(Read 1 Samuel 18:17-27)
This morning I continue our series entitled, “Standing on a Word from God.” This is Part 61 of the series and Part 33 of the life of David.
In our last message we saw that Saul kept sending David out on combat missions, hoping that he would be killed-in-action. The plan backfired. As David led soldiers successfully in combat, mission after mission, he became even more popular with the people. Saul then said to David, “I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the Lord’s battles.” This was strange and wrong. Saul had ulterior motives. Back in 1 Sam 17:25 the Bible makes it clear that Saul had offered his daughter to whoever killed Goliath. David did that. David should not have had to work for Merab’s hand in marriage. Nor did he have to prove himself in combat. David had killed the tallest, meanest, most terrifying man Saul had ever seen. Further, he had already led soldiers on multiple successful combat missions. Telling David that he had to “prove himself” was ridiculous. But Saul was calculating, conniving, and underhanded. The amazing part is that David remained faithful to God and to Saul. David was so humble that he said, “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law? My father’s family is nothing!” In the end it did not matter, because Saul reneged on his offer and gave his daughter to Adriel the Meholathite in marriage.
Meanwhile, Saul’s daughter Michal fell in love with David. When Saul learned of it he was not happy, but 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.” David did not accept the offer at first. So Saul said to 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 so humble that he could not see himself marrying royalty. He said, “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.
This time David was happy. He did not have a lot of money, but he could surely lead men in combat. David and his men killed the hundred Philistines, brought their evidence back in a sack, and displayed it 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:
- Vengeance and recompense belong to the Lord. In the New Testament Paul quoted Leviticus when he said, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD” (Rom 12:19, Lev 19:18). David could have easily gotten tired of Saul and fought against him, but David knew the Lord would see to it that Saul got what was coming to him. Don’t try to get people back for the wrong they do to you. The Lord will do a better job than you ever could.
- Becoming the person God has called you to be requires divine patience. There is no such thing as an overnight success. David knew he was anointed to be Saul’s replacement, but he had to exercise divine patience, and endure senseless tactics from Saul, while he was waiting on God’s timing.
- Use what you have. David did not have money, but he did have the grace to fight, so he used that. 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).
- 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. The only person who can stop you is you. The only way you can lose is if you quit! So don’t worry about “them,” and keep going!
Closing Confession: Father, I look to You for all things. I know You will see to it that I reap a harvest on every seed sown. You will also see to it that others reap harvests on the seeds they sow. Therefore, I don’t have to seek revenge. When people rise up against me, sowing bad seed, I know two things. First, their attacks will fail, because Your hedge of protection keeps me from all harm. Second, You will see to it that they reap a bad harvest from their bad seed. So I don’t have to go after them. Vengeance and recompense belong to You. Also, 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 in this season. And lastly Father, I declare that every plot, plan, design, tactic, scheme and strategy the enemy devises against me shall fail! No curse, hex, vex or spell has any power over me. I am covered by Your Blood and filled with Your Spirit! The enemy cannot curse what You have already blessed. I enjoy Your blessing today and every day!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
