Scripture:
1 Samuel 27:1-12
Sat, 20 November 2021

Is God in the Picture?

Observation:

What is the significance of God not being mentioned at all in 1 Samuel 27?

Deeper Reflection
THERE IS NO MENTION OF GOD in 1 Samuel 27. The text does not say precisely or directly what God was doing in this episode. It does not inform us of God’s point of view. There is no overt indication of the narrator’s position. But the text seems to be “sympathetic to David’s difficulty and yet presents him as in the wrong”32. David was in Philistia for 16 months (v.7). Was God present with David during this rather long period of time? Why didn’t God intervene in David’s plan to escape to Gath (v.1) as He did in His initiative of grace in 1 Samuel 24 to 26? Doesn’t Scripture say, “The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Prov 16:9)? Well, at least we know that there are times when God intervenes and there are times when He does not. God acts in His sovereign freedom and sovereign wisdom (Psa 115:3; 135:6). God is still working when He appears to be inactive. Divine waiting itself is divine activity. While 1 Samuel 27 is about David’s escape from Saul, “the will of God for us includes more than escaping from Saul”33. 1 Samuel 27 is not the end of David’s discipleship journey. As we read on in David’s story, we can trace the divine footprints in 1 Samuel 27. David might have strayed off course, but “the LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (Psa 37:23-24, NIV).
32 Dale Ralph Davis, 281 33 Dale Ralph Davis, 285
Application:

What are the divine footprints in those times in my discipleship journey when God was silent and seemed to be inactive?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • For Church Board: To be able to see the unseen footprints of God in their lives
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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