainIwanttogiveitinthreesimplewords.Theconditionwhichgracemeetsisthatofbeingaway,afraid,andantagonistic.GodalwaystakestheinitiativeinbringingHisblessingtoalife.Itisnotyouwhotakesthefirststep;youareincapableofdoingathing.ItisGodwhomakesoverturestoyou;itisGodwhobygracestepsdowntoyouwhereyouare,whocomestomeetyouinyourneed.

Thefirstwordisacceptance.“Isthereanyofalostraceofpeople,”asksGod,“whohaskeptMeoutoftheirlives,whohaveignoredordefiedMe?ArethereanysuchpeoplethatImayshowthemkindnessforJesus’sake?IhavemadeacovenantwithMySonthatshallcoverallHisfamily,downtotheendoftime,acovenantsealedwithHisbloodthatcanreachouttothepersonwhoisfarthestaway,totheonewhoisthemostafraidofall,eventothemostantagonistic.IsthereanyonelikethattowhomImayshowkindnessforJesus’sake?”

Yes,“whenwewereenemies,wewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmore,beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife”(Romans5:10).ItisatremendousthingthatGod,infinitelyrighteousandabsolutelyholy,isable,whileupholdingthejusticeofallHiscreateduniverse,toreachdowntothedepthsofhumanneedandsay,“ArethereanyheretowhomImayshowkindness,inspiteoftheirtreatmentofMe?”

HowisHeabletodoit?HeisabletodoitforJesus’sake,becauseJesusatCalvaryhasbornetheresponsibilityofourantagonismandrebellion.HepaidthepriceforitbyHisownabsolutesubmissiontothewilloftheFatherandHisabsoluteobediencetothejusticeofGod.Therefore,becauseofHisbloodthatwasshed,GodisabletoseekapeoplewhoarefarawayfromHimwhoareafraidofHim,whoareantagonistictowardHim,andtosuchHeisabletosay,“ArethereanyofyoutowhomImayshowkindnessforJesus’sake?”

Mysecondwordisabasement,forDavidwhosentforMephiboshethisbutapictureofGodwhocallsbyHisHolySpiritthemanwhoisafaroff.IfIknowanythingofwhatitistoliveinantagonismandatadistancefromGod(andalas,indeedIdo!),Icanunderstandsomethingofthemeaningofthiswork“Lo-debar”–theplaceofbarrenness,dissatisfaction,andfrustration.

ThatistheinevitableconditionofamanwhoselifeisinmaladjustmenttoGod,whohasneverbeenbornoftheSpiritofGod.Thatdescribeswhereheisliving,anditisthereasonforhismisery,unhappiness,anddefeat,becauseheisfarawayfromGod.Itistohimthere,rightthere,thattheHolySpiritcomestobringhimintotheverypresenceoftheKing.ThemomenthegetsfacetofacewiththeLord,inrecognitionofthegraceofGodandthemarvelofHislove,likeMephiboshethhefallsatthefeetoftheMasterandlookingupintoHisfacesaystoHim,“MyLordandmyGod!”

Afewverseslater,wefindthatMephiboshethcalledhimselfadeaddog(IISamuel9:8).ThegraceofDavidpouredoutuponthismanbroughthimtoarecognitionofhisbasenessandlifelessness.Gracealwaysdoesthat.Graceneverleavesamanwithhisself-righteousnessandpride.ThecrossbringsusdowntotheveryfeetofourLordinrecognitionthatweareimpotent,lost,andbarren.

WelookupintoHisface,asdidtheApostlePaulontheroadtoDamascus,andsaytoHim,“Lord,whoareThou?”AndwhenwehavediscoveredwhoHeis,wesay,“Lord,whatwiltThouhavemetodo?”Thereisnorevelationofgracetotheheartthatdoesnotproducethiseffectofself-abasement.

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WhenIsurveythewondrouscross,

OnwhichthePrinceofglorydied,

MyrichestgainIcountbutloss,

Andpourcontemptonallmypride.

IsaacWatts

IwonderifGod’sgracehasproducedthatabasementinyou.Hasitbroughtyoudownthere?Ifnot,youhaveroomtoquestionwhetheryouhavereallymetHimandreceivedHisgrace.

Thefirstwordinconnectionwiththesalvationwhichgraceministersisacceptancebyvirtueofthemeritofanother.ThesecondwordisabasementbytherevelationofthatgracebestoweduponusinChrist.Mythirdwordisabundance.“I…willrestoretheeallthelandofSaulthyfather,”saidDavidtoMephibosheth,“andthoushalteatbreadatmytablecontinually”(IISamuel9:7).

Abundance!“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohathblesseduswithallspiritualblessingsinheavenlyplacesinChrist…ButGod,whoisrichinmercy…hathquickenedustogetherwithChrist…andmadeussittogetherinheavenlyplacesinChristJesus:ThatintheagestocomehemightshewtheexceedingrichesofhisgraceinhiskindnesstowardusthroughChristJesus”(Ephesians1:3;2:4-7).

“Thoushalteatbreadatmytablecontinually,”saidDavid.

Itellyou,thereisnopovertyinGod’ssalvation?Thereisnostinting,nojustscrapingthroughbytheskinofourteeth!Oursisasuper-abundantsalvation;inChristwearemorethanconquerors!InHimthereisaconstantsupplyoflifetothehelplessandpenitentsinnerwhohascometothefootofthecross.AtCalvaryhediscoversrealsatisfaction.Insteadofbarrennessinhislife,thereisfruitfulness;insteadofbeingafaroff,heismadeneartoGodbythebloodofJesus.

Fromthatmomenton,heistheobjectofGod’soutpouringofblessing.AlltheresourcesofheavenaremadeavailabletomeethisneedandtotakehimsafelythroughthejourneyoflifeuntilonedayhewillbepresentedfaultlessatthethroneofGod.

Meditateonthisthought,thatMephiboshethwastoeatbreadattheking’stablecontinually.Hewentthroughhislifelame,butattheking’stablehisdeformedfeetwouldbesafelyhidden.Goddidn’tchoosetohealhimphysically,soheremainedacripple.ThosewerethemarksofhisrunningawayfromGod,ofhisfear,andtheywerewithhimforever.

ItisastrangethinghowoftenintheBibleyoufindthat,farfromhealingpeople,Godcrippledthem.HecrippledJacob,sothateventhoughhewasrenamedIsrael,“aprincewithGod,”he“halteduponhisthigh”fromthedayhemetandwrestledwithGod(Genesis32:31).

IamsurethatveryoftenasMephiboshethsatdowntoeatattheking’stablehesaidtohimself,“Iamnotworthyofbeingsoclosetotheking.WhenIthinkofhowfarawayandresentfulIhavebeen,whyshouldIbetreatedlikethis?”Thenthethoughtwouldcometohim,“ButIamnothereformyownsake.IamhereformyfatherJonathan’ssake!”

Themanwhohasbeenbroughtbackfromwaywardnessandantagonism,whohasbeenacceptedbyGodonthemeritofJesusChrist,andwhohasbecomeawareoftheabundanceofhissalvationandtheglorioussupplyofGod’sgracetowardhim,isoftenbroughttosay,“ButLord,Iamnotworthyofthis.IfIgotmyjustrecompenseIwouldbeinhell,judgedbyGodandsenttoalosteternity.Idon’tdeservetheseprivileges,thejoysofanopenBibleandofanindwellingChrist!”

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Butaswesenseourunworthinessalmosttothepointofdespair,weareremindedthatwearenotreceivinganyoftheseblessingsonourmerit,butforJesus’sake.WeenjoytheabundanceofoursalvationandcontinuedfellowshipatthetableoftheKingofkingsbecauseGodhassealedbythepreciousbloodofHisSonacovenantthathastakenyouwithinitsscopetoprotectandkeepyouthroughoutlifeandforalleternity.

Also,wearetoldinIISamuel9:10thatZibahadfifteensonsandtwentyservants.WhydidtheHolySpiritputinadetaillikethat?I’lltellyouwhattheywerefor:tolookafterMephibosheth!TheywerepartofGod’ssuperabundance,anOldTestamentpictureoftheNewTestamenttruththatifIseekfirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness,allmannerofthingswithinthewillofGodshallbeaddeduntome(Matthew6:33).WhatanabundantsupplyGodprovidestoenableHischildrentotriumphdaybydaythroughgrace!

Thereisapostscripttothisstorywhichisveryprecious,andwithoutwhichitwouldbeincomplete.ItisnotfoundinIISamuel9,butinchapter19,anditshowsaresponsewhichgracemerits.

Manyyearshadgoneby,andtherehadbeenabreakdowninDavid’slife.Eventhoughheconfessedandwascleansedandforgiven,heboretheconsequencesofhissins–notethat.David’sdisgracefulbehaviorleftitsmarkuponhisfamilyandhomelife,andforatimehewasevenrejectedfrombeingking;hissonAbsolomrevoltedagainsthimandhewasforcedintoexile.TherebellionendedafterAbsalomwaskilled,andwhenDavidreturnedtoJerusalemhemetMephiboshethfacetoface.WhathadhebeendoingallthistimeofDavid’sexile?WearetoldinIISamuel19:24,“AndMephibosheththesonofSaulcamedowntomeettheking,andhadneitherdressedhisfeet,nortrimmedhisbeard,norwashedhisclothes,fromthedaythekingdeparteduntilthedayhecameagaininpeace.”

Ourfirstwordconcerningtheresponsewhichgracemeritsisabstinence.ThismanwhohadbeentherecipientofDavid’sgrace,throughallthetimeofhisrejectionandexilehadmaintainedalifeofabsoluteloyaltytohim.Theverywayhedressedandthewayhelivedsignifiedthathewassharingthesorrowandhardshipandsufferingofhisrejectedking.

ItwasalltheharderforhimtodothatbecausehisservantZibahadslanderedhim.WhenDavidaskedZibawhatMephiboshethwasdoing,heanswered,“Behold,heabidethatJerusalem:forhesaid,TodayshallthehouseofIsraelrestoremethekingdomofmyfather”(IISamuel16:3).Thatwasalie,butitconvincedDavidthatMephiboshethwasbetrayinghim.ThekingsaidtoZiba,“Allright,everythingthatIhavegiventoMephiboshethshallbeyours.”

ButwhenDavidcamebackandsawMephiboshethbearingallthemarksofsufferingandsorrowwhichhehadsharedwithhim,Davidsaid,“Mephibosheth,whydidn’tyougowithme?”Andhetoldthekingthetruth,thatZibahadslanderedhim.Ashespoke,Davidsawthemistakehehadmadeandsaid,“IsuggestthatyouandZibadividetheland.”AndMephiboshethsaiduntotheking,Yea,lethimtakeall,forasmuchasmylordthekingiscomeagaininpeaceuntohisownhouse”(IISamuel19:30).

Here,then,isabstinence:separationandidentificationarethemarksthatweareChrist’sandthatHeisourLordandMaster.

Thesecondwordisabandonment:“Lethimtakeall,David,Iamnotinterestedintheland.Whatmatterstomemorethananythingisthatyouhavecomeagaininpeacetoyourownhouse.AllIwantisyou–notyourblessings,orwealth,orpossessions,butyourself!”

Thisistheresponsewhichgracemerits.Oneoftheevidencesthatgracehasbeengenuineinaman’slifeisthatthereissomethingabouthimofabstinence:somethingabouthischaracter,hisspeech,hisbehavior,hisdress,thatindicateshesharesinthesufferingandrejectionofChristuntilHecomesagain.

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Deepereventhantheoutwardsigns,however,isthetransactionaboutwhichtheworldknowsnothing(althoughitwillseeevidenceofitsrealityinhislife)thatcomeswhenheliftsuphisfacetotheLordJesusandsays,“Lord,IamnotinterestedinYourblessings;allIwantisthatYoushouldreigninpeaceinYourownhouse.Letthemtakeallthematerialthings,Lord.ButIamYourproperty;mybodyisthetempleoftheHolySpirit.IamYourblood-boughtchild,LordJesus,andthereforeIbelongtoYoucompletely.”

Doyouseeit,friend?Oh,howpoverty-strickenarewordstospeakonsuchasubject!Areyouintheconditionwhichgracemeets?Thenthinkaboutthesalvationwhichgraceministerstoyou:youareacceptedbyvirtueofthebloodofthecross,becauseofwhatHehasdoneforyou.Thattruthbringsyouinabasementtothefootofthecross,andbecauseyoucomelikethat,thereisministeredtoyoutheabundanceofGod’ssalvation.

Thentherecomestheresponsewhichgracemeritsfromyourlife–anabstinencefromtheworld,anabandonmenttoGodinJesusChristwhichenablesyoutosaywiththeApostlePaul,“ButGodforbidthatIshouldglory,saveinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist,bywhomtheworldiscrucifieduntome,andIuntotheworld”(Galatians6:14).

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Chapter21HOWARETHEMIGHTYFALLEN!(IISamuel11:1–12:14)

ItisquiteremarkablehoweasilymanyofuscancastasideimpressionsmadeastheWordofGodhasbeenpreached,andhowquicklywecanrevertbothinmannerandinconversationtopurelysocialandsecularthings.Wemayoftenhaveaserviceofwhichwesay,“Well,wehadagoodtimeandahelpfulmessage,”butsomehowtherehasbeennorealwordfromtheLordtoourhearts,novitalimpactfromtheHolySpirit,andthereforenolastingresponse.MaythisstudybeastabfromtheSpiritofGodtogripourheartsandconscienceswithconviction.

Therealquestionforusallis:Arewepreparedtofacesin?Nottodiscusssomeoneelse’ssin,buttofaceourown;nottobeappalledatthedominationofcommunism,buttobeappalledatthedominationofthedevil;notsomuchtobealarmedatjuveniledelinquency,buttobeconcernedaboutourowndelinquency.WeneedtoheartheSpiritofGodspeaktouswithsuchauthorityandinsuchapersonalwayastodriveusintoacornerfromwhichwemustcryoutformercy,asHesays,“Thouarttheman.”

WehavebeenstudyingthelifeofDavidbyexpositionfromtheWordofGod.Wehaverisenwithhimtothepinnacleofthegreatdaysinhislife,greatdaysofvictory,butsuddenlywearehurleddowntotheabyss.

LetusconsiderforamomenttherelationshipofthispartofDavid’slifetoourowntimes.Whatsapsthevitalityofthiscountrytoday?Whatunderminesournationalstrengthofcharacter?WhatistherealmenacetothepoweroftheUnitedStates?WhatbringsshameupontheChristianchurch?Whatcausesmoreheartbreakandsorrowthananythingelseintheworld?ItisthesamesinofwhichDavidwasguilty.

Thecasualtiesfromaccidentsintheairandontheroadareinsignificantcomparedwiththecasualtiesofbrokenhomesandruinedlives,andthisisnotconfinedtoungodlycircles.Ofcourse,IrecognizethatSatanisverycleverandpowerful,andoneofthecleverestthingshedoesistoglamorizesin.OneofthefeaturesofrecentmovieadvertisinghasbeentheglamorizingofsinsofpeopleintheBible.WhenthatindustryattractsitspatronsbyannouncingafilmonthesubjectofDavidandBathsheba,everyoneknowswhattheyaregoingtoshow.

Satanspecializesinmakingsinpopular;heimplies,“Well,itdoesn’treallymatter.Thatiswhateveryonedoes.”Thesuccessofhisstrategymaybepartlyduetothefactthatwehaveceasedtothinkaboutthehorrorofsin.Astudentsomewhereispreparingfortheministry,andsuddenlyhedropsoutofschool–soonyouhearthathehasbeenhastilymarried.Oramemberofthefacultyisn’tinclassonemorning,andheisnotseenagain.Orthereisthepastorofachurchwhocannotbefound,adeaconwhodoesn’tappearfortheservices,achurchmemberwhocannotbetracedanymore.

ItisthesinofDavidthathascometolight,andasNathansaidtohim,“BythisdeedthouhastgivengreatoccasiontotheenemiesoftheLordtoblaspheme”(IISamuel12:14).MaytheLordhavemercyuponus,andlaybareourheartsbeforeHim!

Iamquitecertainthatuntilwearepreparedtoputthelabel“Sin”whereGodputit–takingnotourownestimateofit,butGod’s–anduntilourheartsarebrokenandwearebroughttoacknowledgebeforeHimthatwehavefailed,therewillbenobreakingthroughofthepowerofGodinvictoryandblessing.

Iwanttoremindyou,aswecometothissolemnsubject,that“wheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound”(Romans5:20).IfwelearnabouttheheinousnessofDavid’ssin–andweleaveitatthat–wehavelearnedlittle,becauseweknowit;butifwelearnaboutthemercyofGod,thenwesurelyhavelearnedsomethingtremendous.

RememberthebackgroundofthisstoryfromthestudyofDavid’slife;rememberthegreatheightshe

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reachedbeforehecrashed.Hewasashepherdboy,theonewhokeptthesheep,andwhowasdespisedbyhisfamily.Yourememberhowstrongandathletichewas:heleapedoverawall,outranatroop,killedalionandabear.Hewasamasterintheuseofasling;withunerringaimhisfirststonelandedrightintheforeheadofGoliath,anddownwentthegiant!DavidhadahandsomefacethatglowedwithhealthandawarmheartthatwastendertowardGod.Hewasalsoapoet,withallthecharacteristicsandtemperamentofapoeticsoul.

TheLordwashisShepherd,Daviddeclared,andhewascompletelydedicatedtohisdutyintheLord’swill.Oneday,youwillrecall,SamuelcameandanointedhimasthekingchosenofGod.InhischildhoodhehadknownthequickeningoftheSpirit,butnowheknewtheanointingoftheSpirit–andthereisadifference.TherearemanypeoplewhounquestionablyareChristians,whoknowGod’sregeneratingpower,butsomethingistragicallyandobviouslylackingintheirlives.TheyhavenotthatabilitygivenbytheSpiritofGodtoliveabovecircumstances.Theyneedwhatelectricityistothewire:spark,power,authority.TheHolySpiritisinthem,butHehasnotcomeuponthem.

TheflameofGod’sHolySpirithaddescendedupontheburntofferingofDavid’slife;theLordhadmethiminhissacrificeandsurrender.HeknewtherealityandthepowerandtheheavenlyauthorityofGod’sanointing.TheLordwashisRock,hisRedeemer,hisGreatShepherd.InwearinessDavidknewwheretogoforgreenpastures;whenhewasthirstyheknewaboutthestillwaters;whenhewasperplexedheknewthesustenanceofGod’spresence.Howeasilyheconqueredthegiant!HowgracioushewasinhistreatmentofSaul,howlackinginspiteandanimosity!AllthiswaspossibleonlybecausetheHolySpiritwasuponhim.

Davidwascalled“amanafterGod’sownheart.”Thatwasthecaliberoftheman,theheighttowhichhehadrisen.HehadbecomekingofallIsrael,andhehaddefeatedallhisenemies.Hehadrisennowtothepeakofhislifeandcareer–whensuddenlythedeviltrippedhimup.

Oh,fromwhatheightsofblessingitispossibleforamantofall!Towhatdepthsofsinamancandescend,evenwithallthatspiritualbackground!Thehigherthepinnacleofblessing,authority,andpublicityhehasattainedbygrace,thedeeperandmorestaggeringcanbehiscollapse.Thereisneveradayinanyman’slifebutthatheisdependentuponthegraceofGodforpowerandthebloodofJesusforcleansing.IfeveryouprayformeninpositionsofChristianleadership,youareprayingforthosewhoarethespecialtargetsoftheattackofthedevil.

ThiswasDavid’sbackground.Herewasthesortofmanwhoslipped,whomSatandefeatedandhumiliated,themanwhocrashedsolow.“Whereforelethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall”(ICorinthians10:12).AsIthinkofwhathappened(theeventsarerecordedinIISamuel11),ofthisIamsure,itdidnothappenallatonce.ThismatterofBathshebawassimplytheclimaxofsomethingthathadbeengoingoninhislifefortwentyyears.Indeed,thoseofuswhohavebeenstudyinghislifeperhapswillhaveseencertainsymptomsindicatingthattherewasthiskindoftroubleahead.Ipurposelyhavenotgoneintoanydetailaboutit,knowingthatIwouldcometothisparticularpointinduecourse.

Forinstance,weread:“Davidtookhimmoreconcubinesandwives[plural,manyofthem]outofJerusalem,afterhewascomefromHebron”(IISamuel5:13).ThiswasadirectviolationofGod’scommand.InDeuteronomy17,GodlaiddownspecificlawsfortheonewhowouldbekingoverHispeople.Therewerethreethingsfromwhichhehadtoabstain:“heshallnotmultiplyhorsestohimself”(17:16);“neithershallhegreatlymultiplytohimselfsilverandgold”(17:17);andthethirdwas“neithershallhemultiplywivestohimself,thathisheartturnnotaway”(17:17).

FrompreviousstudiesyouwillrecallthatDavid,whenhewasvictoriousinbattle,slewthehorsesinobediencetoGod’scommand.Hededicatedthesilverandgold,bringingthemtothetemplein

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obediencetoGod’scommand.Butonthedeeperissue,thethingthatwasnotoutsidehimselfbutinhim–whenitcametothematteroftheoppositesex,hebrokeGod’slaw.

WhydidGodmakethosethreerulesforaking?Becausethereisapricetopayforleadership;suchamancannotaffordtoliveasnearashedaretothatwhichiswrong.IfyouwouldattaintoanypositionofChristianleadership,youmustrecognizethatthereisapricetopay.Sometimesitisthepriceofloneliness;sometimesitisbeingmisunderstoodorhavingbutfewfriends.Itmaybesomethingelse,butonethingiscertain:thereisthepricetopayofkeepingyourlifetransparentlyrightwithGod.OnthatissueDavidfailed.

TwentyyearsbeforeDavidsawBathsheba,hehadsowntheseedsoffleshlyindulgence,butweseehereinIISamuel11howthisparticularincidentbegan.ItwasthetimewhenkingswentforthtobattleandJoab,David’sfaithfulcommander-in-chiefwhostoodbyhimthroughthickandthin,wasatthebattlefront,while“DavidtarriedstillatJerusalem”(IISamuel11:1)

Inanindolent,lazymood,inamomentwhenhewasoff-dutyandalone,therecame,toquotethewordsofNathan,“atraveler,”athought,whichledtoalook,whichdevelopedintoadesire,whichformeditselfintoaction.Tosatisfythatthoughthewent,ineffect,tothehouseofapoormanwhohadbutoneewelamb,inspiteofthefactthathehadsomuchhimself:“hisownflock”(IISamuel12:3-4).

InoticethatScriptureputstheentireblameforthesituationuponDavid;itdoesn’timplicateBathsheba.Beforethekingshewasobligedtoyield,andinafewmomentsthisgreatmanhadblackenedhischaracter,imperiledhiskingdom,dishonoredthenameofhisGod,andcausedtheenemiesoftheLordtoblaspheme.Itwasallbecausetherecame“atraveler”andheyielded.

LatercamethatawfulmomentwhenthetruthdawnedonDavidthathissincouldnotbehidden,andhisbloodranhotandcold.Bathshebasenthimthenewsthathewasgoingtobefoundout;achildwouldbeborn.

Somehowthisthingmustbecoveredup,sohesentamessengertoJoabatthebattlefrontdemandingthatUriahbesentbackhome.Bathsheba’shusbandcamebackatDavid’scommand,buthewasabravesoldierwhowouldnotindulgehimselfasDavidhaddone.Herefusedtogotohisownhouse,evenwhenDavidmadehimdrunk.ThereforethekingsenthimbacktothebattlewithorderstoJoab,“SeetoitthatUriahisputrightinthefrontlineofthebattleandleavehimtheretodie.”WhenUriahwasdead,hecouldnotdisownthechildthatwouldbeborn.

IwonderwhatJoabthoughtwhenhereceivedhisking’scommandthatamountedtomurder.“ItisastrangethinghowmymastercanwritewonderfulpsalmsandcanworshipGodsobeautifully,yetbehavelikethis!”ButJoabsawtoitthatUriahdied.Infact,heconductedthebattleinaridiculousfashion,goingrightuptotheverywallsofthecityandaskingfortrouble!Whenhesentbacknewsofthebattle,andthedeathnotonlyofUriahbutofmanybravesoldierswhoalsofell,hesaidtothemessenger,“IfDavidisangrybecausewehavelostthebattle,tellhimthatUriahisdead.Thatwillsatisfyhim!”

David’sreplywastosay,ineffect,“Idon’tmindaboutlosingthebattle–thatcanhappeninwar.Uriahisdead:thatiswhatmatterstome!”NowthatUriahwasdead,hehadcoveredup;thestorywouldneverberevealed.

Ah,David,youhavereckonedwithoutonevitalfactor:“ThethingthatDavidhaddonedispleasedtheLord”(IISamuel11:27).Davidthoughtthatkillingthemanwouldsettletheissue,butheforgotthateverythingwasdoneinthesightofGod.ItwasallknowntoHim,andsoonDavidandtheworldwouldhearmoreaboutit,too!

Whatatragedyitwas–thatamanwhohadwalkedwithGod,apsalmist,awarrior,aking,agreat

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spiritualleader,hadtrampledallthatinthedustinafewmomentsbecauseof“atraveler”!

Youknowtheperilsofanindulgentlife,ofunguardedmoments,ofleisurehours,ofslacknessandlackofdisciplinewiththeflesh.IwantyoutonoticethatmiddlelifeforDavid(forhewasoverfiftyatthistime)didnotmeanthattherewasimmunityfromtheattacksoftheenemy;therewasnolesseningoftheneedforbuffetingthebodyandkeepingitinsubjection.

Oh,thatyouandImightfinishourcoursewithoutablemishlikethat!Youmaysay,“ButDavid’ssinhasn’tbeenmysin.”Areyousureaboutthat?Beforeyouclearyourselfcompletely,readMatthew5:28;theLordsaidthat“whosoeverlooketh”isguilty.

PerhapsyouarejustbeginninganassociationwithsomeonewhichisoutofGod’swill–oratleast,iftheassociationisinGod’swill,thewayyouarebehavingisnot,andyouaresowingtheseedsoftrouble.Whoknowsbutthattheclimaxofdisasterisjustaroundthecorner!

Youngman,listentome.GodwillsaveyoufromanytemptationifyouleanupontheLordJesus;butifyoudeliberatelyseekcompanionshipwhereyouaregoingtobetempted,youwillhavetotaketheconsequences.

Ifyoudeliberatelywalkintoasituationwherethedevilcantripyouup,heavenwillnothelpyouuntilyouhavelearnedyourlesson,thattheonlywayofescapeistosteerclearoftrouble.

HaveyouattainedaplaceofauthorityinChristiancircles?Haveyoubecomeamissionary,ateacheroftheWord,apreacher,anevangelist?Ifyouhaveslackenedinthedisciplineofyourownpersonallife,youmaygetdraggeddownbythiskindofnet.MaytheLorddeliveryoufromit!

NoticeDavid’spenitencehere!Theimplicationisobvious–Ineednotgointodetail,butforatleasttwelvemonthsDavidhardenedhisheartandrefusedtoacknowledgehisfault.Itwasonlyafterthechildwasbornthatheeventuallycametohissenses.Doyouwonderwhatthatyearwaslike?DavidtellsusinPsalm32:3-4:“WhenIkeptsilence,myboneswaxedoldthroughmyroaringallthedaylong.Fordayandnightthyhandwasheavyuponme:mymoistureisturnedintothedroughtofsummer.Selah.”

“Selah”–thinkofthat!David,David,whatapricetopay!

ThiswasamanwhohadwalkedandtalkedwithGodandhadknownthepowerandauthorityoftheHolySpirit.ButasheresistedthepressureoftheSpiritandfoughtagainstconfessionofsin,his“boneswaxedold.”Allthemoistureofheavenlapsedintodrought;everythingwasdryandbarreninhissoul.

ButonedayNathancameandtoldhimaparableaboutarichmanandapoormanwholivedinthesamecity.Therichmanhadmuchandthepoormanhadonlyonepreciouslittleewelamb.Therecameahungrytravelertotherichman’shouse,andinsteadoftakingfromhisownflock,whichwaslarge,hestoleallthatthepoormanhad,theonelittlelamb.AlmostbeforeNathanwasthroughwithhisstoryDavidburstout,“Why,thatmanshouldbekilled,andrestorefourfoldthatwhichhehadtaken!”

ImustpausetoaskthatyounoticehowDavidhadbecomeveryharshtowardotherpeople.Thelawdidnotsayanythingabouttherobberofalambbeingkilled,althoughitcertainlysaidhehadtorestorefourfold.ButDavidsaidthatamanwhobehavedlikethatshouldbekilledalso.

Haveyouobservedthatwhenyouexcusesininyourownlifeyoubecomeverycriticalofitinotherpeople?Thepersonwhohidesanuneasyconscienceandasenseofguiltmayflashoutinangeragainstthesinofanother.IsthatwhysomeofusaresomercilesswiththeChristianwhoistrippedup?Isthatwhywehavenogospelforthebelieverwhofalls?Itmaybenotbecauseweareveryholy,butbecausewearesounholy,thatwecondemnthethinginanotheraswerefusetojudgeitinourownlives.LetusnotforgetthewordsofourMaster,“Hethatiswithoutsinamongyou,lethimfirstcastastone”(John

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8:7).

AtDavid’soutbursttheprophetturnedtohimwiththearrowofGodthatdroverighthome:“Thouarttheman!”NoticehowfirmlyGod,throughNathan,remindedDavidofHisgoodnessoverthepastyearsinIISamuel12:7-9.ThosewordshitDavidrightdownattherootsofhissoulandallhecouldsaywas“IhavesinnedagainsttheLord.”David’sonlyanswertoGodwasPsalm51;itslanguagerevealsthesobofamanwhosehearthasbeenbroken.

Thefirstimpulse,whenconvictionhitsaman,istorunfromGod,asDaviddidforayear.ButthesecondthoughtofamanofGodistorushtothewoundedsideoftheLordJesusforsafety–likePeterwhosaid,“Departfromme,forIamasinfulman,OLord”;yetlater,onthatpost-resurrectionmorningbytheseashorewhenJohnsaid,“ItistheLord,”PeterjumpedoutoftheboatandrantoHisside.Thatmaybewhereyouneedtogotoday.

WhataboutGod’sforgivenesswhenaman’sheartisreallybrokenwithconviction,whenheputsthelabel“sin”whereGodpointsitoutandacknowledgestotheLord,“Againstthee,theeonly,haveIsinned”?David’ssinwasnotagainstBathshebaonly,itwasnotagainstUriah,butDavid’ssinwasagainstGod.

NathantoldDavid,“TheLordalsohathputawaythysin;thoushaltnotdie”(IISamuel12:13).Thatwaslikemusictohissoul!Sinisdesperateanddangerous,anditalwaysbringsjudgment,yetitcannotquenchtheloveofGod.IfweconfessoursinspecificallyasDaviddid,thenHewillforgiveusoursinandcleanseusfromallunrighteousness.

Butthereisawordfollowingthatbitofcomfortwhichsendsashiverdownmyspine:“Howbeit…”Yes,thereisimmediateforgiveness,immediatecleansing,immediaterestorationtofellowshipwithGod,butwhatabouttheconsequences?“Howbeit,becausebythisdeedthouhastgivengreatoccasiontotheenemiesoftheLordtoblaspheme,thechildalsothatisbornuntotheeshallsurelydie”(IISamuel11:14).

Hissinwasforgiven,buttheconsequenceshehadtotake!WhenGodforgivesusandrestoresustofavor,Heusestherod,too,andlifeisneverquitethesameagain.Ohyes,HerestoresHisrepentantchildtofellowship,butsometimesamanhastodrinkthebittercup;aforgivenmanmaystillhavetoreapwhathehassown.WewillcometothisharvestlaterinourstudiesonDavid’slife,butrememberthatthischilddied.ThenoneofDavid’ssonstreatedhissisterasDavidhadtreatedBathsheba,andhissonAbsalombecameamurdererandausurperofhisfather’sthrone.Davidwentthroughstormydays,butheknewitwasnotthejudgmentofGod;itwasthechastisementofalovingheavenlyFather,“ForwhomtheLordlovethhechasteneth”(Hebrews12:6).

AsthatchastisementcutDavid’shearttotheverydepths,then,praiseGod,theLordhealedthewound.Thependulumbegantoswingbackagaintheotherway,voicesbegantospeakkindlytohimagain,andlovecametohispathagainattheendofhisjourney.Thepeople’sloyaltyreturnedtohim,andbeforehewenttobewiththeLordhecouldstillsay,“Manyaretheafflictionsoftherighteous:buttheLorddeliverethhimoutofthemall”(Psalm34:19).

TheLordsetsalloursinsinarraybeforeHisface;evenoursecretsinsarerevealedinthelightofHiscountenance.Hebreaksourheartsandhumblesusandbringsustoconfessionandrepentanceinordertomakeusholy,torestoretoustheyearsthatthelocusthaseaten,andtopresentusevenyet“faultlessbeforethethrone.”

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Chapter22THEPERILOFADIVIDEDHOUSE(IISamuel12:10–14:33)

ThetitleofthismessagegivesbutasymptomofsomethingthattookplaceatthisperiodinDavid’slife.Ithinkyouwillseetheconnectionaswepursuethismeditation.IwouldspeakaboutthesafeguardswhichGodplacesupontheforgivensinner.

“Nowthereforetheswordshallneverdepartfromthinehouse,”wasthemessageofGodthatNathandeliveredtoDavid(IISamuel12:10).Buttheprophetalsodeclared,inanswertoDavid’sconfession,“TheLordalsohathputawaythysin”(IISamuel12:13).Thismanexperiencedforgiveness,butGod’ssentenceremained:“Theswordshallneverdepartfromthinehouse.”

YouwilldiscoverinthesechaptersthatDavidnotonlyreceiveddivinepardonforhistransgression,buthealsobegantoreapthatwhichhehadsown.Somethingseemstohavesnappedsomewhere:thebondsofintegrityinhishomelifecollapsed,andDavidseemedutterlyunabletocopewithit.Amnon,hiseldestson,treatedhishalf-sisterTamarinthesamewayDavidhadtreatedBathsheba.Absalom,David’sspoiledchild,treatedhisbrotherAmnonasDaviddidUriah.MeanwhileDavid,withtheawfulsenseofguiltinhisownsoul,watchedhishomeandfamilygoingtopiecesandseemedpowerlesstodoanythingaboutit.Ofcoursehewas!

“ButwhenkingDavidheardofallthesethings,hewasverywroth”(IISamuel13:21).Yes,butasfarasdisciplinewasconcerned,hewasincapableofexercisingany.HowcouldherebukehissonforthecrimeagainstasisterwhenthememoryofBathshebawasinhisownheart?HowcouldhepossiblydisciplineAbsalomformurderwhenthedeathofUriahwasonhisownconscience?

ThereforeDavidfacedthehumiliationofseeinghishousedividedandhiskingdomindangerofcollapsebecauseofhispersonalbreakdown.Therewereveryfewhappydaysinhislifeafterthis;thestormsetin.David’shalfheartedforgivenessofAbsalomandhisinabilitytocopewiththewholesituationledtorebellion,andbeforelongDavidfoundhimselfanexile.“Forwhatsoeveramansoweth,thatshallhealsoreap”(Galatians6:7).

IsthishowGodforgives?WhenGodforgives,doesn’tHeforget?WhenamaniscleansedbythebloodofJesusChrist,surelyhissiniswipedoutandtheconsequencesofitvanish!Waitamoment!IwanttomakeastatementandthenjustifyitfromthisportionofScripture.EachofusiseitherunderthejudgmentofsinwhichGodhasneverforgiven,orwearesufferingfromthechastisementofourheavenlyFatherbecauseofsinwhichHehasforgiven.

ThatwhichhappenedinDavid’shomeduringtheseyearswasnotinspiteofthefactthatGodhadforgivenhim,butbecauseGodhadforgivenhim.ThemanwhoGodforgivessometimeshastodrinkverydeeplyofthewellwhichhissinhastapped.

Inthiseasydaywhenwewantcheapforgivenessthismayshockyou,butIhavearesponsibilityinthenameoftheLordtosubstantiatethesethingsfromScripture,andtoshowyouhowthechasteninghandofalovingheavenlyFatherisaverydifferentthingfromthejudginghandofaholyGod.

Inorderthatwemaygetthepictureclearly,letmeshowyouDavid’sforgivenessofAbsalom.ThestoryisinIISamuel14.Absalomhadbecomeinfuriatedbecauseofthishalf-brother’scrimeagainsthissister,sohewaitedforanopportunitytomurderhim,andthenheranforhislifefromthejudgmentofhisfather.WhatapoorsortAbsalomwas!Hewasaspoiledchildwithachild’spetulanceandanoldman’spassion.Hewasextremelyproudofhislonghair,andhelosthislifebecauseofit.Poor,weakAbsalom!

Youdon’tneedtobeclevertostartalotoftrouble.Absalomcertainlystartedplenty,andthereforehehadtorunforhislife.IaminterestedtonotethatDavidbecamerathersentimental.Amanwhohad

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beentrippeduplikethatoftengetssentimentalaboutpeople,andinIISamuel14:1youseethathissoulislongingafterAsalom.Ofcourse,asakingheknewthathemustpunishtheevildoer,butasafatherhewantedhissonnearhim.

CaptainJoab,faithfulbutruthless,cametotherescue.HecalledforawisewomanofTekoah,askinghertoputonanactforDavid’sbenefit.Shesoughtanaudiencewiththekingandtoldhimastory:“Iamawidowwithtwosons.Oneofthemhaskilledtheother,andnowallmyrelativesarecomingaroundsaying,‘Handoverthemurderertojustice.Lethimbekilled!’But.”shesaid,usingherquaintterminology,“ifIdothismycoalwillbequenched,”meaningthatshewouldhavenochildrenleft(IISamuel14:2-7).

Davidbythistimewassoeatenupwithemotionthathepromised,“Justleaveittome,”andwithanoathinthenameoftheLordhesaid,“AstheLordliveth,thereshallnotonehairofthysonfalltotheearth”(IISamuel14:11).

Heguaranteedsafetyattheexpenseofjustice,andimmediatelythefarsightedwomancapturedhiminhertrap.Turningtohimshesaid,ineffect,“Allright,whydon’tyoupracticewhatyoupreach?YoushouldwelcomeAbsalombackhomeinsteadofbanishinghim.David,IwantyoutobelikeGod:Hedothdevisemeansthathisbanishedbenotexpelledfromhim”(IISamuel14:12-17).

David,dulyimpressedwiththestory,agreedtorestoreAbsalom,butnoticehowhedidit.JoabbroughtAbsalomback,butwhenthatyoungmanreturnedtothecitythekingrefusedtoseehim(IISamuel14:21-24).Davidattemptedtokeepupsomekindofpunishment,andAbsalomdweltinJerusalemfortwoyearswithoutseeinghisfather’sface.Thekingfinallyhadtogiveintopressurebecausehissonhadbecomeverydifficulttohandle,asJoabfound.Therefore,thekingwelcomedhisdelinquentsonbackintohispresencewithoutanyevidenceatallontheyoungman’spartofpenitenceorsorrow.Whatwastheresult?

BeforeDavidrecognizedwhatwashappening(atthispointheevidentlyspentagreatdealofhistimeshutawaybyhimself),Absalomwaswinningtheheartsofthepeople.Hesowedseedsofdistrustagainstthekingandmadehimselfpopularbyhisattractiveness.

Heputonashowofluxuryashewentaroundinachariotwithsomefiftyattendantsand,justassurelythenasnow,luxurywillalwaysslackendevotionofGod’sking.PresentlyAbsalomsecuredasuddenrevolt,andDavidfoundhimselfrunningforhislife.

PerhapsoneofthehardestthingsofallwasthatAbsalomdrewawayAhithopel,David’sfavoritecounselor.“Yea,mineownfamiliarfriend,inwhomItrusted,whichdideatofmybread,hathlifteduphisheelagainstme”(Psalm41:9).Hewastheonethekingthoughthecouldtrust.ButafterwhatDavidhaddone,whyshouldhehavetrustedthemanwhowasBathseba’sgrandfather(cf.EliaminIISamuel11:3and23:34)?AhithophelhadpromptlyjoinedAbsalomintheconspiracyagainsttheking.

ThesortofforgivenessthatDavidgavetohissonAbsalomonlysowedtheseedofaworserebellion.Thekingwelcomedhimbackintohispresence,butthenextthingDavidknew,hefoundhimselfbetrayedbytheverysonwhomhehadforgiven.FromAbsalomtherewasnotanyshowofsorrow,anyevidenceofrepentanceorsignofabrokenheart.

Whatkindofforgivenessisthat?Iwilltellyou:itisthekindwewantfromGod,butweneverget.“OGod,forgiveus,butpleaseletusgoondoingwhatwearedoing!Don’tdemandofusrepentance!Don’tdemandabrokenheart!Don’tdemandfromusaturningawayfromsin!Lord,pleaseforgiveus,forweneedtobeforgiven;butdon’t,pleasedon’texpectanychange!”Godrefusesthosetermsaltogether;Hewillneverforgiveattheexpenseofjustice.InthisinstanceDavidprovedtheutterfutilityofanyattempttodoso.

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SuchwasthetotalinadequacyofDavid’sforgivenessofAbsalom,againstwhichIwouldincontrastpointyoutothewaythatGodforgivesasoul.ImustdrawuponthewomanofTekoahforthis,becauseshehasgivenmeoneofthebestgospeltextsintheOldTestament.AsthiswisewomansaidtoDavid:“NeitherdothGodrespectanyperson:yetdothhedevisemeans,thathisbanishedbenotexpelledfromhim”(IISamuel14:14).

Hisbanished!Iwonderhowmuchoftherealityofthistruthsheunderstood,butIwouldsaythatshecertainlydescribedyouandme:“Hisbanished.”Wearebanishedbecauseofsin,andnotmerelybanished,butinflightfromGodasAbsalomwasinflightfromDavid,condemnedandguiltybeforeHimwhoisabsolutelyholyandjust.Insomanyinstances,therefore,wedriftintoalifeofpracticalatheism,eveninchurchcircles.Godisnotinallourthoughts,norisHereallyrelevantinourdailylives.EveninourreligiousexperienceweseekthingsthatstirouremotionsratherthantherealityofHispresence.

Banishedandinflight–thedegradationofoursoulissurelyrevealedinimaginingthatwearefreeandhappyaslongaswelivelikethat.Don’tletusgettoonearGod!Letuskeepourselvesfree,orthesituationmightbecomedifficultandawkward!

Banishedandinflight,butGodlovesus.HelovesHisbanished.WearestillHis,nomatterhowmuchwemayrunawayfromGod.EvenifweturnawayfromtheKingofkingssaying,“Lord,Idon’twantyoutoonear,”wearestillHis.WebelongtotheLordbypurchaseandcreation,andthisisarelationshipthatnonecandeny.WearestillHisbanished,Hisproperty,andHewantsusbackatHisside.

AsDavidlongedforAbsalom,sotheLordlongsfarmoreforthebanishedsoul;butbecauseHeisholyandrighteousGod,thereareobstaclesintheway.

Letmeremindyouofthem.Forgiveness,thatis,theremovaloftheconsequencesofsinandrestorationtothefavorofGod,isnotsoeasyaswemayimagine.Thepopularideais,ofcourse,thatGodislove,thereforeHemustforgive.Butifforgivenessistobeadequate,itmustaccomplishtwothings.Inthefirstplace,thegulfbetweensinandrighteousnessmustbemaintained.Theremustbeabsolutelynocompromise,noattempttoreducetheabsolutepurityandholinessofGod,andnoattempttominimizethedepthsofdegradationofthehumansoul.Sinissin;righteousnessisrighteousness.Ofcourse,thatkindoftheologyisveryunpopulartoday,whensomanypeoplejustlowerthestandardofrighteousnessandlaughatsinandputthetwotogether.ButitisnotsowithGod!

TosaythatGodwillforgiveus,thatHemustforgiveusanyhowbecauseHeislove,maybecharitable,butitiscruel.IfGodforgivesonthebasisofloweringHisstandardofrighteousnessandwinkingatsin,thenthewholefoundationofHissovereigntymeltsaway,andHisabsoluteauthorityandholinesscrashtotheground.OfcourseHemustpardon,butonlyontheconditionthatthereisnotamperingwithjustice.Hewillpardononlyifthereisnotendencytosay,“Itdidn’tmatterverymuchanywaythatIdidthat.”

MayGodwriteitonyoursoul:ifthepardonyouwantisthatGodshouldwinkatyoursin,Hewillnotdoit.IfallyouleanuponisthatGodhasignoredyourtransgressions,thatwhatyouhavedonedoesn’treallymattertoHim,thenyouarebankingyoureternityonabrokenreed.ThefirstthingthatGodmustdoinofferingforgivenessistomaintainthatrighteousnessisstillrighteousness,andsiniscalledsin,andthosetwowillneverbebroughttogether.

ThesecondthingthatGodmustdoifHewouldpardonistoturnthatmanwhoisforgivenfromthesecretlustoftheoldnaturetoaheart-cryforpurityoflife.Otherwise,forgivenesswillonlyfosterthesinthatishaspardoned.

Unlessyoulearnsomehowtohatesin,thenyouwillhavetobecrawlingtoGodeveryfiveminutesformorepardon,becauseyouwillsimplygoonsinning.Asuperficialsenseofsinissatisfiedwithasuperficialforgiveness.Butletamanonceseehimself,hisrealself,thenItellyouhewantsmorethana

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littletwigontheriverbanktoclutchashefoundersinthefoulandmuddywater.Hewantssomethingfirmtowhichhecanhold,somethingthatwillneverlethimdown.Hebeginstosay,“Oh,tobesavedfrommyself,dearLord!”

Doesthisworldlooklikeaplacetowhichweshouldoffereasyforgiveness?Withitsfilthanditsvice,itsimmoralityandawfulbreakdown,isitaplacetocomewithasunnyandsyncopatedgospelthatsay,“Comeon,getyoursinsforgivenandgotoheaven”?CanIgointothegrimness,thesordidnessofanygreatcitytodaywithakindofgospelthatsays,inotherwords,“Travelnow,paylater”–akindofeasy,jazzyforgiveness?CanIofferpardonwithoutanydemandforrepentance?IcannotbecauseGoddoesnot.He“devisesmeans,”andthatwordis“Heplansplannings,Hethinksthoughts.”Godcannotarbitrarilyforgivethemanwhohascollapsed:Hisnatureforbidsit,Hislawforbidsit,andourgoodforbidsit.ThereforeHeplansmeans.

IfGod’sHolySpirithasbroughttoyousomemeasureofconviction,Iwouldpointyouto

…agreenhillfaraway,

Outsideacitywall,

WherethedearLordwascrucified

Whodiedtosaveusall.

Mrs.C.F.Alexander

Itisthecross,andonlythecross,whichmeetsGod’srequirements.AtCalvarythegulfbetweenaholyGodandsinfulmanwasbridged.Thatisthemiracleofgrace!

Thinkofthatgreatgulfbetweensinandgoodness.Whereistheresuchproofthatthewagesofsinisdeathasatthecross?WhereissuchademonstrationoftheholinessandpurityofGod’slawaswhenmySavioursubmittedtoitutterly?WherecanwelearnthehideousnessofsinandthehatredofGodforitbetterthaninseeingHisbelovedSonrejectedandtauntedandcrucified?WheredowerealizethemiseryofbeingbanishedfromthepresenceofGodmorethanwhenwehearJesuscryout,“MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?”(Matthew27:46).

ItisonlyatthefootofthecrossthatthemanwhoisforgivenlearnstohatethesinthatseparatedhimfromGod.God’sforgivenessofthehumansoulcanonlytakeplacewhenaguiltysoulandaholyGodarebroughttogetherbyfaithwhichclaimstopriceJesuspaid.

David’sforgivenessofAbsalomwascompletelyinadequate,leadingtoafurtheroutbreakofsin.God’sforgivenessofaman’ssouliscompletelyadequate,andagreatdeterrenttocontinuedsin.

NoticeDavid’sreactiontoGod’sforgiveness(IISamuel15:30).HeleftthecityunderthepressureofAbsalom’srebellion,goingupbytheascentofMountOlivet,weepingashewent,withhisheadcoveredbuthisfeetbare.Hewasnotsufferingthesentenceofajudge,butthedisciplineofhisheavenlyFather.

IfDavidcouldspeaktoustodaywemightaskhim,“Whythetears?Becauseyouhavebeenturnedoutofyourkingdom?Becauseyouhavelostyourthrone?”Surelyhewouldanswer,“Noindeed!”WhenhewentoutfromJerusalemwhatbrokehisheartwastheevidenceofhissininhischildrenandinhiskingdom.Hehadseeneverythinggotopieces,andthesenseofguiltandshamejustbrokehimdown.

InIISamuel16:5-8isrecordedoneoftheworstthings,perhaps,thatDavidhadtoface.ThatwretchedmanShimeiwatchedhimfromtheothersideoftheriverandcursedhim,hittinghimwhenhewasdowninthedust.YetDavidwasabletosaytoAbishaiandtoallhisservants,“Behold,myson,whichcameforthofmybowels,seekethmylife:howmuchmorenowmaythisBenjamitedoit?Lethimalone,andlethimcurse;fortheLordhathhiddenhim”(IISamuel16:11).Davidevenreceivedthecursingofhis

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enemiesaspartofthedisciplineofGod:“ItmaybethattheLordwilllookonmineaffliction,andthattheLordwillrequitemegoodforhiscursingthisday”(16:12).Davidhadnodesiretoavengehimself.AllthecursesandabusethatcouldevercometohimweresimplytheministryofGodtohelphimtowardperfectionandrestoration.

ThatisthekindofforgivenessthatGodoffersatthecostofJesus’blood.ThatiswhatImeanwhenIsaythateverymanandwomaniseitherunderthejudgmentofGod’sholinessforsinandhasneverbeentakentothecross,orheisexperiencingthechasteninghandofalovingheavenlyFather.“WhomtheLordloveth,hechasteneth”(Hebrews12:6).

InspiteofallDavid’sfailures,ashereactedtothechasteningofGodhewasstillthemanafterGod’sownheart.YoucankickagainstHischasteningandhardenyourproudheartagainstit;youcanresistandstillrefusetoacceptit;youcandenyitandbecomehardandcallous,thoughstillfundamentalindoctrine.

David’sacceptanceremindsmeofthewordsofFrederickW.J.MyersashewrotetoSt.Paul:

Yea,Thouforgivest,butwithallforgiving,

Canstnotrenewmineinnersenseagain.

MakeThou,OChrist,adyingofmyliving!

Purgefromthesin,butneverfromthepain.

CanyousaythattotheLordtoday?“Lord,don’ttakeoffYourchasteninghand!MayInevergothroughlifefeelinganythingbutpainforthesinofwhichIhavebeenguilty.MakemylivingtobeadyinginthewillofGod.MayIacceptallthatcomestomeaspartofHisplantotaketheclaythathasbeenspoiledinthehandofthepotterandmakeitagainanothervessel.”

IfyouwanttoknowwhatDavidwassayinginhissoul,turntoPsalm3.ThereweseehimacceptinghischasteningfromGodandcomingtorestintheLord.Hewenttosleepquitehappily,awakenedinthemorningquitebrightly,fortheLordwashishelper.“Ilaidmedownandslept;Iawaked,fortheLordsustainedme”(Psalm3:5).

SuchisGod’sforgivenessthatIhavetriedtoportraytoyou.Itisnotaneasyoracheapthing,butverycostly.AsyousubmittoitinyoursoulandreceivethechasteningofyourheavenlyFather,whatapreciousthingitbecomesasitconformsyoutotheimageofHisdearSon!

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Chapter23THEFELLOWSHIPOFHISSUFFERINGS(IISamuel15:1-37)

AswehavestudiedthelifeofDavidasthemakingofamanofGod,wenowcometothesubjectofidentificationwitharejectedkingasoneofthegreatprinciplesthatisnecessaryinthelifeofachildofGodtoday.Whenthisprincipleislacking,thelifeisonlyaheapofashesonthegrate–nofirebutallsmoke.Thisprincipleofidentificationwitharejectedkingissomethingstrangeandunusual,butsovitalthatwhenitgripstheheartitsetsitonfire.ItcausesustospeaktotheLordJesusasIttaispoketoDavidinthehourofhisrejection.

OneofthesaddestepisodesofthewholeBibleisthestoryofDavid’sflightfromAbsalom;itwasoneofthemosttragicmomentsinhislife.Perhapsthemostpatheticthingofallwasthatdeepdowninhishearthewasconsciousthathedeservedwhathegot.Aswehaveseeninapreviousstudy,thiswasthechastisementofaheavenlyFatherbecauseofthesinofhislife.Hewasnowbeingputthroughthefire,throughthetesting,bythehandofalovingGod.

HisattitudeatthismomentwassurelyonewhichhonoredtheLord.Hisheart-cryisfoundinthelanguageofPsalm62.Theyarefamiliarwords,buthaveyoueverrecognizedthemintheirtruecontext?KingDavid,rejectedbyhispeople,wasgoingoutintothelonelinessanddesolationofexile.Hissonandmostofhisrelativesandfriends,whohadhailedhim“Hosanna,welcometotheking!”werenowinrevoltagainsthim.Thenlistentohimsay,“Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod;formyexpectationisfromhim.Heonlyismyrockandmysalvation:heismydefense;Ishallnotbemoved.InGodismysalvationandmyglory:therockofmystrength,andmyrefuge,isinGod”(Psalm62:5-7).

AsDavidleftJerusalm,hepausedatthecitylimitsandlookedaroundatthecompanyofpeoplewhofollowedhiminthismomentofrejection.Andwhomdidhesee?AgreatcompanyfromthepeopleofIsrael?No,theywereallagainsthim.Hisfamily?No.Hesawagroupofrough,ruggedPhilistines–allofthemforeigners–sixhundredofthemheadedupbyIttaiofGath.HowhavesuchpeoplecometobeidentifiedwithDavid?Whyaretheytruetothekingwhenothers,thosewhohadbeensoexcitedanddevotedatthemomentofhiscoronation,havenowturnedtheirbacksuponhim?Whyhasthisroughtroopofhardmendecidedtofollowthekingevenintoexile?

I’lltellyouwhy.Thesemenhadwatchedhiminthedifficultdaysbeforehiscoronation.TheyhadbeenwithhiminGathwhen,thoughanointed,hehadfledfromSaul,andtheyhadwatchedhisreactions.Somethinginhimhadbroughtfromthemgreatadmirationandlove.TheruggednessoftheirheartshadbeenmeltedastheywalkedandtalkedwithDavid,andnowgushingriversoflivingwaterflowedfromthemindedicationtohiscause.Inthemomentofhisrejection,thatiswhatmadethemsay,“Inwhatplacemylordthekingshallbe…therealsowillthyservantbe”(IISamuel15:21).

WhateverDavid’sfate,theyweregoingtoshareit.Althoughhisbackwastothewallandhisownpeoplewererebellingagainsthim,theyrefusedtodeserthim.Followinghimmeantdangerorevendeath,buttheirdeclarationwas“whetherindeathorlife,eventherealsowillthyservantbe.”

TheseruggedPhilistineshavepreachedasermontomyheart.Arethesetheonlypeople,thisroughheathen-borncrowd,whowillremaintruetohimnowthathissubjectshaveturnedawayinrevolt?ThevowofloyaltyinwhichthisgroupofmenpledgedthemselvestoDavidgivesuswordsinwhichyouandImayexpresswithourlipsandheartsourdedicationtoourrejectedKingJesus:“AstheLordliveth,andasmylordthekingliveth,surelyinwhatplacemylordthekingshallbe,whetherindeathorlife,eventherealsowillthyservantbe.”

Inthelivesofthisgroupofmenthereisunquestionablyasurrendertothewilloftheking,ayieldingthat

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isnotslavery,butahappyandblessedliberty.Itisnotenforcedbycompulsion;itarisesfreelyfromheartsthataretender,heartsfromwhichthehardnesshasbeendispersed.Therefore,asDavidwentoutofthecity,thisgroupofmen–alltoughwarriors–weretheoneswhocommittedthemselvestotheking’scauseandtohiswill,whileDavid’slukewarmsupporterschosethewinningpopularside.

LetmesaytoyouverylovinglythatJesusisonlyKingwhenyourwillandHiswillagreetogether.WhereHiswillandyourscoincidethereisstrengthandaqualityofdivinelyimpartedlife.Wheretheydiffer,thereisweakness.VitalChristianexperienceissosimple:Christ’swillisyourwill.YouareonlyChristiantotheextentthatthisistrue;youarenotoneinchfurtherthanthatinspiteofallyourprofessions.

Theword“Christian”means“Christ’sman,”andwheneveryourwilldivergesfromHiswill,thenatthatpointyouarenotHisman.YoubelongtoHimonlywhenyouthinkasHethinksandloveasHelovesandwillasHewills.WhenyouacceptHiscommandmentsastheprincipleofyourlife,Hisexampleasthepatterntofollow,andHisprovidence,whetheritseemstobeforgoodorill–whenyouacceptthankfullyallthatissufficientforyourneed,thenyouareHisman.

Ifyouthinkthatthisisslavery,Iwouldremindyouthatitisthekindofsacrificeyougivetosomeoneyoulove.Yougiveittohusbandorwife;yougiveittomotherorchild.Youseeitinfriendtofriend;youseeitinallsortsofintimaterelationships.ButwhatatragicthingitistocontrastthatdevotiononthehumanlevelwithourlackofdevotioninrelationshiptotheGodwholovedusandgiveHimselfforus.

Jesusoncesaid,withacoininHishand,“Whoseisthisimageandsuperscription?”Towhomdiditbelong?Asplainlyastheemperor’sheadwasonthatcoin,sotheimageofChristisstampeduponyourlifeandthereforeyoubelongtoHim.Yourheartcanonlyrestinalovethatisperfect,awillthatisabsolute,aholinessthatiscomplete.Frustrationistheinevitableresultifyousurrenderyourwilltootherpeople,andfailtodoitinyourrelationshipwiththeLord.

“InGodismysalvationandmyglory:therockofmystrength,andmyrefuge,isinGod,”Davidsaid(Psalm62:7).GodcomestoyourlifeinthepersonofJesusChrist,whogaveHimselfutterlyforyouonCalvary,andHeasksyoutoyieldyourselfwhollytoHimsaying,“Hethatlosethhislifeformysakeshallfindit”(Matthew10:39).

Haveyoueverpausedtocontrasttheaffectionthatflowsfromyourhearttohusband,wife,parent,child,lover,orfriendwiththecoolnessofyourhearttowardtheLord?DidyoueverstoptocontrastthewillingnesswithwhichyousacrificeforotherpeopleandthegrudgingwayinwhichyousacrificeanythingforthesakeofJesus?HaveyoueverpausedtocontrastthesenseofdesolationwhensomelovedoneistakenfromyouwithyourcomparativeindifferencetothepresenceandrealityoftheLordJesus?

Yet,ifyouaretrulyHis,themeasureofyourpowertolovesomebodyisthemeasureofyourobligationtoloveyourLord.Yourcapacitytolove,tosacrifice,tosurrender,whichsooftenisgiventoothersbutwithheldfromGod,isthemeasureofyourresponsibilitytoloveHimwithallyourheart.SurrendertotheKingisrealonlywhenitcomesfrompersonaldevotionandloveforHim.

Thislittlebandofforeignmen,whoseheartshadthefeltthewarmthofDavid’spresence,whohadseenhispatienceinthetimeofsuffering,whohadwalkedwithhiminthedaysofhisrejection,thesemenwhowereclosetoDavidlovedhim.Livingsoclosetohimmadethemconsciousofhisgreatness,andhislovebrokeuptheharnessoftheirhearts.Sointhedayofcrisis,whileotherpeople,whowerewhatyoumightcallfair-weatherfollowers,weredesertinghim,thisgroupofmenfollowedhimandsharedthefellowshipofhissufferings.

Areyouafair-weatherfollowerofChrist?ThereneverwasatimeinallhistorywhenaclearidentitywithJesusChristinthedayofHisrejectionismoreneededthaninthisworldthatcaresnothingforthethingsofGod.ButHisservicewouldbeslaveryandpurelegalismunlessitspringsfromalifethatwalksand

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talkswithHim,andaheartthatlovesHim.Therefore,surrendertothewilloftheKingisnotaforcedobligation;itmustbeagladdevotionoftheheart.

Thereisanotherparttothesermonthatthisruggedcrowdpreachestous:self-sacrificetothepurposeoftheking.TheirdeclarationofloyaltywasnolightheartedpromisegivenwhenDavidwasapopularhero.Farfromit!Theirpledgewasn’tgiveninamomentofenthusiasm,wheneverythingwasgoingright.Itwasgivenwheneverythingwasgoingwrong!Itwascommitmentinthetimeofrebellion,whenDavid’skingshipamountedtonothingandhisauthoritywasunrecognized.Atthattimetheyofferedthesacrificeoftheirlivesforhissake.TheyjustbelievedthatitwasrighttobewithDavidinsteadofwithAbsalom,thatitwasbettertobewiththefewwhofollowedthekingthanwiththecrowdwhorejectedhim.

ThatisthekindofobedienceChristwantstoday.Whosesideareyoureallyon?Areyoureadytosurrendermuchthatotherpeopleenjoy,muchthattheself-lifewouldbeonlytoothankfultohave?Thenyourself-sacrificeforChristwillcauseyoutosay,asNehemiahusedtosay,“SodidnotI,becauseofthefearofGod”(Nehemiah5:15).

Self-sacrificeforthepurposeoftheKinginvolvesidentitywithHiswillandHiswayatthecostofrefusingtolistentootherclaimsthatmightbelegitimateordelightful,butwhicharenotHiswillforyou.TotakeordersfromtheKingofkingsandtosayasDavidsaid,“Mysoul,waitthouonlyuponGod;formyexpectationisfromhim,”istodiscoverthatsomethinghappensinyourlife,exactlywhathappenedtothisruggedcrowd–theirharnessofheartwasmelted.

Iunderstandthatanexpertastronomercouldpointouttousastarinspacewhichhadbeenquiteinsignificant,almostinvisible,untilsuddenlyitseemedtohavecaughtfireandnowitstandsoutinshiningbrilliancy,flamingwithlight.Whenthethingthatwearetalkingabouthappensinthelifeofafelloworgirl,amanorwoman,whentheyseethattheonlythinginlifethatmattersistobeonGod’ssidecompletely,whentheyrecognizethisprincipleofself-sacrificeforHispurpose,whentheirsurrenderisinspiredbylovefortheLord,Itellyou,thatChristianbeginstotakefire.Ihaveseenitsooften.

Afellowhascomeupandsaid“Why,Ihavebeensavedforyears,butitdidn’tmakemuchdifferenceinmylife.Iwasforgiven;IknewIwasachildoftheKing,butitwasmoretheorytomethanreality.SuddenlyIsawthesimplicityofthevictoriouslife:itisjustsubmissionoftheKing.”Thatiswhenthefirebeginstoburn.

Butmyheartisheavyformanywhoprofesssomuch,yetgothroughtheirwholeChristianlifeandneverseemtoknowthattruthatall.Surrendermayhavebeentheory,butishasnotbeenrealityforthem.Whatareckoningitwillbeforthemonthatgreatjudgmentday!Thefirehasneverburned,thehearthasneverbeensoftened,thetemperhasneverbeencontrolled.Theysaytheyare“Christ’smen”,butIwonder!

Yettheanswerissobasicandsimple.Theneedisnotmoretheologicallearning,normoreintelligentappreciationoftheBible,noragreaterunderstandingoftruth.Itisthatmeasureofspiritualcrisiswhichbringsaman–body,soul,andspirit–unreservedlytothefeetoftheKingofkingsintotalcommitmenttoHim.Iwonderhowmanyofushavereallyarrivedatthatplace.ButwhenthefirebeginstoburnandweknowthatourvowuntotheLordhasbeenaccepted,wewouldnevergoback.

Self-sacrificeforthepurposeoftheKingissomethingthatthisgroupofPhilistinesteachesusfromthisOldTestamentstory.Butthereisanotherpartstill,andIwouldcallitabsolutesatisfactionwiththepresenceoftheking.

Ithinkthereisnothingsosadinaman’slifeaswhenhisheart’ssurrenderismisdirected,whenotherpeopleclaimwhatJesusChristdeserves,whentheLordisgivenonlythelittlebitsleftover,thethingsthatdon’tcountanddon’tcost,whenhomeandmaterialthings,orevenhumanaffections,crowdoutthe

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onerelationshipforwhichweweremade.

InadramaticstoryfromtheBookofDaniel,whentheheathenkingBelshazzarhadhisdrunkenfeast,thewritertellsusthattheyusedthegoldenvesselsthatweretakenfromthehouseofGodatJerusalem.TheBabyloniankingandhisprinces,hiswives,andhisconcubinesdranktoaststotheirgodsfromthesevessels.

Buthowoftenourhearts,withthemarkofChrist’sownershipuponthem(forwhetherwerecognizetheownershipornotdoesn’tmakeanydifferenceinthefact),havebeenfilledwiththepoisonofotheraffectionsaswehaveservedothergods.WehavedevotedoursurrenderandsacrificetothingsthatareutterlyunworthyofthosewhoclaimtobechildrenoftheKing.

DavidHimselfsaidinPsalm119:165;“Greatpeacehavetheywhichlovethylaw”:thepeaceofconscience,thepeaceofself-surrender,thepeaceofcastingthewholeburdenuponHisshoulders–thelimitofourresponsibilityistowalktheroadofHischoosing.Thatisthetranquillife,therestinglife,thelifethathasfoundpeace.

TolaydownyourwillbeforeGodistofindtheplaceofrestandofsatisfactionwiththepresenceofJesusChrist.ToyieldtoHimandtoobeyHiswillmakesyourlifequietandstrongandconfident.Thatisthesecretofremovingtension.ThatkindofpersonhasfoundhisrestbecausehehasfacedthesimplicityoftotalsurrendertoallthegoodandperfectandacceptablewillofGod.Oh,thesatisfactionthatcomestoaheartthatisyieldedlikethat!Theonlytruepeaceandsatisfactionthatamancanevergetinthislifecomesfromthepresence,thepower,andtherealityofJesusChristinthelife.

WhenourrejectedKingreturnsoneday,thosewhosharedinHissufferings,thosewhohavebeenidentifiedwithHiminHisrejection,thosewhohavefollowedHimrightthroughwhateverthepathmayhavebeen,theyaretheoneswhowillreignwithHimforever.“AstheLordliveth,andasmylordthekingliveth,surelyinwhatplacemylordthekingshallbe…eventherealsowillthyservantbe”(IISamuel15:21).

Whatdoesthissermonsaytoyourheart?FromtheexampleofthisgroupofmenwhointhedayofDavid’srejectionwalkedloyallywithhimintoafuturethatwasunknown,whoseheartshadbeensoftened,andoutofwhoselivesthereflowedtheriversofdevotion,Iamsuggestingtoyouthesesimple,basicthingsthatlieattheheartofChristianexperience:totalsurrendertothewillofGod,sacrificeforthepurposeofGodinthelife,andsatisfactioninthepresenceofChristdaybyday.

ThoseofyouwhoprofesstohaveknowntheLordJesusformanyyearsandtobeHisfollowers,isthissomethingyouhavefailedtoface?IsthatwhyourcitiesdonotfeeltheimpactofChristianity?IsthatwhymultitudesgoontheirwaycasuallyrejectingtheLord?IsitbecausetheynevermeetpeoplewhoareidentifiedwithChristinHisrejection,whoreallyhaveputHimfirstintheirhearts,towhomHiswillmattersmorethananything?

WhenyoucometoHiminsurrender,thefirewillbegintoglowinyourheart,andtherealityofHisindwellingpowerandauthoritywillbringheavenverynearandmakeChristpreciousandrealtoyoursoul.Buthowdullandhowdangerousitistogothroughlifelikeamachine,grindingoutthework,goingthroughthefeverishroutine,theirritationsandthefrustrations,withlackofrestandlackofreality!

IffromyourheartyoucansaytotheLordJesuswholovedyouandgaveHimselfforyou,“Lord,asThoudostlive,inwhateverplacemyKingshallbe,eventherewillThyservantbealso,”outfromyourbeingwillshinetheglowingflameoftheSpiritofGod,therealityofthepresenceofChrist,andyourlifewillbedifferentforevermore!

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Chapter24BRINGBACKTHEKING(IISamuel19:1-43)

WhenDavidwentintoexileheleftafriendofhisinthecourtofAbsalom,HushaitheArchite,inorderthathemightdefeatthecounselofAhithopel,David’sone-timefriendwhohaddesertedhim.WhenAbsalomdecidedonhisstrategyforattackingDavid,thecounselofHushaiprevailedagainstthecounselofAhithopel.Davidwaswarned;hisarmywasprepared,andheturnedthescaleofbattleagainstAbsalom.

Ahithophelcommittedsuicidewhenhisadvicewasrejected,amanembitteredandfrustratedinhisattempttogetrevengeforDavid’streatmentofhisgranddaughterBathsheba.TherebellionwascompletelybrokenwhenAbsalomwaskilledbytheruthlessJoab,inspiteofDavid’spleathatwhoeverfoundhimshoulddealkindlywithhim.

NowthewaywaswideopenforDavidtoreturntoJerusalemandclaimhiskingdom.However,wefindinIISamuel19thatDaviddidn’tliftafingertore-establishhisauthority.Itwouldseemagoldenopportunity,whiletherebelforceswereinconfusion,forDavidtocomestraightbacktoJerusalemandenterthecityingreattriumph.ButthemomentofDavid’sreturnwasnotadramaticentryintotheaffairsofJerusalem,orbyhisinterventiontocrushtheopposition.Hisreturntosovereigntywasdecidedbythevoluntarysubmissionofhiskinsmenandbytheirlovingobediencetohiswill.

ThatisclearlybroughtoutinthelanguageofIISamuel19:12.ItisthevoiceofDavidspeaking,thevoiceoftheexiledking,waitingtocomebackandassumeauthorityoverhispeople,butrefusingtodosowithoutaunanimousvoteinfavorofhisreturnfromthosewhowerehisownbrethren,hisowntribe.Davidrefusedtomoveinandestablishhisauthorityuntilhewasasked,untilhehadthesubmissionandobedienceofhispeople.Whyshouldthatbe?Whyshouldn’tDavidhavegonebacktoJerusalemimmediatelyandassumedhisauthority,puttinganendtotheconfusion?

I’lltellyouwhy.YourememberthatJudahwastobeDavid’slawgiver;hesaidtohimselfinPsalm60:7.TheancientpromisegivenbyJacobintheblessingofhischildrenwasthat“ThesceptershallnotdepartfromJudah,…untilShilohcome”(Genesis49:10).ItwasthroughJudahthatDavid’sauthoritywasgoingtobemadeeffective.ThepositionofJudahwasoneofprivilegeandresponsibility.Theywerehisownpeople,anduntiltheysubmittedandgladlyobeyedhim,hisreignwouldnotbeestablished.

Therefore,DavidwaitedwhileIsraeldebatedanddiscussedthesubject,untiltherecameamomentouscrisisdescribedinIISamuel19:14-15:“HebowedtheheartofallthemenofJudah,evenastheheartofoneman;sothattheysentthisworduntotheking,Returnthou,andallthyservants.Sothekingreturned,andcametoJordan.”

IwanttoflashNewTestamenttruthuponthisOldTestamentstory,atruththatsomehowchallengesmyheart.Howoftenwesay,asChristianpeople,thatwearelivingonthevergeofourLord’sreturn.WebelieveinthepersonalandimminentreturnoftheLordJesusChristtoreigninauthorityandpower.

WedonotbelievethatthisworldwilleverbeChristianized;wedobelievethatitmustbeevangelized,butthereisabigdifference.ThisworldwillnotbecomeChristianbythepreachingofthegospel,butitwillknowpeaceandhappinessonlyunderthepersonalreignofourLordJesusChrist.

HowoftenIhearpeoplesay,“Thingscan’tgoonmuchlongerastheyare.SurelyChristmustbecomingsoon!”

HasiteveroccurredtousthatwehaveapersonalresponsibilitytofulfillbeforeourLordcancomeagain?WillitshockyouwhenIsaythatIdonotbelievethatitispossibleforHimtocometoday?IwanttosubstantiatethatstatementfromtheWordofGod,andtogiveyouthreebasicpropositionsfromthisOld

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TestamentstorytobringoutNewTestamenttruth.Ipraythatthesethingsmayburnintoyourheartandsoul.

MyfirstpropositionisthatthereturnoftheKingisdemandedbythesufferingoftheworld.YougetaglimpseofthatinIISamuel19:1-10,thekindofthingthathappenswhenthekingisrejected:“AndallthepeoplewereatstrifethroughoutallthetribesofIsrael,saying,Thekingsavedusoutofthehandofourenemies,andhedeliveredusoutofthehandofthePhilistines;andnowheisfledoutofthelandforAbsalom.AndAbsalom,whomweanointedoverus,isdeadinbattle.Howthereforewhyspeakyenotawordofbringingthekingback?”

TheabsenceofDavidmeantthepresenceofstrifeandfrustration.ThefollyoftheirallegiancetoAbsalomwasclear–ithadbroughtonlymiseryandconfusion.Theywereonthewrongside;theyhadrejectedtheirtrueking,andthereforethesituationwasfullofunrest.

IntheabsenceoftheLordJesusChrist(forrememberHeisabsentinHisperson,althoughHeispresentwithinHisbodytheChurchbytheHolySpirit),theonlytruePrinceofpeace,whatistheconditionoftheworldtoday?Isitnotintensifiedsufferingandunrest?ThelongerHeisabsent,thegreaterthesuffering,untilthepressureofthecloudoffearisalmostattheburstingpoint.

Thisstatementissupportednotonlybyevidenceintheworldaroundus,butbythewordsoftheLordJesusHimself,“Yeshallhearofwarsandrumorsofwars:seethatyebenottroubled:forallthesethingsmustcometopass,buttheendisnotyet.Fornationshallriseagainstnationandkingdomagainstkingdom:andthereshallbefamines,andpestilences,andearthquakes,indiversplaces.Allthesearethebeginningofsorrows.Thenshalltheydeliveryouuptobeafflicted,andshallkillyou:andyeshallbehatedofallnationsformyname’ssake”(Matthew24:6-9).

Again,inPaul’ssecondlettertoTimothywereadthis:“Thisknowalso,thatinthelastdaysperiloustimesshallcome.Formenshallbeloversoftheirownselves,covetous,boasters,proud,blasphemers,disobedienttoparents,unthankful,unholy,withoutnaturalaffection,truce-breakers,falseaccusers,incontinent,fierce,despisersofthosethataregood,traitors,heady,high-minded,loversofpleasuresmorethanloverofGod;Havingaformofgodliness,butdenyingthepowerthereof:fromsuchturnaway”(IITimothy3:1-5).

Explodingworldpopulations,thecryfromunderprivilegednationsforfreedomatanycost,thestaggeringincreaseincrime–theseandmanyothersymptomswithwhichweareonlytoofamiliargiveamplesupporttothedescriptionsforthetimejustbeforeHiscomingwhichIhavereadtoyoufromtheWordofGod.Thedesperateneedofthispoorworldisforpeaceandrest,forlibertyandfreedom,forjusticeanddeliverance.NoneofthesethingsarepossibleexceptundertheruleoftheKingofrighteousness.ThereturnoftheKingisdemandedbythesufferingoftheworld.TheanguishedcryofhumanityisbeggingforthereturnoftheonlyOnebywhosereignandpowerthesufferingcanbeended.

Thewhydoesn’tHecome?

Mysecondpropositionisthis,thatthereturnoftheKingisdelayedbythesinfulnessofHispeople.Davidsaid,“Yearemybonesandmyflesh:whereforethenareyethelasttobringbacktheking?”(IISamuel19:12).

OurLordsaid,“Andthisgospelofthekingdomshallbepreachedinalltheworldforawitnessuntoallnations:andthenshalltheendcome”(Matthew24:14).“Andthegospelmustfirstbepublishedamongallnations”(Mark13:10).ThesearetheMaster’sownwords.OfcourseHemustreturntoreigninpowerandglory.TheremustbeamillenniuminwhichJesusChristpersonallyrulesoutofZionforathousandyears.God’sWordsaysso!Thenwhy–withthecryofsufferinghumanitytowhichthereisnoanswerexceptthecomingofJesusChrist–whydoesn’tHecome?

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Itisbecausewehaven’tobeyedHiscommand.Peterwritessomethingthatstirsmyheart.“Seeingthenthatallthesethingsshallbedissolved,whatmannerofpersonsoughtyetobeinallholyconversationandgodliness,lookingfor[listentothis!]andhastinguntothecomingofthedayofGod”(IIPeter3:11-12).TheEnglishRevisedVersionhasit,“Lookingforandhasteningthecomingoftheking.”

IsitpossibleforustohastenthedaywhenJesuscomes?Yes,itis.

Isitpossibleforustodelayit?Itcertainlyis!

ForathousandyearsHisauthorityisgoingtobedemonstratedthroughpeoplewhohavesubmittedtoHimandobeyedHim,andwhowillliveandreignwithHimonearth.Throughthechurchwillbemadeknown“untotheprincipalitiesandpowersinheavenlyplaces…themanifoldwisdomofGod”(Ephesians3:10).ThroughabodyofbelieversobedienttoallHiscommands,JesusChristisgoingtoestablishHisrulethroughouttheearth.ButthedisobedienceofHischurchdelaysthefulfillment.

Only9percentoftheworld’spopulationspeakstheEnglishlanguage,andninetypercentofChristianworkisbeingdoneamongthat9percent.Inotherwords,only10percentofChristianpeopleareamountthe91percentwhospeakotherlanguages.Ibelievethatthepopulationoftheworldissomewherearoundtwobillioneighthundredmillionpeople.Ofthose,onlyeighthundredmillioncallthemselvesChristian.Thatmeansthattwobillionarestillpagan.Ofthethreethousanddifferentlanguagesoftheworld,theBible–oratleastpartofit–istranslatedintoonlyonethousandlanguagesasyet.Actually,IbelievethefiguresarethatthecompleteBibleisinjustovertwohundredlanguages,andtheNewTestamentinsometwohundredfiftymore,andatleastoneGospelinoversixhundredlanguages.

TwothousandtonguesarewithouttheBookwithoutanyportionoftheWordofGod,andyetweread,“Thouartworthy…forthouwastslain,andhastredeemedustoGodbythebloodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation”(Revelation5:9).Thatmeansthatwhenwegettoheaventherewillbepeopletherenotfromsometongues,notfromsometribes,notfromsomenations,butfromeverytribeandeverytongueandeverynation.Therewillbenoexception;outofeveryoneofthemwillcomethosewhohavebeenredeemedbyblood.

Yettodayaswesitinourchurches,therearemultitudes–tribeaftertribe,nationafternation–whohaveneveryetheardthegospelofJesusChrist.Asthesufferingofthisworldintensifies,asthecryofhumanityarisesforpeace,liberty,andjustice,weknowthatthereisonlyoneanswer:thecomingoftheKing.WhatthenisouralibibeforeGodforfailingtotakethemessagetotheuttermostpartsoftheearth?ThatiswhyIbelievethatJesusChristcannotcometoday:becauseHispeoplehavefailedtoobeyHiscommandtopreachthegospeltoeverycreature.

AsIwasreadingrecentlyintheBookEzekiel,Icameacrossthesewordswhich,althoughtheirprimaryapplicationistoIsrael,certainlyhaveanapplicationtoustoday:“Sothou,Osonofman,IhavesettheeawatchmanuntothehouseofIsrael;thereforethoushalthearthewordatmymouth,andwarnthemfromme.WhenIsayuntothewicked,Owickedman,thoushaltsurelydie;ifthoudostnotspeaktowornthewickedfromhisway,thatwickedmanshalldieinhisiniquity;buthisbloodwillIrequireatthinehand.Nevertheless,ifthouwarnthewickedofhiswaytoturnfromit;ifhedoesnotturnfromhisway,heshalldieinhisiniquity;butthouhastdeliveredthysoul.Therefore,Othousonofman…speak,saying…AsIlive,saiththeLordGod,Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked;butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive:turnye,turnyefromyourevilways;forwhywillyedie,OhouseofIsrael?”(Ezekiel33:7-11).

Doyougetthesignificanceofthatportion?WemaylongforthereturnoftheLordJesus,andbelievethattheonlyhopeforoursufferingworldisthatHeshouldcomeback,butourdisobediencetoHiscommandtopreachthegospeltoeverycreaturedelaysHiscomingandprolongsandintensifiesthe

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suffering.WhatisitgoingtobelikeonedaytofacethejudgmentseatofChristinthelightofthesefacts?

MythirdpropositionisthatthereturnoftheKingisdependentuponoursubmissiontothevision.SeewhathadtakenplacetomakeitpossibleforDavidtocomeback:“HebowedtheheartofallthemenofJudah,evenastheheartofoneman;sothattheysentthisworduntotheking,returnthou,andallthyservants.Sothekingreturned”(IISamuel19:14-15).

DavidhadmadehisappealtoJudah,“Youaremypeople,youareboneofmybone,fleshofmyflesh.Whyareyouthelasttobringbacktheking?”Andthatappealhadreachedtheirhearts–notsimplytheirminds,buttheirhearts.Hehadbowedtheheartofhispeople,andmadethemwilling,andthereforehewouldcomebacktorule.Throughhispeoplewhowereobedienthewasenabledtoreturnanddemonstratethepowerandblessednessofhisauthority.

WhatdidittaketobringDavidback?TheunanimoussurrenderofthepeopleofGodtothepurposeofDavid–thatwaswhatopenedupthewayforhisreturn.

WhatisitgoingtotaketobringJesusback?Exactlythesame,andnothinglessthanthat.Thelongerwefailinsurrenderandobedience,thegreaterisourjudgment.TheLordlooksdownuponus,Hispeople,andHesays,“YeareMybrethren,yeareMybonesandMyflesh[yeareMybody–thatiswhatthechurchis]:whereforethenareyethelasttobringbacktheKing?”

ThereturnoftheKingisdependentuponoursubmission,ourobediencetothevision,andmayIsaythatobediencebeginsrighthereathome.Whatabouttheignoranceofthepeopleinourcitiesconcerningthegospel?IamremindedofthewordsoftheApostlePaul,whichsometimeswerelegatetoaforeignmissionarycontext,“ForwhosoevershallcalluponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved.Howthenshalltheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Andhowshalltheybelieveinhimofwhomtheyhavenotheard?Andhowshalltheyhearwithoutapreacher?Andhowshalltheypreach,excepttheybesent?”(Romans10:13-15).

LetmeaskyouoneortwopersonalquestionsinthenameoftheLordJesus.IsyourliferelatedtoGod’spurpose?AsHelooksdowntoday,doesHesaytoyou,“WhyareyouthelasttobringbacktheKing?”IsyourlifehasteningthereturnofChrist,orisitdelayingit?HaveyouspokenawordofbringingbacktheKingintosomelifethisweek?

Wouldyoumakethisslogantheresolveofyourheart:“Inobediencetothevision”?OnlywhenwearesurrenderedandobedientcanJesusChristcometorule.InthatgreatmillennialkingdomHeisgoingtorulethroughanobedientpeoplewhohaveobeyedHimnow.HewillexertHisauthorityhereonearthtoendallthesuffering,unhappiness,andmiseryintheworld.Butthatgreatdayisheldbackbecausethechurchhasn’tcompletedHiscommission.

Yousaytome,“WhatcanIdoaboutthat?”Youcanfirst,rightnowinyourownheart,speakawordtobringbacktheKing.CalluponHim:speakfromthedepthsofyoursoultotheheartofGodthatyoudesiretheKingtotakeHisplaceofauthorityinyourlife.Thenyoucanspeakawordtoyourneighbor,orfriend,orfamily,ofbringingbacktheKingtobringHimintoHisrightfulplaceintheirlives.Youcanbeginrightthereathome.

YoucanbegintogivesacrificiallytotheLord’swork,toseethatnothingtakesprecedenceovergettingthegospeltothelasttribeandnationoftheworld.Everythingelseissecondarytothatpurpose;nomatterhowgreatourprogramsandhowmuchwemaygivetoourhome-basework,nothingissoimportantasgettingthegospelouttotheuttermostpartsoftheearth.

Ithinkoneofthegreatestsinsofthechurchtoday,ifImaydaretosayso,isthemillionsofdollarsspentonup-to-datebuildings,andthelatestequipmentandenormouschurchplants–whenallthetimethere

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aremultitudeswhohaveneverheard,andmissionariesreadytogo,butwithoutsupport.Thisthingiswrong,andIbelievethatGodisjudgingHispeopleforit.

NothingmatterssomuchassendingoutpeoplesupportedbythechurchtospreadthenewsoftheSaviour’slove.BeforeGodIsaythatthismusthavepriorityinourworkandtestimony,thatinthisgenerationthegospelshallbepreachedtotheuttermostlimitsoftheworlduntiltheKingcomesback.

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Chapter25VALIANTINTHEFIGHT(IISamuel23:1-39)

Ephesians6:13intheWeymouthtranslationreads:“Therefore,putonthecompletearmourofGod,sothatyoumaybeabletostandyourgroundintheevilday,andhavingfoughttotheend,toremainvictorinthefield.”

Wehearfromallovertheworldsomethingofthepressuresandproblemsofmissionaryservicetoday.Everywhereonthemissionfieldstensionsareincreasing.Somehavetheirsourceinthedemandofnationsforindependenceandfreedom.Inmostplacesmissionarypersonnelisbarelyadequatetomaintainpresentpositions,quiteunabletoextendthemessagetotheuttermostpartsoftheearthtohastenthecomingoftheKing.Missionariesalsohavetheirownindividualburdens:problemsofillhealth,incompatibilityonthefield,lackofsupplies,andpersonalspiritualbattles.

Itisimpossible,therefore,forustoregardthemissionfieldsoftheworldasfar-offplaceswhicharedetachedfromourownpersonallifeandChristianministryathome.Missionaryserviceisnotonethingoverthere,andtheplaceofservicethatweoccupyheresomethingquitedifferent.Thefieldistheworld,anditismorethanever“oneworld.”Aswethinkofthetremendousresponsibilitythatconfrontsthechurchinthismissionarytask,whatistheanswertoalltheproblemsanddifficulties?Iamperfectlysurethatthebasicneedisnotjustmoremoney,ormoreequipment,orevenmoremissionaryrecruits–theanswerisonadeeperlevelthanthataltogether.

WhereverwemaybeplacedinthewillofGod,inwhatevercircumstanceswefindourselves,eachChristianisafortofresistanceinthenameofheavenagainstalltheforcesofevilintheworldtoday.WhenthechurchiscompleteandJesuscomestotaketoHimselfHisbody,thechurch,thentheworldwillknowtheagonyofevilwhichisunresistedbythepresenceofthepeopleofGod.ButtodaytheChristianstandsinthenameoftheLordwhereverheis,asapointofresistancetotheenemyofrighteousness.Hedoesn’tstandalone;heisoneofagreatarmy,thatcompanyofpeoplewhohavebeenredeemedbythepreciousblood,andwhosharetogetherthelifeoftheirLord,althoughscatteredindifferentpartsoftheworld.

ThetriumphofthechurchasawholedependsuponthepersonalvictoryofeveryChristian.Inotherwords,yourvictory,yourlife,yourpersonaltestimony,areimportanttothecauseofGodtoday.WhathappensoutinNewGuinea,downintheAmazonjungle,overindisturbedCongo,isnotunrelatedtowhathappensinyourownpersonalrelationshipwithGodandyourpersonalbattleagainsttheforcesofdarkness.Victoryforthechurchonthewholeworld-frontdependsuponvictoryinyourlifeandinmine;“home”and“foreign”situationscannotbedetached.

Thereforetheanswerisnot,Irepeat,inmoremoney,moreequipment,morepeople;butitisindedication,commitment,abandonmenttoGod.ThiswefindillustratedbythreeoutstandingmenamongDavid’sarmy.

Atthispointinthestorywearelookingbackfromahighpeak.DavidtheKing,althoughforatimerejected,hadreturnedandwasadministeringhiskingdom.InIISamuel23arelistedthenamesofthemenwhostoodwithhimthroughthickandthin,menwhowereidentifiedwithhimatanycost.

Wewillmentionjustthreeofthem.ThefirstwasAdino,whosleweighthundredoftheenemyonhisown(IISamuel23:8).AnotherwasEleazarwho,whenthepeopleofGodwereinroutandconfusion,defiedthePhilistinestothepointofcompletewearinessuntil,whenthebattlewasover,hecouldnotunclasphisfingersfromhissword(IISamuel23:9-10).Thethird,Shammah,stoodhisgroundagainstanattackoftheenemy,defendedit,andslewthePhilistines(IISamuel23:11).

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Thesemenwonvictorieswhichhadsomecommonfactors.Ineachcaseitwasvictoryagainstoverwhelmingodds.Itwasvictoryinthefaceofutterexhaustion.ItwasvictorywhenthepeopleofGodwereinconfusionandretreat.ItwasvictorythatwaswononlyinthepoweroftheLord,forwereadintwoplaces,“TheLordwroughtagreatvictorythatday”(IISamuel23:10,12).

Jeremiahsaid,“Icannotholdmypeace[canfindnopeace],becausethouhastheard,Omysoul,thesoundofthetrumpet,thealarmofwar”(Jeremiah4:19).IbelievethatthewholemissionaryenterpriseinthiscenturyisatstakeuntilwehavethisOldTestamentillustration(whichisamplifiedinNewTestamenttruthinEphesians6:13)translatedintotwentieth-centuryexperience,notonlyinthelivesofafewmissionariesinBorneoorSouthAmericaorAfrica,butinthelivesofeveryransomedsoul.Theremustbethesamespiritofdedicationinthefaceofoverwhelmingodds,inthefaceofconfusionintheranksofthepeopleofGodwhoaresoofteninretreat,inthefaceofabsolutephysicalandmentalandoftenspiritualexhaustion.Inthefaceofallthesethingswemustbeabletostandourgroundandtoremainvictorinthefield,tobeabletosay,“TheLordhathwroughtagreatvictorythisday!”

Butthis,Irepeat,shouldbenotsimplyOldTestamenthistory,butyourexperienceandmineinthepersonalspiritualbattlesofourlives.

IthinkofoneofourmissionaryfamiliesinNewGuineabattlelinewiththeproblemsofBibletranslationintothelanguageofthetribes-people.Anothercouple,inSoutheastAsia,afterrepeatedphysicalsetbacksareagainworkingatthetaskofgettingtheWordofGodintothelanguageoftheirpeople.Ithinkofanelderlymissionary,deprivedofhislovedonesandrefusingtoretire,spendinghislastyearsonthefield,andofanothercouplewhohavespenttheirlivesinAfrica–ifyouaskthemwhentheywillretire,theyretort,“Onlywhenwegettoheaven!”Anothercouple,whohaveservedinSouthAmericafornearlyfortyyears,firstinevangelism,thenteaching,followedbyaBibleInstituteministry,arenowconfirmingthelocalchurches,travelingceaselesslytostrengthenbelieversintheLord.

Wereceivelettersthattellofoverwhelmingodds,ofabsoluteexhaustion,ofwearinessofmind,wearinessofsoul,wearinessofbody.Ibegintoaskmyself,“Whatdoweknowofalifeonthatlevelofsacrifice?”Victoryinthosekeybattlefrontsdependsuponvictoryinyourlifeandminerightnowwherewearetoday.

Inordertoreinforcethistruth,letmedrawfromEphesians6.HerePaulwritestotheChristiansofhisdaytotellthemofapositionthatmustbemaintained:“thatyemaybeabletostand.”Inotherwords,whereIaminthewillofGod,inmycircumstances,Iamtostandmyground.

ItwasforthispurposethattheLordJesusChristthrewHimselfintothebattleonourbehalf.WithoutHimwewerenotonlydown,wewereconqueredandhelpless.Butnow,“beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist:Bywhomalsowehaveaccessbyfaithintothisgracewhereinwestand”(Romans5:1-2).

Thepowerofthecrossinaman’slifeputshimonhisfeetandenableshimtostandinthisevilday.WithoutGodandwithoutsalvationhewasdownandhelpless,buttheLordhascomeandliftedhimupandsethisfeetontheRock.InthespiritualbattlesthatcomeuponamanofGodwhoisdedicatedtothewillofGod,heiscalleduponnevertoflinch,buttostandfirmagainsttheadversaryinthepowerofJesusChristourLord.

Isthatpositionbeingmaintained?Arewestandingourgroundagainsttheenemyofoursouls?ThisisillustratedinthelifeofShammahwho,inthemidstofaPhilistineraid,whenthepeopleofGodwererunninghelter-skelterfromtheenemy,stoodhisgroundanddefiedthemuntilhehadslainsomanythattheyhadtoretreat.

Ephesians6saysnotonlythatwemuststandourground,butthatwemustwrestle.Ourenemyisnot

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fleshandblood,but“theworldrulersofthisdarkness”and“thespiritualhostsofwickednessintheheavenlyplaces”(6:12,ASV).EverymanofGodisengagedsomewhereinthedepthsofhissoulinaspiritualbattle.Therehehastofightwitheverythinghepossesses,notonlytomaintainhisstand(inthepassivesense)but,asPaulemphasizes,towrestle.Thisisthelanguageofpersonalconflict,toetotoewiththeenemyofoursoulstoresistevilinthenameoftheLord.

ItisquiteeasyforChristianpeoplesomehowtoavoidthesenseofbattleandconflictandtotaketheirease.“WoetothemthatareateaseinZion,”saysAmos6:1.Manyofusquitereadilybecomesooccupiedwithmaterialthingsandwithourworkthatitisalongtimesincewereallyfoughtabattleagainstsinaloneonourknees.HowmuchdoIreallyknow,andhowmuchdoyouknow,aboutprayerthatresiststhepowersofdarknessandrefusestogivein?HaveIspenthalfanhouraloneeachdaythisweekonmykneesinprayerlikethis?Haveyou?

Ourprayerlife,ourwholespiritualwitness,canloseitspriorityandbecomemechanicalsothatithasnoflavoroflifeorconflictinitatall.YetvictoryonthewholebattlefrontdependsuponmaintainingourpositioninthenameoftheLordJesus,sothatwhentheenemyflingshisfierydarts,wewrestleandstandourgroundbyGod’sgrace,wefightandrefusetogivein.

Areyouengagedinthisspiritualwarfare?Areyoustandingyourground?Inyourhomelife,inyourpersonalwalkwithGod,inyourprayerlife,inyourtestimonyandwitnessamongyourcolleaguesattheofficeandyourfamilyathome,areyoustandingyourgroundtoday?InthepositionwhereGodhasputyou,areyouresistingtheenemyorareyouinretreat?Haveyousaid,concerningmissionaryservice,“IfIpaymypledge,thatisallthatisrequiredofme.IfIwritealetteroccasionally,thatisallIamexpectedtodo.

Butasfortheimpactofspiritualwarfareuponmysoul,Iknownothingofthat–infact,Ihavekeptclearofit!Itissurelyonlyforthefew”?No,no,thisisapositiontobemaintainedbyusall.

Paulspeaksfurtherofaprovisionthathasbeenmadeinorderthatwemaystandourground.“WhereforetakeuntoyouthewholearmourofGod,thatyemaybeabletowithstand”(Ephesians6:13).LetuslookbrieflyatthisarmorwhichGodhasprovidedinJesusChristtoenablethechildofGodtostand.Herearethedetailsofthepowerbywhichwemayresistthedevil.

Paulmentionsfirstthegirdleoftruthaboutourloins:inotherwords,aman’sstrengthderivesfromhischaracterofgodlinessandtruthfulness.Hespeaksofthebreastplateofrighteousness,whichindicatesaconsciencevoidofoffencebeforeGodandman,arightnessoflifeandconductthatrelatesaman’sbelieftohisbehavior.TheshoesofpreparednessmakefeetreadytorunerrandsfortheKingofkings,readytofollowtheMasterwhereverHemaylead,readytoobeyHiscommandsandspreadthemessageofthegospel–nextdoororanywhereforJesus.

Speakingoftheshieldoffaith,Paulsaysitis“aboveall.”IhavenodoubtbutthatashewasdescribingthisarmorhehadhiseyeupontheRomansoldierwhoguardedhimintheprisonfromwhichthisletterwaswritten.Hesawthegreatshieldthatreachedfromtheman’sneckalmosttohisfeet,coveringhisbodyentirely.ThispartoftheChristian’sarmorishiscompleteconfidenceintheabilityoftheLordJesustodefeattheenemy.Thentherewasvitalprotectioninthehelmetofsalvation,anddivinepowerintheswordoftheSpirit.

Iobserve,asIamsureyouhave,thatthereisnoarmorforthebackoftheChristian,noprovisionforrunningawayfromtheenemy.Itisallforthefrontandthehead:retreatisnotconsideredapossibilityforthechildofGod.Heistostandhisground.

Thereisonlyoneoffensiveweapon,theswordoftheSpirit.Allelseisfordefense,forsecurityagainsttheattacksoftheenemy;theChristianisgivenonlytheswordoftheSpirit,theWordofGod,forsubduing

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theenemy.

IwouldremindyouthatthisarmorwasforgedbytheLordJesusChrist.ThatiswhyHecame,thatiswhyHelivestomakeintercessionforustoday.WhenHeenteredintoJerusalemthewordwas,“Behold,thyKingcometh!”AtBethlehem,atNazareth,inJudea,inGalilee,atCalvary,fromthedooroftheopentomb,HeforgedthisarmorforHispeople.TheBibletellsusthat“theweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGodtothepullingdownofstrongholds”(IICorinthians10:4).

MayIsaythatoneofthegreatestperilsforusasindividualChristiansinthisdayisnotsimplythatweneglectthearmorandtrytoescapethespiritualbattle,lookinguponthemissionaryasauniquespecimenwhofacesitindistantlands;oneofthegreatestperilsofourtimeisthatwesubstituteforheaven’sarmorsomethingofourownimagination.Icouldsumupallthepiecesofthisarmorthatwehavebeentalkingaboutinoneword:character.TheverycharacteroftheLambofGod,Hisintegrityandrighteousness,purityandholiness,faithandsalvation,isthesumofit.CharacteristhearmorthatGodsupplies,andinplaceofitthechurchtendstosubstituteequipment,gimmicks,money,andallkindsofotherthingsinorderthatsomehowitmightmakeanimpactuponourdayandgeneration.

Wehaveforgottenthatourweaponsarenotcarnal,butspiritual.However,ifweclaimandusethem,theyaremightythroughGodtothepullingdownofthestrongholdsofSatan.

GodhasmadeprovisioninJesusChristtoenableyoutostandyourgroundrightwhereyouare,inyourimmediatecircumstances.Ourarmorisnotoutwardthings,notmaterialequipmentormoneyoranythinglikethat.Itischaracter,thegodlinessandrighteousnessandlovelinessandsweetnessandgrace–theverylifeofJesusChristimpartedtoyouandmesothatwemaybeequippedtowieldtheswordoftheSpiritforHim.

NomancanusehisBiblewithpowerunlesshehasthecharacterofJesusinhisheart.NomancanhaveimpactforGodthroughtheuseofScriptureinpreaching,teaching,orwitnessing,iftohimitismerelyatextbook.HislifemustbefilledwiththeverylifeofJesusChrist.Ouroffensiveweapondependsuponourwearingallthedefensivearmor;thepowertoattackdependsuponbeingcompletelyequippedfordefenseagainstSatanwitheverybitofthecharacterofourLordJesus.Ifwearetomaintainourpositioninthisevilday,ifwearetofightthroughtotheendandremainvictoronthefield,thenwemustputonthewholearmorofGod.Ifwewearit,thenweareabletowieldtheswordoftheSpiritinthepowerofGod.

Thisistheprovisionthatheavenhasmade,foritis“notbymight,norbypower,butbymyspirit,saiththeLordofhosts”(Zechariah4:6).JesusstoopedfromthethronetothecrossinorderthatHemightforgeforusacompletearmorofHisholycharacter.

ThereisoneothersupremelyimportantthingthatImustsayhere,forifyouwouldunderstandthesecretofvictoryinyourownlife,thereisaPersonwhomyoumustmeet.

WhentheLordJesusgivesusthisarmor,HeisnotgivingussomethingapartfromHimself.ThearmorisChrist–notsimplyHisblessings,notjustrighteousnessortruthorfaithorsalvationortheswordoftheSpirit.ItisnottheseapartfromHim,butChristHimself.Paulsaidalso,“PutyeontheLordJesusChrist,andmakenotprovisionfortheflesh,tofulfilltheluststhereof”(Romans13:14).

AllthewealththatisinourwonderfulSaviour,ofwhichSatantriestorobus,allourpersonalwalkwithGodfromwhichSatantriestodragusaway,andallthevictoryweneedinthewarfare,isinthePersonofourlivingLordfromwhomSatantriestokeepusseparatedsothathecandefeatus.

Ihaveaseriousquestiontoaskyou:HaveyoureallymetGodinJesusChristatthislevel?Donotletthatquestionslipby,becauseIampersuadedthatonereasonforourlackofdedicationanddevotiontothe

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missionarycall,andoftenourlackofabilitytostandandwinthroughwhereweareinthenameoftheLord,isbecausewehavenotreallymetGodinJesusChristlikethis.

WhenJoshuahadcrossedtheRiverJordanwiththepeopleofGod,hewentoutforawalktosurveythefirstgreatcitythatstoodinhisway,Jericho.Ashelookedatitsbattlements,nodoubtcalculatinghisresourcesandhowhecouldusetheminordertoovercomethismightyobstaclewhichhedarednotleaveintherear,whichhadtobeattackedandpossessed–suddenlyheencounteredamanwithadrawnswordinhishand.Joshuachallengedhim,“Artthouforus,orforouradversaries?”(Joshua5:13).

TheanswercamefromthisOnewhowasnoneotherthantheLordJesusChristHimself,whooftenappearedinthiswayintheOldTestament:“Nay;butascaptainofthehostoftheLordamInowcome.”ImmediatelyJoshuafellonhisfacebeforeHimasking,“Whatsaithmylorduntohisservant?”ThismysteriousCommander,thelivingGod,answeredhim,“loosethyshoefromoffthyfoot;fortheplacewhereonthoustandestisholy”(Joshua5:15).

OnthatdaytheleaderofGod’speopleinhisdaymetGodinJesusChristatanewlevel.HesawHimasonewhoseswordwasdrawninHishand,whoseverypresencewasholyground.

WhatapoorillustrationisthestoryofEleazar,whofoughtthroughonedayagainstthePhilistinestothepointofabsoluteexhaustion,sothathecouldnotunclasphisfingersfromhissword!WhatapalereflectionheisoftheOnewhostoodbyJerichowithaswordinHishand,andwhohasnever,neverwithdrawnHishandfromthebattlesinceHewonitforusatCalvary!HeimpartsHisauthoritytomenlikeJoshua,whomeetHimatanewlevelandrecognizethattheresponsibilityofthebattleisnottheirownbutGod’s.

ItwasnotaquestionofwhatresourcesorequipmentJoshuahad,orthenumericalstrengthofhispeople.ThesituationwasunderthecontroloftheCaptainofaninvisiblehost,whocoulddefeatanystrategyoftheenemy.JoshuagladlyhandedoverthebattleentirelytoHim.

ThewordcametoJoshua,asithadtoMoses,thatthegroundwhereonhestoodwasholy.Asamatteroffact,Joshuawasonhisfaceinworshipandsurrender.ButthemanwhoisonhisfacebeforeGodisalwaysstandingagainsttheenemy.ItisonlythemanwhohasmetGodinChrist,whosehearthasbeenbrokenatthecross,whohasbeenbroughtonhisfacebeforetheLord,whocanstandbeforetheenemy.

IfItrytostandbeforeGodinmyownpunyself-righteousness,inself-confidenceandarrogance,thinkingthatIhaveequipmentthatcanseemethroughtoalifeofvictory,thenIshallbeforethedevil.ButifIfallbeforetheLord,IfindthatIamenabledtostandbeforetheenemy.

Itrustthatyouhavecometoseethatthewholemissionaryenterprisescatteredthroughouttheworldtoday,withitsproblems,testings,suffering,shortageofmanpowerandmaterialandfinance,isthatwaybecauseChristianpeopleinthehomelandshavenotmetGodinJesusChristlikethat.Godiscalling,notsimplyformoremoney,greaterresponse,morerecruits–HeiscallingformenandwomenwhowillfallbeforeHiminsurrenderthattheymightstandbeforetheenemy.Whatisyourpositiontoday?

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Chapter26FIREFROMHEAVEN(IChronicles21:1-30)

TheanswerofGodtothecryofeveryhearttodayisfirefromheaven.ThatisthedynamicresponseofGodtotheuttermostyieldingofourselvestoHim,andIwouldtakethisOldTestamentstoryinIChronicles21toshowyouhowthismayhappeninyourlife.

Bywayofintroduction,glancewithmeatthecontext.Thefirstverseofthischapterhasanominousnoteaboutit:“AndSatanstoodupagainstIsrael,andprovokedDavidtonumberIsrael”(21:1).HerewasadirectfrontalattackfromtheadversaryfocusedupontheentireassemblyofGod’speople,butDavidwastheonewhoborethebruntofit.

Nowthisissurelysignificant.TheonewhomSatanhatesistheHolySpirit,andthereforehisattackisdirectedagainstHimasHeindwellsallofGod’sredeemedpeople.Butthosewhobearthebruntofitare,moreoftenthannot,thosewhobeartheresponsibilityofleadership.Satandoesnotwastetimeuponthecircumferenceofchurchlife,hegoesrighttotheheartofit.Themissionary,theChristianleader,theminister,theoneschosenofGodtobeundershepherdsandtostandinthefrontlineofthebattleforHim,aresubjecttothemostdangerousandsubtleblowsoftheenemyofsouls.

TheparticularissueinthiscasemayseemtriflinguntilweconsideritthroughSpirit-anointedeyes.Davidwasdeterminedtonumberthepeople,whichwasactuallyanevidenceofthebasicsinofall:pride.ItwasanindicationofhisdeparturefromtrustingtheLordineverysituationtodependingupontheflesh.ThesinofwhichDavidwasguiltyistheoneofwhichyouandIhavebeenguiltyoverandoveragain.GodwillnotgiveHisglorytoanother;hethatgloriethmustgloryintheLord.IntemptingDavidtoprideinhisownresources,Satansuccessfullytrippeduptheleaderoftheflock.

Nowfollowwithmeaswewatchwhathappens.Davidlearnedtwothingsaboutsinatthistime.Firstofall,helearnedthatsininevitablycarrieswithitpunishment.ReadthesolemnwordsofIChronicles21:9-12.Davidisgiventhechoiceofthreeyears’famine,threemonthstobedestroyedbeforetheenemy,orthreedaysinthehandoftheLord.Theeternalconsequencesofsinareforeverforgiveninresponsetoconfessionandrepentance,butthetemporaryconsequencesofsin,moreoftenthannot,havetobefaced.

Davidmadeawisechoiceinverse13:“LetmenowfallintothehandoftheLord;forverygreatarehismercies:butletmenotfallintothehandofman.”Fromthedepthsofourheartswewouldsay“Amen”tothat.WhenaChristianleaderisdefeatedbytheenemyandhissinexposed,thereislittlemercytobefoundanywhereexceptinthehandoftheLord;itistheonlysafeplacetobe.

Thenagain,Davidfoundthatnobodycansinalone.AshesawtheangeloftheLordbringingjudgmentuponthepeople,seventythousandmenofIsraelkilled,imaginetheagonyinhisheartashecried:“IsitnotIthatcommandedthepeopletobenumbered?

EvenIitisthathavesinnedanddoneevilindeed;butasforthesesheep,whathavetheydone?Letthinehand,Ipraythee,OLordmyGod,beonme,andonmyfather’shouse;butnotonthypeople,thattheyshouldbeplagued”(IChronicles21:17).

Howtruethisisinourexperience!Nobodysinstohimself,andsooftenthosewhoaremostaffectedarethosewhomthesinnerwoulddesireatallcosttoescapetheconsequences.Areyouamissionaryorapastor?Haveyoueverwatchedtheworkaroundyoufallapart?Haveyoueverseentheprayermeetingsgotopieces?Haveyouwatchedthepeopletowhomyouministerfacechastisementandtimesofbarrenness?Then,myfriend,youknowsomethingoftheexperienceofDavid,asyouseethehumiliationofyourownsinbeingwroughtoutinjudgmentuponothers.

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Longbefore,whenthepeopleofGodenteredintothelandandweredefeatedatAi,thejudgmentofheavenwas,“Israelhathsinned,”althoughitwasAchanwhowasresponsible(Joshua7:11,20).Iwonderhowmuchblessingthechurchhasmissedbecauseofthesinofitsleaders?Godhavemercyuponus!

LetusconsiderinthefirstplacethepressuretowhichDavidyielded.Davidsaw,bythethreshingfloorofOrnantheJebusite,theswordoftheLorddrawnagainsthiminjudgment,“AndDavidlifteduphiseyes,andsawtheangeloftheLordstandbetweentheearthandtheheaven,havingadrawnswordinhishandstretchedoutoverJerusalem”(IChronicles21:16).InthecityofJerusalem,whereGodhadplannedaBethlehem,aCalvary,aPentecost,Davidhadsinned,andhiscontroversywithheavencontinueduntilDavidcouldnolongerresistthepressurebroughttobearuponhim.Herecognizedhisguiltandtheconsequencesofitinthelivesofothers;thereforeweread:“ThenDavidandtheeldersofIsrael,whowereclothedinsackcloth,fellupontheirfaces”(21:16).

Iwonderifthishasbeenyourexperience.PerhapsevennowGodhasbeenspeakingtoyourheart,andyouhavecometoseeasneverbeforethesinfulnessofsin.ButyouhaveseenitoutmatchedbytheeverlastingmercyofourGod.HehasbroughtallkindsofpressuretobearuponyouintheareaofyourheartwhereHehasplannedforyouapersonalCalvary,apersonalPentecost,andwhereHisblessingsmustbewithhelduntil,likeDavid,youprostrateyourselfinsackclothonyourfacebeforeHim.

ThepressureofthedevilinaChristian’slifeisonething,butthepressureofheavenisanother.BythegraceofGodwecanwithstandanypressuresthatarebroughtuponusbytheforcesofdarkness.ButwhenwehavegrievedtheSpiritofGod,andthehandofGodisuponuswithpressureuntilwerepent,thatisanexperiencethosewhohavepassedthroughitwillneverforget.IdotrustthattheLordhasbroughtyoutoyieldasDaviddid.

Observe,then,thepricewhichDavidpaid.Theexperienceofhumiliationwastobefollowedbyoneofworship.“ThentheangeloftheLordcommandedGadtosaytoDavid,thatDavidshouldgoup,andsetupanaltaruntotheLordinthethreshingfloorofOrnantheJebusite”(IChronicles21:18).

TheplacewasofferedbyOrnantoDavidfree,togetherwiththeoxenforsacrifice.Thismanmusthavebeensomewhatafraidofthedisplayofheavenlypowerthatwastakingplace.ButDavid’sanswerwasafirm“No”.

“Iwillverilybuyitforthefullprice:forIwillnottakethatwhichisthinefortheLord,norofferburntofferingswithoutcost”(IChronicles21:24).

Wheredidallthistakeplace?WearetoldinIIChronicles3:1thatitwasonMountMoriah.HaveyoueverconsideredthesignificanceofthatmountainintheOldTestament?Itwasalwaysassociatedwithsacrifice;itwasalwaysaplacewherethepricewaspaid.UpMountMoriahAbrahamtookIsaactoofferhim.NowwefindDavidofferinghisburntofferingsthere,andonthatspotSolomonbuiltthetempleatsuchinfinitecost.Hundredsofyearsafterwards,SatantookourblessedLordtothepinnacleofthetemplethereandtriedtopersuadeHimtomakepublicshowofHispower.AlwaysinScriptureMountMoriahisaplacewherethepricewaspaidtotheuttermost.

Tellme,haveyoubeenupMountMoriah?ItrustyouhavebeenupMountCalvaryandtherehavereceivedforgivenessandcleansingbythebloodthatwasshedforyou.YoumayhavebeenupMountHermonandseenatransfiguredLordasyouexperiencethegloryofHisrisenlife.ButhaveyoueverwalkedaloneupMountMoriahandthereallowedtheLordJesustodealwiththatwhichisbasicinyourChristianlife?Thereisalwayssomebodyaroundtemptingyoutotaketheeasywayout.Satanalwaystriedtopersuadeyoutoevadetherealanddeepissuesinyourheart.Heisquitecontentforyoutodealwiththesimplethings,thesecondarythings,thetrivialities.Butwhenyougetdowntothebasicsacrifice,hewilldoanythingtokeepyoufromfacingthat,becauseheknowsthatwhenyoudo,youwillreceivethe

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inevitableoutpouringofHolySpiritpoweruponyourcrucifiedlife.

JesusonlymetKingHerodonce,afewhoursbeforeHiscrucifixion,butHehadnothingtosaytohim.JustonewordfromourLordthen,andwhatadifferencemighthavetakenplaceinthatman’slife,butourLordwouldsaynothing.HerodaskedJesusmanyquestions,butHegavethatmannoreply.

Onlythreeyearspreviously,HerodhadbeenfacedwithonewhomourLorddescribedasthegreatestpreacherbornofwomen,JohntheBaptist.ThatboldservantofGodhaddaredtointrudeintoHerod’spersonallifeandtellhimthathehadnobusinesstobelivingwithHerodias,hisbrother’swife.WearetoldthatwhenheheardJohntheBaptist,Herod“didmanythings”(Mark6:20).Isupposehesmokedabitless,drankabitless,andperhapssworeabitless,buttherewasonethingherefusedtodo–giveupthewomanwhoruinedhislife.Thatwasthebasicissue,andthereforeJesushadnowordforhim.

Myfriend,thatmaynotbetheissue–indeed,Itrustitisnotinyourlife–butthereisalwaysonepointineachlifewherethespiritualbattleiscrucial.Haveyoufacedit?HaveyougoneupMountMoriah?Haveyoupaidtheprice?OrhasSatanmadeyoufeelcontentthatyouhavedealtwithotherthings,thatyouhavegivenupmuchinyourlife,althoughyoustillholdtenaciouslytothatwhichyouknowmarsyourtestimonyandmakesitimpossiblefortheLordtoworkthroughyouinHolySpiritauthority?

YouwillrecallthatinOldTestamenttimethepriestusedafleshhooktobringthesacrificebackundertheflamesothatitwouldkeepconstantlyburning.ThatisexactlywhatGodwantstodowithus,andsometimesHehastotakethefleshhooktopullusbackundertheflameuntilourlivesaremeredustandashes.

ThatisallHewantstous,becausefromthatplatformwheretheself-lifehastrulybeencrushedandreducedtoashes,theLordcanthendisplayHisglory.Thereisoneotherthinghereatwhichwemustlook,thepowerwhichDavidreceived.“AndDavidbuiltthereanaltaruntotheLord,andofferedburntofferingsandpeaceofferings,andcalledupontheLord;andheansweredhimfromheavenbyfireuponthealtarofburntoffering”(IChronicles21:26).

TheLordansweredhimfromheavenbyfireuponthealtarofburntoffering–ofcourseHedid!Thatwasheaven’simmediateresponsetothisman’sutmostsurrender.Itstillis!GodalwaysgivesHisHolySpiritinfullnesstothemthatobeyHim.“OnemightierthanIcometh,”saidJohntheBaptist;“heshallbaptizeyouwiththeHolyGhostandwithfire”(Luke3:16).

OThouwhocamestfromabove,

Thepurecelestialfireimpart,

Kindleaflameofsacredlove

Onthemeanaltarofmyheart.

CharlesWesley

ThatisthelanguageofamanwhomeantbusinesswithGod.ThatisthecryforthepreciousflameofGod’sholinessthatburnsoutsininthesoulandburnsinHislifeandpower.MaytheflameoftheloveofGodandpassionforsoulsconstantlyburnonthealtarofourlives.Thisissomethingwhichnotsimplymayhappen,butmusthappen;notsomethingwhichGodmaydobutwhichHemustdo.TheanswerofheaventoCalvaryisalwaysPentecost,thesealuponthetransactionofaneverlastingcovenantinthepreciousbloodoftheLordJesusChrist.

Believer,thisisyourportionandprivilege.HaveyoubeenupMountMoriah?Haveyoupaidtheprice?ThenIsaytoyou,stepboldlytothethroneofGodinthemeritofthebloodofJesusChristyouLord,andclaimyourshareintheinheritanceofHisHolySpirit.Nothinglessthanthatisfullsalvation.Nothingless

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thanthatwillmeettheneedofthechurchtodaysothatitmaybeabletostandagainstallthepowersofdarkness.

PerhapsIoughttoaddapostscript,becauseitseemstomethatIChronicles21:27isoneofthemostwonderfulverseswecouldeverread.HereisthepeacewhichDavidenjoyed:“AndtheLordcommandedtheangel;andheputuphisswordagainintothesheaththereof.”

TheswordofGod’sjudgmentisbackinitssheath,hallelujah!Judgmentisover;peaceisnowdeepdowninDavid’sheart.Oh,thatitmighthappentoyourightnow,thatyourcontroversywithheavenmightend,thattheswordofGod’sjudgmentwhichhasbeenagainstyoubeputbackintoitssheath,andyoumightknowHispeace!OtherbattlestocomeyouwillhavetowageinHisname,butiftheswordofjudgmentisinitssheath,youwillwinthem.Untilnow,perhapsyouhavebeenlosingmanybattleswiththeenemybecauseGod’sswordhasbeenagainstyou.WhatgreaterthingcouldhappenthanthatyourcontroversywithGodshouldendandthatyoushouldexperiencethepeaceofGodthatpassethallunderstandinggarrisoningyourheartandmindthroughChristJesus.

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Chapter27HANDINGONTHETORCH(IChronicles28:1-21)

David’slifeworkwasover,hisyearsofleadershipandserviceatanend.Attheconclusionofthejourneyhehadtheopportunityofsurveyinghisprogressandaskinghimselfhowmuchofithadbeenpermanent,vital,andeffective.Ashelookedbackherecognizedthathehadonlyonethingtoface,hisaccountabilitybeforeGod.

ThatwasatremendousmomentinDavid’slife,anditwillbeanequallygreatmomentinyourlifewhenitcomes,asitsurelywillforusall,soonerorlater.OnlyGodknowsjustwhen,becauseourtimesareinHishands.Onedayourlastsermonwillhavebeenpreached,ourlasttestimonywillhavebeengiven,ourlastpieceofservicewillhavebeenrendered.Butthereisevennowtheopportunitytoaskourselves,“HasitmadetheLordJesusmorerealandmoreprecioustoothers?HowmuchofmyworkcanstandthetestofjudgmentbeforeaholyGod?Hasanyofitbeengold,silver,preciousstones?Orhasitbeenonlywood,hay,andstubble?”

Thesearesolemnquestions,andIthinkitisgoodtoreflectuponthemwhilethereisyettimetomakeanadjustmentinourlivesandministry,ifneedbe,beforewefacetheLord.WehavetheadvantageofbeingabletostandwithDavid,asitwere,uponthemountaintopandlookbacktosurveythosethingsthatmadehim,inspiteofallhisfailures,amanafterGod’sownheart.

InthechargethatDavidgavetoSolomon,IthinkwecanseesomeofthedecidingfactorswhichmadehimwhathewasandwhichcanmakeyouandmewhatGodwantsustobe.IseeinthisportionoftheWord,first,whatIwouldcalltheblessingofafrustrateddesire.

InthesecondpartofIChronicles28:2arethesewords:“Asforme,”saidDavid,“IhadinminehearttobuildanhouseofrestforthearkofthecovenantoftheLord,andforthefootstoolofourGod,andhadmadereadyforthebuilding:ButGodsaiduntome,Thoushaltnotbuildahouseformyname,becausethouhastbeenamanofwar,andhastshedblood.”YouwillrecallthatDavid’sgreatambitionwastobuildthetemple,butGodhadsaid“No.”David’sdesirewasfrustrated;Godansweredhisprayerinthenegativeandtoldhimwhy:Davidhadbeenamanofwarandhadshedblood.

WhatdidDaviddointhefaceofalifeambitionthatwasshatteredbecauseitwasnotGod’swill?Didhebecomesour?Didheresignandgiveup?DidheallowhisfrustrationtoturnhimawayfromGod’swork?No;asamatteroffact,hegavehimselfthemorecompletelytoservingtheLordinHiswill.

InIChronicles22:1Daviddeclared,“ThisisthehouseoftheLordGod,andthisisthealtaroftheburnt-offeringforIsrael.”Inotherwords,hefoundthesiteforthetempleandpurchaseditatthefullprice(IChronicles21:24).ThetemplewastobebuiltontheplacewhereGodhadcommandedhimtosacrifice,whereGodhadmethimwithfirefromheaventhatcamedownandconsumedhisoffering.Inthatplaceofcleansing,forgiveness,deliverance,andpower,Davidestablishedthesiteandpurchasedit.Healsogatheredandfashionedmuchofthematerialforthetemple.“InmytroubleIhavepreparedforthehouseoftheLord,”hesaid,andlistedallthemetalsandwoodsthathehadcollectedforit(IChronicles22:14).

Atthelast,hegaveSolomonthischarge,“Bestrongandofgoodcourage,anddoit:fearnot,norbedismayed:fortheLordGod,evenmyGod,willbewiththee;hewillnotfailthee,norforsakethee,untilthouhastfinishedalltheworkfortheserviceofthehouseoftheLord”(IChronicles28:20).

David’sambitiontobuildthetempleissimilartotheambitionthathascomeintothelifeofeverygenuinebeliever,thathemightdogreatthingsfortheLord.“ExceptgreatthingsfromGod;attemptgreatthingsforGod”wasWilliamCarey’smotto,andthishasbeenthedesireofeveryonewhohascometoknow

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JesusChristashisSaviourandLord:todosomethingforHimtoextendHiskingdom.

ThebuildingofthetempleintheOldTestamentisbutapictureofthebuildingofthechurchintheNewTestament.AsPetersays,“Yealso,aslively[living]stones,arebuiltupaspiritualhouse,anholypriesthood,toofferupspiritualsacrifices,acceptabletoGodbyJesusChrist”(IPeter2:5).

IdoubtwhetherthereisaChristianbutatonemomentinhisorherlifehaspicturedhimselfasagreatandsuccessfulservantofGod–amissionary,aChristianleader,aBibleteacher,apowerfulpreacher,anevangelistmuchusedbyGod–butsomewherealongthelineGodhassaid“No”.Hesaysitindifferentways:perhapsbyputtingyouonasickbedfortherestofyourlife,perhapsbychoosingadifferentspherealtogetherforyou.

Ifyouarelivingwithsuchafrustrateddesire,anambitionwhichGodhascutrightacross,whathaveyoudoneaboutit?Whenyourgreatdreamsofaccomplishmentlieshatteredaroundyou,haveyouallowedyourappetitefortheserviceoftheLordtoturnsour,orcanyoutrulysaythatyouaredoingyourparttobuildthechurchofJesusChrist?

Ihavealwaysfoundinmylife–andIhavehadtolearnthisagainandagain–thatoneofthehardestthingsistogiveupsomecherishedambitionofmyown.Todietoone’sowndesireandtoacceptGod’swillismostcrueltotheflesh.ThereissomethingineveryoneofusthattheBiblecallsself,whichalwayswantstoinitiatesomething.ButGodsays,“Idon’twantyoutoinitiateanything.IwantyoutobeachannelthroughwhichIamgoingtodoeverything.IfIchoosenottoputyouintothebaywindowofthechurch,asitwere,togiveyouworkinthepopularplacewhereyouareinfullview,andinsteadIsendyoutoworkinthebasementwhereyouwillneverbeseen,howwillyoureact?”

Thesimplequestionis,whoseglorydoyouwant,yoursorGod’s?Howdoyoureactwhenyouarebanishedfromtheplaceofpublicityandputintheplaceofobscurity?Howdoyoureactwhenyouaretakenfromtheplaceofsuccessandreckonedafailure?HowdoyoureactwhenyourearlydreamsofdoinggreatthingsforGodareshattered?DoyouleavetheworkoftheLord,orcanyou,likeDavid,doyourbestatwhateverGodhasgivenyoutodo,thankfulthatyouareprivilegedtoshareinHiswork?

IamremindedofthewordsoftheApostlePaul:“Ihaveplanted,Apolloswatered;butGodgavetheincrease.Sothenneitherishethatplantethanything,neitherhethatwatereth;butGodthatgiveththeincrease.

Nowhethatplantethandhethatwaterethareone:andeverymanshallreceivehisownrewardaccordingtohisownlabour.ForwearelabourerstogetherwithGod:yeareGod’shusbandry,yeareGod’sbuilding”(ICorinthians3:6-9).

Haveyouacceptedtheblessingofafrustrateddesire?Somanypeople,Iamafraid,neverdoanythingtohelptobuildthespiritualtempleoftheLord.Infact,theylovetopullitapartandthrowawaythestones.SometimestheyevenhidetheirownparticularlittletalentincasethegreatBuilder,theLordJesus,shouldlayholdofitanduseit.

Thoughyoumaynotreap,yetyoucansow.Thoughyoumaynotwater,youcanplant.Wecantakesomeofthestonesandbegintoknockofftheroughedges,notonlyinthelivesofothers,butinourown.Wecanclearthegroundforthetemple,orwecanfightthebattlesandbringinthepreciousmaterial,forwithoutthesethingsthejobwillneverbecompleted.

AreyoureallydoingyourpartfortheLordinHischurchtoday?RememberwhatDavidsaid,“InmytroubleIhavepreparedforthehouseoftheLord”(IChronicles22:14).Ilikethat!“Inmytrouble…”Theremusthavebeenmuchoppositiontomakehimfeelitwasn’tworthwhileandmanysetbackstomakehimfeelhecouldn’tgoonanylonger,buthedidn’tallowtroubletodepresshimandmakehim

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quit.

AmIspeakingtooneofGod’stroubledservantstoday?Donotletthattroubleturnyousour,mydearChristian,orletHis“No”makeyougiveup.RemindyourheartofthegreattroublethroughwhichtheLordJesuswenttolaythefoundationofHischurch.“Bestrongandofgoodcourage,anddoit:fearnot,norbedismayed”(IChronicles28:20).Learntoenterintotheblessingofafrustrateddesire,andgladlyacceptyourpartinGod’splan.

Letmeshowyousomeoftherichesthatcometothelifewhichacceptsdisappointmentwithfulldedication–nocomplaining,nowithdrawal,nosouringofdisposition.

WhatrewarddidDavidreapforhisdedicationtoGod’swill,forhisacceptanceofGod’sdenial?“Allthis,”hesaidashewasdescribingthewealthofgoldandsilverdesignatedforparticularusesinthetemple,“theLordmademeunderstandinwritingbyhishanduponme,evenalltheworksofthispattern”(IChronicles28:19).

ThetempleofGodwastobebuiltinminutedetailaccordingtothepatterninthemindandwillofGod.DavidreceivedthesedetailsfromtheLord,whowrotethemonhisheartbyHisownhand.Inotherwords,therewardofDavid’sfulldedicationwasapersonalrevelationfromheaven.Itwasn’tsecondhand,butsomethingDavidreceivedfromtheLordHimself,theplanofGod’stemplewhichonedayHewouldfillwithHisglory.

WhenwelearnwithDavidthatdifficultlessonofacceptinggladlybeforeGodHisrefusalofsomegreatambition,andtakingourshareinthegreattaskofevangelismandtestimonyinthebuildingofHischurch,doyouknowwhatJesusChristdoes?I’lltellyouthesecret–perhapssomeofyouknowalready!TosuchalifeHewillbegintounfoldHisplanforthetempleofyourbodywhichHedesirestofillwithHisgloryonthatgreatdaywhenyouarepresentedinthemeasureofthestatureofthefullnessofChristbeforeGod’sthrone.

DavidbecameamanwhounderstoodthemindofGod,anditwasaccomplishedinwritingbythehandofGoduponhim.DoesGoddothattoday?Yes,Hedoes.EverydetailofHiswillforeachindividuallifeandforHischurchisinHisBook.ThereisnothingyouneedtoknowapartfromwhatisintheBible.Hehaswrittenit,butsometimeswefailtounderstandit,becausespiritualthingsarenotnaturallyunderstood.

AmanmaybeinterestedinpartofhisBible;helikesthethirdchapterofJohn’sGospel,andFirstJohn,andsomeoftheepistlesofPaul,andsectionsoftheGospels,butheisnotquitesurewhatelsehecanbelieve.TheWorddoesn’tsinkintohislife;itdoesn’tgriphim.TheBibleisabookwhichhestudiestogethisdegree,ofcourse;heknowssomethingoftheScripturesalongwithabitoftheologyanddoctrine.IhaveseenmengothroughrightintooldagewithoutevershowingevidenceofthepressureofthehandofGodupontheirlives.GodwritesHisWorduponourheartsbythepressureofHishanduponthelife;thenHischildbeginstounderstandGod’sWordwrittenintheBook.

Attimesthepressureissoheavywearealmostcrushedbyit.IfindinmyChristianexperiencethatthereisnopeninalltheworldthatcutsandburnsliketheoneGoduseswhenHebeginstowriteHisWorduponmyheart.ItcutsdeepintomysoulasHetearsawayallmyownselfishambitionsandwritesthereinthefleshytableofmyheart,“ThisisMywillforyou,Mychild.”ThatiswhatGodwantstodowitheachofustoday.

HowdoesGodwriteupontheheart?ThereisaclosingwordinthisbooksummingupthereignofDavid:“Withallhisreignandhismight,andthetimesthatwentoverhim”(IChronicles29:30).Iwanttostoptherebecausewehaveourclue.HowdoesGodwriteHisWorduponourhearts,andmakeHisBookliveinourlives?HowdoesHeusethesteeltocutintotheself-willofaman’sheartandmakehimtenderandyieldedtowhateverGod’swillmaybe?HowdoesHedealwiththestonyheart,breakingitof

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stubbornnessandselfishness?

WithDavid,itwas“thetimesthatwentoverhim.”Whattimes?Hewasashepherd,asoldier,anoutlaw,aking,afugitive,asinner,asaint,apoet.Ashesaid,“Allthywavesandtheybillowsaregoneoverme”(Psalm42:7),and“Mytimesareinthyhand”(Psalm31:15).HisexperienceswerethewritingofGoduponhislife,makinghimintoamanafterGod’sownheart.BecausetheywereGod’stimes,thewavesneveroverwhelmedhim,thehurricaneneveruprootedhim,thefloodsneverdrownedhim.TheywereGod’stimes,andbythemHewroteuponDavid’ssoulallthepatternofHiswillandpurpose.

Thatwasheaven’srewardfortheacceptanceofafrustrateddesire;thatwasthebenefitofitinDavid’slife.Itwasn’talwayseasytotake,butitwaswhattheLorddesiredtodo.

IfindthatwhenIbegintotalklikethis(orwhenotherpeopledo),thereactionofmanyis,“We’retoobusytobother.Wemustproduceresults,youknow.Wemustgetgoingquickly!”Inthesetimespeopledon’tdwellmuchatdepthwithGod,butthatiswhattheLorddesiresustodobythepressureofHishanduponusasthewavesoftimegooverus.

ThepeopleofIssacharwere“menthathadunderstandingofthetimes”(IChronicles12:32).Thatisagoodthingtohave.I’mgladtohaveanunderstandingofwhatisgoingonintheworld,forIknowtheLordisonthethrone,nomatterwhatthesituationis.ButaboveallIwantanunderstandingofGod’stimesinmylife:timesofbereavement,timesoftemptation,timeswhenHisbillowsgoovermeuntilIfeelIcantakeitnomore.Iwanttobeabletosay,“LordJesus,mytimesareinThyhand,”whenIsufferpain,affliction,loneliness,misunderstanding,persecution,joy,blessing,victory.TheyareallGod’stimes;letthemallcomebecausetheycomefromHishand.Butthewaveswillneveroverwhelm,thehurricanewillneveruproot,thefloodswillneverdrown,becausemytimesareinHishand.

WhenIacceptbeforethethroneofGodtheblessingofafrustratedambition,whenIgiveupmyegotisticdesiretobethebigshot,whenIallowtheLordtotaketheknifeandcutHiswilldeepintothefleshytableofmyheart,whenIampreparedtoletHimbreakdownmystubbornness,prideandintolerance–itisonlythenIbegintohaveanunderstandingofHistimes.

Whatsortoftimesareyougoingthroughjustnow?Mostofusliketolookbackontimesthatwerewonderfulandanticipatethosethataregoingtobeevenbetter,butwedon’tdomuchaboutthetimesthatweareinrightnow.ThisisGod’stimeinyourlife,andwhatishappening?Isitpainoraffliction?Isitsomethingthatmakesyoucryout,“Oh,ifitwereonlytomorrow!IfIcouldonlygetthroughthisnextweek!IfonlyIcouldstartovertenyearsago!IfonlyIcouldmoveoutofthereandgothere!”

Why,blessyourheart,thisisGod’stime!WhatisHeteachingyounow?Mother,father,brokenheartedfriend,evenifyouarelivinginthemidstoffrustration,itisGod’stime.MayHegiveyouanunderstandingofit!

Letussee,finally,thebenedictionofafinaldeparture.AsDavidchargedhissonSolomonandhandedontohimthetorchhesaid,“KnowthoutheGodofthyfather”(IChronicles28:9).Hedidnotsay,“Solomon,knowtheGodofAbraham,Isaac,andJacob.”

Onedayyoualsowillhavetosaygoodbyetoyourchildrenforthelasttimeuntilyoumeetinheaven.Iwonderifyouwillbeabletosaytothemwhenthatdaycomes“Son,daughter,IwantaboveeverythingelsethatyoumayknowtheGodofyourfather,myGod.”

Yes,thatmatteredmosttoDavid.Inthemidstofallthestormandturmoil,hehadlearnedtoknowGod,tounderstandHistimesandHiswaywithhim.Whatabenedictionitwastolookback!IlovetothinkabouthowDavidgottoknowGodsointimately,asreflectedinthesewords:“ThenDavidgaveto

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Solomonhissonthepatternoftheporch,andofthehousesthereof,andofthetreasuriesthereof,andoftheupperchambersthereof,andoftheinnerparlousthereof,andoftheplaceofthemercyseat”(IChronicles28:11).

Itmaybeonlyalittlewhileuntilyouwillpassonthetorchtosomeoneelse.Canyouspeaktoyourdearonesandsaytothem,“IcantellyouallaboutthepatternoftheporchofGod’shouse;Icantellyouthewaytogetin:‘knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou’”(Matthew7:7).

HaveyoupreachedaLordJesuswhoiscompletelyadequateforanemptylife,tellingyourfriendsthatallthefitnesstheyneedtoqualifyforheavenistocrytoGodformercy?Doyouknowthepatternoftheporchofthetemple,andhaveyoumadethewaycleartoanother?

Whatcanyoutellabout“thehousesthereof,”theplacesofjoyinwhichyouhavelivedfromtimetotimeinthepresenceoftheLord?TherearebeautifulhousesofHispresenceandHiscomfort,mansionsthatwemayinhabitandenjoyeventhissideofheaven.

“Andofthetreasuriesthereof”–haveyousomethingtopassonabouttherichesofGod’swaywithyou?Theall-sufficiencyofHisgrace,thefullnessofHisHolySpiritinyourheartandlife,thegreatstoresofblessingHebestowseverydaytofillyouupwithHimself–doyouknowanythingaboutthesetreasures?

“Andoftheupperchambers”-haveyoubeenthere?HaveyouwalkedupstairsinthetempleoftheLord?Inyoursoulhaveyoucomesoneartoheavenyoufeltasifyoucouldsteprightin?HaveyoubeenconsciouslyneartoGodintheupperchamber?

Thenthereare“theinnerparlours”offellowshipandcommunion,thesecretjoyswhichnonebutHislovedonesknow.And“theplaceofthemercyseat,”insidetheveilandabovetheark,underthewingsofthecherubim,theplacewhereGodmetwithMoses.DoesHemeetwithyouthereeveryday,atthemercyseatinyourownsoul?

Whatdowehavetopasson?Isthereanythingworthwhile,orhavewejustspentourlivesinbusynessandactivityasChristianworkers?Inthedaysthatremaintous,letusdoourpartinthebuildingofHishouseinourlivesandcharacters,thattogetherwemayenhancethetempleoftheLord,whichisHisbody,thechurch.