S: 1 Samuel 18:5-9 David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. It was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
As they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. The women sang to one another as they played, and said,
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?” Saul watched David from that day and forward.
O: Saul had some basis for his suspicions. After all, Samuel had indeed anointed David to be the next king, to replace Saul. (1 Samuel 16) His son Jonathan had already become a close friend of David's and his daughter Michal would soon fall in love with him.
And indeed, David would become the next king. But David was indeed innocent of trying to usurp Saul's kingdom. God would be the one to put David on the throne, but David would never raise his hand against YHWH's anointed - and he proved it when twice he had the opportunity to kill Saul, but refrained. (1 Samuel 24, 26)
As a result of his suspicions, Saul found himself fighting against God Himself. He tried to kill David. He had the priests of YHWH executed unjustly. And eventually, God had him defeated and killed in battle.
A: We have to trust God and follow Him. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God's wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
P: Father, trusting You is easier said than done. Please give us Your power to do so. In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
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