Scripture:
1 Samuel 27:1-28:2; 29:1-2
Tue, 30 November 2021

Tension in a Tangled Web

Observation:

What would be David’s thoughts and feelings when he had to decide to fight for the Philistines against Israel or not (1 Sam 28:1-2; 29:1-2)?

Deeper Reflection
1 SAMUEL 27:1-28:2 NARRATES David’s flight to Gath for self-preservation, where he stayed for 16 months (vv.1-7). By means of deception, David gained Achish’s trust in his loyalty and was made his personal bodyguard (1 Sam 27:8-28:2). This episode on David ends with “the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel” (1 Sam 28:1a), which the narrator picks up again (1 Sam 29:1) after an interruption that focuses on Saul, who sought a medium at En-dor (1 Sam 28:3-25). And now, with “the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek” to fight Israel, “David and his men were proceeding on in the rear with Achish” (1 Sam 29:1-2), which Achish expected from the commitment that David had made (1 Sam 28:1-2). What would be David’s thoughts and feelings at this moment? Obviously, he did not want to fight for the Philistines against Israel, of which God had anointed him to be its next king. David had no choice but to decide: To fight or not to fight? Either way would have grave consequences. It was a lose-lose situation. By his own doing, David had put himself in a double-bind in this tangled web. And time was not on his side. Were there regrets for what he had done? There is no mention of David inquiring of God in this tight situation, as he did before (1 Sam 23:1-4). Perhaps he did. Or he did not. Or was it too late to do so? But according to the text, there had been 16 months of divine absence and silence in David’s life.
Application:

What will I do if I am caught in a double-bind of a tangled web of my own doing?

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 pastors and staff: To be spiritually vigilant and not fall into complicated tangled webs
  • Pray for significant people:
  • 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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