Scripture:
1 Samuel 23:19-23
Fri, 1 October 2021

Christians Can Be Unchristianly Evil

Observation:

What do verses 22 to 23 tell us about Saul?

Deeper Reflection
WHEN THE ZIPHITES offered Saul their help to search for David, Saul gave them very specific instructions, being “acutely aware that finding David was a difficult challenge”1. Note the “piling up of imperatives”2 in Saul’s directing of the Ziphites to establish their information: “make more sure”, “investigate and see” (v.22), “look, and learn” and “return to me with certainty” (v.23). Note also the vital information that Saul wanted: “where David usually goes”, “who has seen him” (v.22) and “all the hiding places where he hides himself” (v.23). Here we see a Saul who was determined to track David down no matter where he goes and what it takes. And knowing that David was “very crafty” (v.22), “under no  circumstances will he permit the ‘crafty’ David to outwit him”3. He was all out to “search him out among all the thousands of Judah” (v.23). Such was Saul’s singleminded obsessive pursuing after David to destroy him. Let us not be naïve to suppose that no Christian will seek to destroy other people, including fellow-believers. Christians can “bite and devour one another” resulting in being “consumed by one another” (Gal 5:15). When we do not walk by the Spirit, we will walk in the flesh, and destructive “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions and envying” will fill our hearts (Gal 5:19-20). But the way of Jesus is: “Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matt 5:39). 
1 David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 252
2 David G. Firth, 252
3 Ronald F. Youngblood, 1, 2 Samuel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 3 (Zondervan, 1992), 742
Application:

How can we build a community of God’s people who will not bite and devour one another?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To conscientiously seek to edify people and not destroy them
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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