Scripture:
1 Samuel 21:10-12
Wed, 8 September 2021

Lost in Disorientation: David’s Wavering Faith (2)

Observation:

What does David’s flight from Saul to Achish, a Philistine king, tell us about David?

Deeper Reflection
DAVID “FLED FROM SAUL and went to Achish king of Gath” to seek asylum (v.10). No reason is given for David choosing Gath as the place.4 But Gath seems to be the wrong place to go to. Gath was the hometown of Goliath whom David killed (1 Sam 17:4). And the irony is, David came to Goliath’s hometown with Goliath’s sword in his hand (1 Sam 21:8-9). It seems so illogical and foolish to flee to your enemy’s territory to seek asylum. Perhaps, David was thinking that Achish would “welcome the defection of Saul’s prize lieutenant”.5 It certainly seemed to David that Achish was his best hope, even though it was a great risk. He still took the risk, nonetheless. And this shows how desperate David was. Achish’s servants objected strongly to their king about David’s dangerous presence in Gath, reminding him that this man was the legendry David who had slain “his ten thousands” (v.11) – most of whom were the Philistines. But rather strikingly, they called David “the king of the land” (v.11). The Philistines recognised David as king even though Saul was king of Israel.6 God must be speaking to David through this in his wavering faith, reminding him of His calling for him. But David was “very much afraid” when he heard “these words” (v.12). For the first time in the story, David is described as being fearful. What would we have done if we were in the shoes of this desperate David?
4 David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 236 5 Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 218 6 David G. Firth, 236
Application:

What would I have done if I were in the shoes of the desperate David?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders:
  • Pray for singles: To grow in faith and courage in God
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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