September 2, 2010

1 Sam 26

From yesterday’s reading it would appear that when David was hiding among the people that it was his practice to use his men to protect his fellow Israelites, subjects of King Saul. Why would he do such a thing? First and foremost he would do that because it was the right thing to do. Second he would do that because he knew that one day he would be their king. There was no need to alienate those whom he would one day rule. What a disappointment it was for him when they told Saul that David was in the area. David even recorded a quiet time when he contemplated the problem. It is found in Psalm 54. But notice that he did tell the Lord about it, and the Lord once again showed David His glory by putting the deep sleep upon Saul’s army. David recognized the hand of the Lord. He did not use it as opportunity to seize the throne. He would wait upon the Lord. He was willing to wait his time. By this time in David’s life, he might have been running from Saul close to ten years. Can you imagine running for your life for ten years, having opportunity to bring that running to an end and not taking matters into your own hands? David certainly had his eyes on a greater glory than the throne of Israel! It was on the King of kings. Only that kind of vision can explain his kind of action. Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

1 Corinthians 13

God is love. Jesus is God. This passage describes love. This passage describes Jesus. He suffers long with us. Our sin is great and grievous. He was patient with us, waiting for us to repent. Love does not parade itself is not puffed up. He, the Creator of the Universe, Lord of lords, was born in a manger. That is hardly puffing Himself up. Love does not behave rudely. Jesus is never rude. Yes, He says things that are shocking, but His shocking statements are to reveal the truth not to offend the person to whom He is speaking. Love does not seek its own. He has every right to force us to trust Him. He has the ability to force us to trust Him. But if He forced us to trust Him then He would not be loving us, for He would be seeking His own above our choice. He also sought the Father’s glory above His own. Love does not think evil. Jesus never sits around thinking about what kind of evil might reside in us. He loves us. Love does not rejoice in iniquity. Whenever we sin, Jesus is saddened. Whenever someone commits iniquity against us, Jesus is saddened. Love bears all things. Think of the things that you won’t put up with from other people. Jesus bears with you in those things. Love never fails. Jesus never fails us. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John