I Samuel 27
David has learned.
Saul has twice now promised to not pursue killing David.
But David is a little wiser these days.
He knows.
Saul will not give up.
So David escapes.
To the land of the Philistines.
Am I the only one who finds this ironic?
The Philistines.
You know, as in Goliath the Philistine.
The one David killed.
The one that launched him into greatness.
The same greatness that caused Saul to start to resent him...
And now where is David?
Living in the land of the Philistines.
Now wouldn't you think the Philistines would have a little difficulty allowing David to live there? You know, after the whole Goliath incident?
Apparently not.
In fact, the king of Gath just gave David the city of Ziklag.
A whole city!
Meanwhile, David goes out and raids other people.
The king Achish asks him where.
David makes up places (in Israel...so not true).
And Achish believes him.
And the plot thickens...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 28
Reba
Monday, July 15, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Week 21 Day 1 Broken Promises
I Samuel 25-26
In Chapter 25, David sends a request to a man named Nabal. Nabal is a very rich man with a lot of sheep and goats. He apparently is also a very cruel and mean guy.
Yet somehow he has a wise and beautiful wife named Abigail. Go figure.
Anyway, David asks for some basic supplies for his men. He appeals to Nabal, reminding Nabal that he has always been kind and peaceful with Nabal's shepherds.
Except Nabal of course is a cruel and mean guy. And he doesn't really care. About anyone or anything other than himself.
So he rebuffs David.
Insults him.
And then turns around and walks away.
Obviously, David is not a happy camper to get such news.
And he goes into revenge mode.
He tells his men to get their swords to attack.
Meanwhile, Abigail hears about the situation and decides to remedy it.
She assembles a whole feast of bread, wine, cooked sheep, and cakes. And she heads over to David's camp.
She humbly offers an apology for her husband's behavior and presents her gifts to David. Then she carefully reminds David that he doesn't need to shed innocent blood due to the foolishness of her husband.
If you haven't read her speech, I HIGHLY recommend it.
It is dripping with wisdom and well said.
In the end, David calls off the attack, Nabal dies of natural causes (at the hand of God), and Abigail becomes David's wife.
Now, moving on to Chapter 26.
Again, Saul is pursuing David.
Guess that promise in the last reading didn't hold long.
One night, David sneaks into the camp and finds Saul asleep.
He takes Saul's spear and water jug and sneaks back out of the camp.
Then he calls to Abner (who should be guarding the camp) and lets him know that he is failing his job.
Saul wakes up, disoriented, but he knows that voice. He recognizes it is David.
Again, David lets Saul know he could have killed him but he won't because Saul is God's appointed king for the people.
And again, Saul seems remorseful for chasing an innocent man.
And again, he promises not to harm David (or attempt to) any more.
Promises, promises...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 27
Reba
In Chapter 25, David sends a request to a man named Nabal. Nabal is a very rich man with a lot of sheep and goats. He apparently is also a very cruel and mean guy.
Yet somehow he has a wise and beautiful wife named Abigail. Go figure.
Anyway, David asks for some basic supplies for his men. He appeals to Nabal, reminding Nabal that he has always been kind and peaceful with Nabal's shepherds.
Except Nabal of course is a cruel and mean guy. And he doesn't really care. About anyone or anything other than himself.
So he rebuffs David.
Insults him.
And then turns around and walks away.
Obviously, David is not a happy camper to get such news.
And he goes into revenge mode.
He tells his men to get their swords to attack.
Meanwhile, Abigail hears about the situation and decides to remedy it.
She assembles a whole feast of bread, wine, cooked sheep, and cakes. And she heads over to David's camp.
She humbly offers an apology for her husband's behavior and presents her gifts to David. Then she carefully reminds David that he doesn't need to shed innocent blood due to the foolishness of her husband.
If you haven't read her speech, I HIGHLY recommend it.
It is dripping with wisdom and well said.
In the end, David calls off the attack, Nabal dies of natural causes (at the hand of God), and Abigail becomes David's wife.
Now, moving on to Chapter 26.
Again, Saul is pursuing David.
Guess that promise in the last reading didn't hold long.
One night, David sneaks into the camp and finds Saul asleep.
He takes Saul's spear and water jug and sneaks back out of the camp.
Then he calls to Abner (who should be guarding the camp) and lets him know that he is failing his job.
Saul wakes up, disoriented, but he knows that voice. He recognizes it is David.
Again, David lets Saul know he could have killed him but he won't because Saul is God's appointed king for the people.
And again, Saul seems remorseful for chasing an innocent man.
And again, he promises not to harm David (or attempt to) any more.
Promises, promises...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 27
Reba
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Week 20 Day 7 Hide and Seek
I Samuel 23-24
Sorry I have been MIA.
We were on vacation.
You would think that would be a great time for quiet reflection but instead we were either heading to the beach, coming back from the beach, or on the beach. I actually had little computer time...
So, now it is time to get back to my routine.
So, I Samuel 23-24.
Most of these chapters involve David running from Saul. Saul is right on the heels of David but David gets away each time (undoubtedly due to the favor of God).
One neat part is that Saul's son (also David's good friend) Jonathan comes to David and encourages him. He reminds David that David WILL be the ruler one day. No bitterness. No envy. No sorrow. He just knows what God's plans are and supports them (and David) completely.
Now that is a friend to have.
Anyway, the running, the hide and seek games, all of it continues.
The story ends with an odd situation.
Saul has some private business to attend to in a cave.
Meaning he is in quite a vulnerable position.
In fact, David's men are celebrating.
They believe this is how God will deliver David from Saul.
But David doesn't take advantage of the situation.
Well, not much.
He sneaks over and cuts a corner off Saul's robe.
And then he feels guilty.
Yes, guilty.
Even though this is the man who is trying to kill him. The one who has completely disrupted his life by keeping him on the run. The one who resents him for no logical reason.
So he stops his men. No attack. He lets Saul leave.
Then he confronts Saul (from afar).
He shares how close they were in the cave. He reminds Saul that he has never done anything against him.
And Saul agrees.
He gets it.
And he promises to leave David alone.
Now the question is...will he stick with that?
I guess only time will tell...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 25-26
Reba
Sorry I have been MIA.
We were on vacation.
You would think that would be a great time for quiet reflection but instead we were either heading to the beach, coming back from the beach, or on the beach. I actually had little computer time...
So, now it is time to get back to my routine.
So, I Samuel 23-24.
Most of these chapters involve David running from Saul. Saul is right on the heels of David but David gets away each time (undoubtedly due to the favor of God).
One neat part is that Saul's son (also David's good friend) Jonathan comes to David and encourages him. He reminds David that David WILL be the ruler one day. No bitterness. No envy. No sorrow. He just knows what God's plans are and supports them (and David) completely.
Now that is a friend to have.
Anyway, the running, the hide and seek games, all of it continues.
The story ends with an odd situation.
Saul has some private business to attend to in a cave.
Meaning he is in quite a vulnerable position.
In fact, David's men are celebrating.
They believe this is how God will deliver David from Saul.
But David doesn't take advantage of the situation.
Well, not much.
He sneaks over and cuts a corner off Saul's robe.
And then he feels guilty.
Yes, guilty.
Even though this is the man who is trying to kill him. The one who has completely disrupted his life by keeping him on the run. The one who resents him for no logical reason.
So he stops his men. No attack. He lets Saul leave.
Then he confronts Saul (from afar).
He shares how close they were in the cave. He reminds Saul that he has never done anything against him.
And Saul agrees.
He gets it.
And he promises to leave David alone.
Now the question is...will he stick with that?
I guess only time will tell...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 25-26
Reba
Monday, June 17, 2013
Week 20 Day 6 On the Run
I Samuel 21-22
David is on the run.
Running from Saul.
Saul who has lost his mind.
Where should he go? What should he do? Where does one hide from the almighty king?
David runs to the safest place he can find... to a priest.
Good place to go.
After all, Saul has turned away from God.
Why would he need a priest?
The priest Ahimilech prays over David and feeds David.
Meanwhile, one of Saul's men comes to visit Ahimilech.
David is in trouble once again.
He asks for (and receives) a sword...the sword of Goliath.
And then he is on the run again.
The next thing you know he is standing before the king of Gath, Achish.
I can't imagine the panic he must have felt. He must have wondered who would defend him if needed. Who he could trust. Who was on his side.
So he stands in front of the king of Gath, hoping that this is right place to be.
Until he hears the servants of the king talking about who David is or who people think he is.
Then he gets those butterflies in his stomach. He gets nervous. He feels unsettled.
So he acts like a madman.
One of my favorite parts made me giggle.
The king looks at David who is acting like a madman and says, "I have enough madmen. I don’t need you to bring him here to act like this in front of me! Don’t let him in my house!”
Hmmm, I feel like that some days at my house. :)
Meanwhile, David is on the run again.
Elsewhere, Saul is just kind of hanging out. He starts to hear rumors that David is still alive and well.
And then his servant mentions, 'Oh, yeah, I saw him visiting Ahimilech." Well, he said it something like that.
And Saul is a little upset.
I personally think he would be upset with the servant who hadn't mentioned that earlier.
But, no. He is upset with Ahimilech.
He calls Ahimilech to him and questions him.
I love how Ahimilech answers.
He could lie. Feign ignorance. Throw God's big name around (not that it would matter with Saul).
But he is honest.
He tells Saul that David has been faithful to Saul, that he often prays for/over David, and reminds Saul that David is his own son-in-law.
Saul doesn't like any of these answers. He is angry. Red hot with anger.
And he decides that all priests should be killed.
Except his men won't do that...kill the priests? Um, no thank you.
Except for one.
The very one who had visited Ahimilech when David had.
He has no trouble killing the priests, killing families, killing animals.
Except for one who escaped.
One son of Ahimilech.
And where did he go?
To join David in hiding.
The plot thickens...
Reba
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 23-24
David is on the run.
Running from Saul.
Saul who has lost his mind.
Where should he go? What should he do? Where does one hide from the almighty king?
David runs to the safest place he can find... to a priest.
Good place to go.
After all, Saul has turned away from God.
Why would he need a priest?
The priest Ahimilech prays over David and feeds David.
Meanwhile, one of Saul's men comes to visit Ahimilech.
David is in trouble once again.
He asks for (and receives) a sword...the sword of Goliath.
And then he is on the run again.
The next thing you know he is standing before the king of Gath, Achish.
I can't imagine the panic he must have felt. He must have wondered who would defend him if needed. Who he could trust. Who was on his side.
So he stands in front of the king of Gath, hoping that this is right place to be.
Until he hears the servants of the king talking about who David is or who people think he is.
Then he gets those butterflies in his stomach. He gets nervous. He feels unsettled.
So he acts like a madman.
One of my favorite parts made me giggle.
The king looks at David who is acting like a madman and says, "I have enough madmen. I don’t need you to bring him here to act like this in front of me! Don’t let him in my house!”
Hmmm, I feel like that some days at my house. :)
Meanwhile, David is on the run again.
Elsewhere, Saul is just kind of hanging out. He starts to hear rumors that David is still alive and well.
And then his servant mentions, 'Oh, yeah, I saw him visiting Ahimilech." Well, he said it something like that.
And Saul is a little upset.
I personally think he would be upset with the servant who hadn't mentioned that earlier.
But, no. He is upset with Ahimilech.
He calls Ahimilech to him and questions him.
I love how Ahimilech answers.
He could lie. Feign ignorance. Throw God's big name around (not that it would matter with Saul).
But he is honest.
He tells Saul that David has been faithful to Saul, that he often prays for/over David, and reminds Saul that David is his own son-in-law.
Saul doesn't like any of these answers. He is angry. Red hot with anger.
And he decides that all priests should be killed.
Except his men won't do that...kill the priests? Um, no thank you.
Except for one.
The very one who had visited Ahimilech when David had.
He has no trouble killing the priests, killing families, killing animals.
Except for one who escaped.
One son of Ahimilech.
And where did he go?
To join David in hiding.
The plot thickens...
Reba
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 23-24
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Week 20 Day 5 Keep Your Friends Close...
And Your Enemies Closer...
I Samuel 18-20
This is a story of friends and enemies.
The story starts and ends with friendship.
The friendship between David and Jonathan.
Jonathan would have every right in the world to be leery of David, jealous of David, even hostile to David.
David is doing great things, all in the name of the LORD.
But Jonathan is heir to the throne.
And in many ways, David is a threat to that.
But guess what?
Jonathan doesn't care.
He truly loves David.
They are friends, BFF's, best buds, brothers of the soul.
I think female friendships are neat. I know some very tight "girl friends". And they would go to the end of the earth for each other. In fact, we read stories all of the time about those kinds of friendships.
But male friendships are special too.
They tend to not be as showy, as obvious, as "out there" in the public eye as female friendships. (If you don't believe me, just peruse Facebook for a while :)
But those true friendships are deep.
The kind that cut to the very core of who they are.
That was what Jonathan and David had.
Meanwhile, there is the enemy side.
Saul.
He starts keeping David very close to him just to keep tabs on him.
He is keeping his enemy closer.
So much so that he appoints him higher ranking in the army, gives his daughter in marriage to him, and continues to have David play music for him.
Even if he throws an occasional spear at him.
You see, David has done nothing to Saul.
In fact, he is a fairly humble guy.
But God is with David.
He is not with Saul.
And Saul knows it.
Jealousy starts small and festers and festers until it takes over Saul's every thought, every action, every word.
At one point, he can't even contain his envy.
He tells his own son that he plans to kill David, his son's very best friend.
And that is where today's story ends.
Jonathan is forced to say good-bye to the one true friend he has. All because of a jealous dad.
The good news with friendship though is that miles and years apart don't end a friendship.
True friendship withstands the test of time.
Again and again.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 21-22
I Samuel 18-20
This is a story of friends and enemies.
The story starts and ends with friendship.
The friendship between David and Jonathan.
Jonathan would have every right in the world to be leery of David, jealous of David, even hostile to David.
David is doing great things, all in the name of the LORD.
But Jonathan is heir to the throne.
And in many ways, David is a threat to that.
But guess what?
Jonathan doesn't care.
He truly loves David.
They are friends, BFF's, best buds, brothers of the soul.
I think female friendships are neat. I know some very tight "girl friends". And they would go to the end of the earth for each other. In fact, we read stories all of the time about those kinds of friendships.
But male friendships are special too.
They tend to not be as showy, as obvious, as "out there" in the public eye as female friendships. (If you don't believe me, just peruse Facebook for a while :)
But those true friendships are deep.
The kind that cut to the very core of who they are.
That was what Jonathan and David had.
Meanwhile, there is the enemy side.
Saul.
He starts keeping David very close to him just to keep tabs on him.
He is keeping his enemy closer.
So much so that he appoints him higher ranking in the army, gives his daughter in marriage to him, and continues to have David play music for him.
Even if he throws an occasional spear at him.
You see, David has done nothing to Saul.
In fact, he is a fairly humble guy.
But God is with David.
He is not with Saul.
And Saul knows it.
Jealousy starts small and festers and festers until it takes over Saul's every thought, every action, every word.
At one point, he can't even contain his envy.
He tells his own son that he plans to kill David, his son's very best friend.
And that is where today's story ends.
Jonathan is forced to say good-bye to the one true friend he has. All because of a jealous dad.
The good news with friendship though is that miles and years apart don't end a friendship.
True friendship withstands the test of time.
Again and again.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 21-22
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Week 20 Day 4 Facing the Giant
I Samuel 17
This is a time I wish I had a study Bible.
In the last chapter, David played music for Saul.
In this chapter, Saul doesn't know who he is. Or at least doesn't seem to know.
When did all of this happen?
Unfortunately, I don't know.
I did research a little and there are different theories. Were the verses actually in chronological order? Had Saul just not seen David in a while and didn't recognize him? Was he jealous?
I guess only God knows that.
Anyway, this is the famous David and Goliath story.
I alternate between singing the kid's song "Only a boy named David..." and hearing the Veggietale version in my head.
So... the Philistines and the Israelites are at battle.
The Philistines are on one hill, the Israelites are on another. There is a valley between them.
Each day this giant Philistine named Goliath comes out to taunt the Israelites.
And the Israelites answer by...doing nothing.
Not a thing.
David comes to the Israelite camp one day bringing food for his brothers.
He witnesses the taunting.
And he is appalled.
Why would the Israelites just stand there and let this man taunt not only them but their God?
One of David's big brothers gets annoyed. Really annoyed.
I can't help but laugh because I can SO see my own kids doing this.
"What are you doing here??? You are just being nosy. Go home. You are too little to be here."
Okay, his brother doesn't really say that but he says something kind of like that.
And David is the typical "little brother".
"What? I can't just talk to people? What is your problem?"
I can so hear these exchanges going on. Daily. In my house.
Finally David decides to quit talking.
He goes to Saul and offers to face the giant.
I wonder what Saul thought. Here is this young guy standing in front of him. He can't even wear the battle gear; it is too much for him. And he is the one offering to face the giant?
David takes off the battle gear. He gets back in his regular clothes, grabs a few stones, and confidently heads to the valley. Why confidently? Because he knows HIS God is with him.
Goliath makes his feelings about David completely known. He laughs. He scoffs. He taunts some more.
And then "bam".
David hits him in the head with a stone from a nearby stream.
And down Goliath goes. Dead as a doornail.
Once again, God triumphs.
He always does.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: I Samuel 18-20
This is a time I wish I had a study Bible.
In the last chapter, David played music for Saul.
In this chapter, Saul doesn't know who he is. Or at least doesn't seem to know.
When did all of this happen?
Unfortunately, I don't know.
I did research a little and there are different theories. Were the verses actually in chronological order? Had Saul just not seen David in a while and didn't recognize him? Was he jealous?
I guess only God knows that.
Anyway, this is the famous David and Goliath story.
I alternate between singing the kid's song "Only a boy named David..." and hearing the Veggietale version in my head.
So... the Philistines and the Israelites are at battle.
The Philistines are on one hill, the Israelites are on another. There is a valley between them.
Each day this giant Philistine named Goliath comes out to taunt the Israelites.
And the Israelites answer by...doing nothing.
Not a thing.
David comes to the Israelite camp one day bringing food for his brothers.
He witnesses the taunting.
And he is appalled.
Why would the Israelites just stand there and let this man taunt not only them but their God?
One of David's big brothers gets annoyed. Really annoyed.
I can't help but laugh because I can SO see my own kids doing this.
"What are you doing here??? You are just being nosy. Go home. You are too little to be here."
Okay, his brother doesn't really say that but he says something kind of like that.
And David is the typical "little brother".
"What? I can't just talk to people? What is your problem?"
I can so hear these exchanges going on. Daily. In my house.
Finally David decides to quit talking.
He goes to Saul and offers to face the giant.
I wonder what Saul thought. Here is this young guy standing in front of him. He can't even wear the battle gear; it is too much for him. And he is the one offering to face the giant?
David takes off the battle gear. He gets back in his regular clothes, grabs a few stones, and confidently heads to the valley. Why confidently? Because he knows HIS God is with him.
Goliath makes his feelings about David completely known. He laughs. He scoffs. He taunts some more.
And then "bam".
David hits him in the head with a stone from a nearby stream.
And down Goliath goes. Dead as a doornail.
Once again, God triumphs.
He always does.
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: I Samuel 18-20
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Week 20 Day 3 Music to the Soul...
I Samuel 16
So Samuel is distressed.
He has helped choose the king Saul who God is increasingly unhappy with.
Finally, God says, "Enough is enough."
He tells Samuel it is time to look for a new king.
Obviously Samuel is a little nervous about that idea.
He knows that if Saul catches wind of this, his life could be in danger.
But God assures Samuel (as He often does) that He has his back.
So they head to Bethlehem.
Hmmm, Bethlehem.
Does that sound familiar?
When Samuel gets to Bethlehem, the elders are scared. I mean, they are shaking in their boots. Or sandals.
For some reason, that strikes me as a bit funny.
Samuel is not a huge warrior. He isn't this vicious king. He is a priest.
Anyway, God Leads Samuel to Jesse's family.
I love what happens next.
The first son of Jesse stands before Samuel.
And Samuel is SURE he is the one, the one to be anointed.
Except he isn't.
I love what God says.
"God does not see the same way people do. People look at the outside of a person, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Can I get an "Amen"?
Isn't that the truth?
We all tend to judge based on what we see on the outside.
But God doesn't care.
He doesn't care if my hair is perfectly combed. Or my toenails are beautifully painted. Or that I am wearing the latest in fashion.
He doesn't look at those things.
He looks at my heart.
Anyway, the sons of Jesse parade before Samuel.
And...
Nothing.
Say what?
God nudges Samuel. Samuel inquires, "Is this it? Is this all you have?" Okay, I paraphrased a bit...
And Jesse says, "Oh, yeah" (yes, more paraphrasing...), there is one more. He is in the fields working.
It makes me wonder.
Did Jesse think less of his youngest son?
Or did it just not occur to him that one of his children was missing???
I guess I will never know.
Jesse calls for his shepherd child David.
And God tells Samuel, "That is him."
Samuel anoints David with oil and leaves.
I have often wondered what David thought about all that.
Did he wonder why this guy was dumping oil on his head?
What did his brothers think? Were they jealous?
Did any of them really know what it all meant?
I don't know the answers.
Just thinking aloud.
What happens next is to me just one more example of how God works.
Saul is distressed.
God's spirit has left him.
And he feels it.
His servants offer to find someone to come play music for him to soothe his heart, his mind, his spirit.
And who do they select?
Yes.
David.
And the plot thickens...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 17
Reba
So Samuel is distressed.
He has helped choose the king Saul who God is increasingly unhappy with.
Finally, God says, "Enough is enough."
He tells Samuel it is time to look for a new king.
Obviously Samuel is a little nervous about that idea.
He knows that if Saul catches wind of this, his life could be in danger.
But God assures Samuel (as He often does) that He has his back.
So they head to Bethlehem.
Hmmm, Bethlehem.
Does that sound familiar?
When Samuel gets to Bethlehem, the elders are scared. I mean, they are shaking in their boots. Or sandals.
For some reason, that strikes me as a bit funny.
Samuel is not a huge warrior. He isn't this vicious king. He is a priest.
Anyway, God Leads Samuel to Jesse's family.
I love what happens next.
The first son of Jesse stands before Samuel.
And Samuel is SURE he is the one, the one to be anointed.
Except he isn't.
I love what God says.
"God does not see the same way people do. People look at the outside of a person, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Can I get an "Amen"?
Isn't that the truth?
We all tend to judge based on what we see on the outside.
But God doesn't care.
He doesn't care if my hair is perfectly combed. Or my toenails are beautifully painted. Or that I am wearing the latest in fashion.
He doesn't look at those things.
He looks at my heart.
Anyway, the sons of Jesse parade before Samuel.
And...
Nothing.
Say what?
God nudges Samuel. Samuel inquires, "Is this it? Is this all you have?" Okay, I paraphrased a bit...
And Jesse says, "Oh, yeah" (yes, more paraphrasing...), there is one more. He is in the fields working.
It makes me wonder.
Did Jesse think less of his youngest son?
Or did it just not occur to him that one of his children was missing???
I guess I will never know.
Jesse calls for his shepherd child David.
And God tells Samuel, "That is him."
Samuel anoints David with oil and leaves.
I have often wondered what David thought about all that.
Did he wonder why this guy was dumping oil on his head?
What did his brothers think? Were they jealous?
Did any of them really know what it all meant?
I don't know the answers.
Just thinking aloud.
What happens next is to me just one more example of how God works.
Saul is distressed.
God's spirit has left him.
And he feels it.
His servants offer to find someone to come play music for him to soothe his heart, his mind, his spirit.
And who do they select?
Yes.
David.
And the plot thickens...
Tomorrow's reading:
I Samuel 17
Reba
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