(Read 1 Samuel 18:19-27)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Yesterday we learned more of Saul’s calculating, conniving and underhanded ways. Saul reneged on his offer to give David his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage and then married his daughter off to Adriel the Meholathite. Meanwhile, Saul’s daughter Michal fell in love with David. When Saul learned of it he saw it as another opportunity to have David killed. The Bible says he thought, “Ah, a second chance. I’ll use Michal as bait to get David out where the Philistines will make short work of him.”
Again Saul said to David, “You’re going to be my son-in-law,” but David was not quick to accept to offer. So Saul ordered his servants, “Get David off by himself and tell him, ‘The king is very taken with you, and everyone at court loves you. Go ahead, marry his daughter and become the king’s son-in-law!’” But David was not taking this lightly. Even though Saul was mistreating him, David still respected authority too much to disrespect the throne. David replied, “I can’t. I’m a nobody; I have nothing to offer.” The servants went back to the king and relayed David’s message. Saul said, “Go tell David this: “The king isn’t expecting any money from you; only this: Go kill a hundred Philistines and bring evidence of your vengeance on the king’s behalf. Avenge the king on his enemies.” Once again, Saul expected David to be killed in action.
Upon receiving the message David was pleased. He did not have a lot of money, but he could surely lead men in combat. David had quickly become a military warrior. Seeing this as an opportunity to qualify to become the king’s son-in-law (as if he had not done enough already), David lost no time and gathered his men for the mission. David and his men killed the hundred Philistines, brought their evidence back in a sack, and counted it out before the king—mission accomplished! Saul had no choice this time but to give his daughter to David in marriage.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Remain little in your own eyes. There was a time when Saul was humble like David. The prophet Samuel reminded Saul of the time when he was “little in his own eyes” (1 Sam 15:17), but Saul made the mistake of getting to the point where he could make decisions that went against the God who gave him the position. David was not making that mistake. One could make the argument that David had already earned the right to marry the king’s daughter, but he remained little in his own eyes, humble before the Lord, and his humility kept the grace of God flowing. This is not to say that the Father wants you to have low self-esteem, but it is to say that pride stifles the flow of grace and the blessing in your life. So remain humble before God. Never let your accomplishments cause you to get to the point where you disregard the God who blessed you to perform them.
2. Use what you have. David did not have money, but he did have the grace to fight, so that is what he used. I may not know you, but I am sure there are lots of things you don’t have. Focusing on what you don’t have is not going to get you very far. However, if you focus on what you do have, on what God has blessed and graced you with, you can then use what you do have to get what you don’t have. Two fish and five loaves seemed like nothing in the little boy’s hands, but in Jesus’ hands that two piece fish dinner fed over 5,000. What you have this morning may not look like much compared to what you are facing, but if you put it in God’s hands He can take what you have (your seed) and use it to help you address your situation (your need).
3. They can’t stop you. Saul could not stop David. Scheme after scheme, plot after plot, all of Saul’s tactics failed, because the grace of God was on David. When you are operating under the grace of God for your life the enemy cannot stop you. What he can do is attempt to get you frustrated so you throw in the towel and give up. In other words, the only way you can lose is if you quit. That’s why the enemy attempts to get you frustrated, so you can give up and beat yourself, because he can’t stop you when God is operating through you.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this teaching. I remain little in my own eyes. While I resist low self-esteem, I also resist pride. I will never get to the point where I violate Your instruction or commands. I remain humble before Your mighty hand and I trust You to exalt me in due season. And when You do, I shall still remain humble in Your sight. When faced with a situation that is too big for me (my need), I refuse to focus on what I do not have. I look at what I do have (my seed) and I put it in Your hands. As I do, You bless it and empower me to receive all You desire for me to receive for this season. And lastly Father, I declare that every plot, plan, design, tactic, scheme and strategy the enemy devises against me shall fail! The enemy cannot curse what You have already blessed. Your blessing and Your grace flow freely in my life today and every day. I am Your child and I enjoy Your best. In Jesus’ name.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
