September 3, 2010

1 Sam 27

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” --Prov. 13:12. Years of being chased by Saul were taking its toll upon David. Twice he had honored the Lord by not killing Saul when he had the opportunity. One would think that maybe Saul would repent and let go of the Kingdom handing it over to David. After all, he would get it eventually. A peaceful solution was desirable. For years David had been sustained emotionally with the hope that one day the Lord would make him king. But it would appear that that day would continually be deferred.

When the heart is sick, the mind does not function properly. So David returns to Gath. Gath is where Goliath was from. It would not be a good choice of refuge for the one who had dispatched their hero. David retreated there once before when Saul first trying to kill him. But that was years ago, and he was alone then. Now David has gained a reputation for being chased by Saul. What is more, David has built an army of 600. They are seasoned soldiers by now. David would make a valuable ally to the king of Gath. Achish welcomed him and gave David and his men the town of Ziklag in which to dwell. David took the age old and dishonorable profession of a gentleman pirate.

Where is the glory of God in David’s occupation as a pirate? How can a man after God’s own heart occupy himself in such an occupation? It just doesn’t make sense. But then how clean are my hands? How clean are your hands? Are we sure that we are 100% honest in our business dealings? It must be that the lord is overlooking the sin of this season. The Lord understands the heart sickness of David. What mercy upon His part! Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Part of the glory of Christ is His infinite holy love for us. Part of His glory is that we are being transformed into His image. Therefore, it brings Him greater glory when we are transformed into people who love like He loves. That is unnatural indeed it is supernatural. Can you imagine what would happen in our churches and fellowships if we loved as is described in chapter 13? It would revolutionize our churches!

In addition to pursuing love Paul tells us to desire spiritual gifts. But wasn’t it the desire of spiritual gifts in chapter 12 that brought so much turmoil in the church in Corinth? Yes it was. There were two fundamental problems in their exercise of their gifts. The first was that is was not motivated by love. The second was that each thought their gift was the best expression of spirituality and truth. Paul is revealing that truth is best revealed when everyone has a healthy respect for each other’s gifts and they exercise them with that in mind and with a motivation of love.

I can be told a lot of negative things about myself if I know the person speaking it loves me and the person has accurately discerned the truth. Love provides an atmosphere for us to receive truth from one another and seeking a balance of gifts helps make sure the truth we share is not one sided. How the glory of Christ would be increased, if we pursued love and desired all the gifts! Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John