New Low

"But the king said, 'You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!' And the king said to the guards who were attending him, 'Turn around and put the priests of the Lord to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me.' But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the Lord. Then the king said to Doeg, 'You turn around and attack the priests.' And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword." -1 Samuel 22.16-19

Saul has reached a new low. In his pursuit of David, he learns that a priest of God gave aid to him. After questioning Saul orders his men to kill the priests, but these Israelites are unwilling to harm the priests. And so Saul turns to a foreigner, Doeg the Edomite, who has no problem at all with the command. Doeg not only kills the priest, but then goes to attack the families of the priests, including women, children and infants. Saul not only has ordered his own people to be attacked, but he orders that priests and their families be attacked.

Now it must be pointed out that he did not have all the information. Doeg tells Saul that he saw David come and receive aid, but he does not inform the king that David claimed to be on a mission for Saul. Saul did not have the whole story, but regardless his actions were inexcusable. He ordered his men to kill the Lord's priests, and then to turn the attack on their families. Saul has become so obsessed with keeping his power and removing any threat to his reign, that he is willing to order the death of priests and children.

When we begin to live for ourselves we hurt the innocent. When we are so focused on what we want, we will go farther than we ever thought to attain it. Saul, the one God had anointed as King over his chosen people, ordered the death of God's anointed priests. How far have you gone?

Men, what are the casualties you have inflicted by your choices? Have you neglected your children because they hindered your hobbies? Have you walked out on your wife because she hasn't met your needs? Have you killed them with your silence, or your absence? Living for yourself will bring about greater destruction than you could have ever imagined.

Let us be men who refuse to act as Saul did. Let us set aside our selfish desires and focus on the responsibilites God has given us. May we never sink as low as Saul, but let us rise up and focus on what God has called us to.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Turning Point

"So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him." -1 Samuel 22.1-2

David has been on the run from Saul. He spent time among the Philistines, and only survived by acting like a madman. Now, the anointed king of Israel is hiding in a cave, but he is not left alone. His brothers and the rest of his family hear where he is and go to him. They probably came to offer him encouragement and supplies, and to not let him go through this hardship alone.

In addition to this, others begin to gather to him. Everyone who was in debt or distress, everyone who was discontented and wanted a change came to him. A small army begins to form with David as their leader. At this point I believe things begin to turn around for David. Yes, there is still a long and hard road ahead, but he is no longer alone.

There is a turning point in each of our lives. For me it was just over a year and a half ago. My wife and I were living in my parent's basement, feeling very alone, and then God opened a door for a new job. It financially provided for us, has allowed me to further my education, and has opened doors to share the Gospel. The basement was my cave of Adullam, but God did not abandon me there because He had placed a calling on my life.

Men, you have a calling on your life as well. In order to see its fulfillment you might spend some time in a cave, but know that the cave can be a turning point, not the final destination.

Let us be men who endure, and even in the cave, let us focus on the calling of God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor