Reading
SAA Notes
The story of the relationships between Saul, Jonathan and David is one that gives many insights into the Gospel. Jonathan and David are said to be one in spirit. Look at Philippians 2:2. Saul sought to entrap and kill David, just as the Pharisee Saul and his compatriots sought to do with Jesus.
SJA Notes
* Dear Lord God, how awesome are your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies come cringing to you.
“And Saul eyed David from that day on.”
What different threads we read here. The wide and broad way, the narrow and straight.
If we read from David’s perspective, there is a bullet-proof sense clad about him. His star is on the rise, with glory upon glory heaped upon him.
But then there is Saul.
If we read from Saul’s perspective, we see pain, loneliness and desperation.
It is a sorry lot that Saul has, much of his own making. A sad king, watching as his people flock to the upstart David.
The people love David. Saul’s jealousy runs rampant.
It is important that we think about Saul.
What do we do when another gets glory – Is jealousy our go-to response?
What do we do when opportunity to play spiritual politics appears – Do we try to manipulate a situation our own perceived gain?
These are temptations.
In the new testament book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 we read,
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
We are called to let go of our petty squabbles, our inner jealousies, our broken desires – Instead we have this truth, that OUR GOD IS FAITFHUL!
* God Above,
Please help us to resist temptation.
Please put within us a heart for the lost, a desire to seek Your face, to point people to Jesus.
Please write Your word upon our hearts, let it be our guide and roadmap, our lamp for the way.
Amen.