QT 12/8/2022 1 Sam 18:21-23, Finding the right cause

1 Samuel 18:21–23 (ESV) —

21 Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” 22 And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’ ” 23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?”

 

NOTE: Saul appeared humbled before he was truly king over all Israel. His humility might have been insecurity -- a fear of not measuring up (a sort of reverse pride). As King, he shows little of his former humility, but shows an even greater sense of insecurity. He believes everyone is against him if they show any favor toward another person. His scheming to get David killed has only resulted in two more allies of David within the Royal house, Jonathan and Michal.

 

David also shows humility before he becomes king, but does not show any of the same insecurity that Saul showed and shows. David is eager to put his life on the line for a right cause. He does not fear obedience. He completely trusts God.

 

The lesson is to be leery of false humility when the true underlying issue is insecurity. For the insecure, the lesson is to develop trust in God and in the right cause. What is a right cause? We have the great commission given to us by Jesus:

 

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

Closely followed by this passage:

 

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

 

This is a cause worth engaging our entire life. There is no insecurity in doing the right thing and trusting God for the outcomes.

 

PONDER:

1.  Am I committed to making disciples and being a witness to my generation for Jesus Christ? Everything else pales to these two tasks.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to think through all the things we do in life and how they contribute or don't contribute to making disciples. Help us to see what and where we can live differently. Open our eyes to the possibilities for you to use us.