Topic: Time to Retreat [Saturday September 5, 2015]
Text: 1 Samuel 20:24-34
Key Verse: “So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat” (1 Samuel 20:24)
Do we walk up to face obvious danger instead of running away from it? Is it a mark of courage and faith when we are aware of a threat to our lives and fail to do something about it when we can? The answers to these questions are obvious. It will be foolish and presumptuous for us to face danger headlong and fail to do something to avert or escape from it.
In the text, it became obvious to David that his life was no longer safe with king Saul. His friend and confidant, Jonathan, had doubted his fear. To confirm, both had agreed that David stay away from a feast to see the reaction of Saul. Saul’s angry reaction at David’s absence during the feast and his attempt on Jonathan’s life were all he needed. David did not bank on the promise to be crowned king after Saul through the anointing of prophet Samuel to dare the murderous attempts of Saul. It would have been foolish to think that since God had chosen him to be king, then He would have certainly prevented the king from killing him. He did a wise thing by running away to hide. We need to learn from David. God’s promises of protection, guidance and deliverance are not to make us become foolish and presumptuous.
They are not to make us neglect our responsibility of safety and security consciousness. There are certain things God would not do for us. When we are supposed to avoid danger, we should run away to protect ourselves. But if we fail to do so, we will have ourselves to blame. Don’t miss the point; God’s word is sure. He will protect us from danger and deliver us from evil. But then, we don’t have to cast ourselves down from a high building and feel that since He has given His angels charge to bear us in their hands, we will not dash our foot against a stone! We must take personal responsibility for our safety and security. God will protect, secure and deliver us from evil, but we must play our part.
Thought for the day: A wise person forsees evil and hides himself
Bible Reading in one Year: Leviticus 15-17
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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