Today we continue the drama of Saul's ruthless search for David. It ends with what I would consider is grace and I was pretty moved by it. I wonder if you will feel the same way about it. Share with what stands out or troubles you from this story. :)
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this reveal to you about God?
What does this reveal to you about humanity?
Where would Jesus be in this story?
- My Thoughts -
I has two thoughts on this one. First, I caught notice of who followed David as he ran from town to town trying to find refuge. People who were in debt, in trouble, or otherwise discontent. That was the first time in all my reading of the Bible that I noticed this connection between David and Jesus. The people that rat David out to Saul and the king are the privileged class, the outcasts are the ones that follow another outcast. I still don't like David, but I do like this story.
Secondly, I'm reminded of that awfully scary study that came out of Harvard (?) Yale? One of those smart people places that studied whether or not we would harm someone if authority tells us to. In other words, would we willingly submit our morals and values for an authority figure. Nearly every one of us says that we wouldn't do it but the study reveals we would if an authority figure tells us to. I see this with Saul telling the people to kill the priests and their families. No one individual does it until Saul specifically commands one person to do it. With the eyes on him, he relents, and does the unthinkable. If you're not familiar with the study you can watch a short lesson on it here: https://www.khanacademy.org/ela/cc-9th-reading-vocab/x73a76fccbaf2a246:cc-9th-social-psychology/x73a76fccbaf2a246:reading-for-understanding-informational-text/v/milgram-experiment-on-obedience
If you find yourself in a work environment, or family situation where an authority figure is causing you to comprehend your beliefs more often than comfort permits I pray you will find the opportunity to look elsewhere.
Prayer: (The Final Verses of Psalm 84 again)
A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.
Amen.