Tag: David

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Where does God fit into the equation?

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 24-26.

At some pastor’s conference somewhere, we were talking about people and situations in our congregations. In response to one story, an experienced pastor said, “That’s something a well-timed funeral would cure.” We all chucked, but we also all nodded in agreement. (And now you’re all wondering, “Is my pastor eagerly awaiting my demise?”)

David has two chances to deal with King Saul once and for all. The first time David is hiding in the cave where Saul retreats to relieve himself. It was the perfect moment. But David wouldn’t touch him. Not the Lord’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24:10). He simply cuts off a piece of Saul’s clothing as proof that he could have ended Saul’s life in that moment.

Not long after that, David finds Saul and his entire army fast asleep. He gets close enough to take Saul’s spear and jar of water. He could have taken the king’s life. But once again David wouldn’t touch the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:9).

Why didn’t David take matters into his own hands? He knew God had made Saul king. At the right time God would deal with him.

God had anointed David king, too. God would take care of him.

It’s always tempting to take matters into our own hands. But before you do, ask, “Where does God fit into this equation?”

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Rejoicing with others

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jonathan Sebastiao on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 18.

How do you feel when your social media feed is filled with pictures of fit, attractive couples who live in professionally decorated homes taking cruises to beautiful, exotic locations with an au pair who tutors their overachieving, well-behaved children? Rather than being happy for them you’re probably jealous, and wonder why you were dealt such a bad hand in life.

As David succeeds and increases in popularity, King Saul gets more and more upset. You would think he’d be glad to have someone like David on his staff. Instead, he feels like he’s losing his grip on the kingdom.

In frustration, Saul throws a spear at David, hoping to pin him to the wall. David evades that attack. Saul sends him into battle. David comes home victorious. Every time.

“Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29).

Saul tries to have David assassinated. Instead his servants warn David and he escapes. He sends more men to find and kill David, but David escapes out a window.

Saul becomes consumed with finding and getting rid of David.

Scripture tells us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). In God’s kingdom, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). But those responses don’t come naturally. It’s a Spirit thing.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Spiritual Training: Preparing for Life’s Challenges

Posted on by William Douthwaite

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 17.

When David volunteers to fight one-on-one with the giant Philistine Goliath, King Saul says, “That’s not a good idea. You’re just a young man. He’s been fighting his whole life.”

David replies, “What do you mean? I’ve fought off lions and bears while tending my father’s flock. I can handle him.”

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37).

David’s been training his whole life for this moment, too. Grabbing, hitting, and killing lions and bears is good physical training. Watch sheep graze sounds mostly dull, giving a shepherd plenty of time to practice with a sling.

It’s good spiritual training, too. Fighting off lions and bears sounds terrifying. When it’s over, David knows God had a hand in his victory. Since one of God’s character traits is faithfulness, David was confident of a victory over Goliath.

Which of today’s experiences is preparing me for future tasks? Who knows. God is still faithful, so I know he’s getting me ready for something. Just as he always has.

Learning how to play guitar on the front porch of the fraternity house turned out to be a great asset when leading preschool students in worship. DJ-ing for the college radio station equipped me to work a sound mixing board in the church sanctuary. Volunteering in a hospital while I was in high school prepared me for visiting parishioners in the hospital.

I never know when I’m going to encounter a giant. But I do know that with God’s help, I’ll be ready. How about you?

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

How David’s Music Brought Relief to Saul

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Gabriel Gurrola on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 16.

Music is powerful. The rhythm makes you tap your foot. Certain songs make you well up with tears. Others you can’t help but sing along with. Some tunes like the national anthem or wedding processional bring everyone to their feet.

My sister studied music therapy in college. We used to kid her that if someone wasn’t feeling well she would know exactly what piano tune would make them feel better. (I know, I know, it’s a teaching tool.)

But it works that way for King Saul.

“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (1 Samuel 16:23).

David’s melodies changed the mood of the room. The lyrics brought God’s power and promises to mind. Worship replaced worry.

I could use some of that. Daily. I’m grateful for Christian music radio.


Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

God’s Perspective: The Heart Over Appearance

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Randy Jacob on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 1 Samuel 16.

I watched him walk into the church during the first hymn and sit in the back. He looked nervous and uncomfortable. He made me nervous and uncomfortable. I got the attention of an usher and said, “Make sure that guy has a worship folder.” In other words, “Keep an eye on him.”

Do you know what happened? Nothing. We had nothing to worry about. He was visiting family in town, stopped by for worship, and we never saw him again. But I’ve been taught, “See something, say something.”

In the aftermath, I remembered that while we look at appearances, God looks at someone’s heart. I am so shallow.

Having said that, I am also confused. First, when Samuel thinks he’ll anoint Jesse’s oldest son to be the next king, God says, “Nope. That’s not the one. Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

When they finally bring David in from tending the sheep, the author describes him as “glowing with health and…a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one'” (16:12).

I would have written something about David’s “heart.” I would have mentioned something about David’s character, his personality, or his faith. All of this will come out later. But why not sooner?

A few chapters ago, Samuel told a foolish and disobedient Saul, “the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart” (13:14). Well guess what? David’s that guy. Not perfect. But on the same page. Makes mistakes. But runs to grace. Fights hard. Prays hard.

So what’s God want from me (you)? Pray hard. Pursue grace. Be on the same page (scripture).

Posted in Devotions, Lent

2020 Lent devotion #23 – Too much blood

Posted on by William Douthwaite

 [David said,] “But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.’” (1 Chronicles 22:8)

I wonder how David felt as he spoke these words to his son, Solomon? He had worked so hard to unify the kingdom of Israel, defeat their enemies and be a man after God’s own heart. His psalms still inspire our hymns and praise songs to this day. Yet, he never worshiped in a temple. He never even got to see the temple. And God wouldn’t let him build the temple. Too much blood. He was a shepherd, a warrior and a king. But he would not be a builder. At least not the builder of God’s temple. 

Before he was king, throngs of people would sing, ““Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” That’s what David was known for. He was a hero. But that is a lot of blood. Tens of thousands of enemies killed. And that was before he ascended to the throne. For better or worse, that is his legacy. 

It’s not like David had a choice. There were many battles he had to fight. Victories and defeats. It was a violent, bloody period of history. The enemy was ruthless. You either kill them or they kill you. Peaceful moments were few and far between. 

A thousand years later, the son of David, Jesus, would be hailed as king. He would not take a single life. In fact, he would heal and restore many lives. The only blood shed would be his own, on the cross. And he would build a temple. The temple he would build would be made of believers, built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, and he would be the cornerstone. 

Building projects often involve blood. I should know. Most of my projects mean cuts and blisters on my hands. Nothing as bloody as the wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet, though. Because he bled and died for me, I’ve been bought with a price and I not only belong to him, but my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in me and in his people, the church!

Thank you, Lord, for coming to dwell in me and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen. 

Posted in Devotions, Lent

2020 Lent devotion #18 – The blood is on his head

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Francisco Gonzalez on Unsplash

David said to the young man who told him [he had killed Saul], “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.” David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died.  And David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’” (2 Samuel 1:13-16)

Since Saul had been hunting David, the Amalekite probably thought he’d be a hero in David’s eyes for killing the king. No so. David has him executed and declares that this young man got what he deserved, his blood is on his head, for he killed the Lord’s anointed. David felt he was justified in doing this. 

David had other opportunities to kill Saul, but never did it. He couldn’t. Saul was God’s anointed king, and one must honor the Lord, even if you didn’t like the person he chose.

I may not like every man or woman who holds an elected office or has a position of authority in my community or country. But I am to respect and be subject to those people since they have been appointed by God and are God’s servants for my good (Romans 13:1-4). I know that statement and that passage of scripture won’t sit well with some who read this. I also know that it wasn’t easy for David either, especially since Saul had often tried to run him through with a sword! But it is God’s instruction to us. 

Ultimately, each of us must testify against ourselves, admitting, “I have killed the Lord’s anointed.” Jesus, the Christ, didn’t do anything deserving death. He died because of my sin and my guilt. It’s my fault. Yet Jesus took all the blame. And that’s why I honor him, submit to him, and am subject to those he’s placed in authority over me. 

Thank you, Lord, for your servants in authority, who watch over me. Amen. 

Posted in Israel

En Gedi: these caves look like the real thing

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On our way home from a day at the Dead Sea, we had the chance to stop at En Gedi, a place of springs and caves where David hid while running away from King Saul. Saul was so jealous of David’s popularity that he tried several time to kill him. David found refuge in this place where only ibex usually leapt up and down the cliffs.

After visiting so many places of Jesus’ ministry that had been built over with churches, shrines, traditions and souvenir shops, my wife and I found this place to be quite different. Looking up at the caves on the nearly vertical cliffs, she said, “This seems like the real thing.” There was nothing artificial or modern about this oasis. We could imagine just hard it would have been to look for and find David and his army in a place like this. Standing beneath the waterfall, I could imagine just how refreshing it must have been to find a place like this out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but the starkest wilderness.

Where would you go if you had to run for your life? Where would you hide if you didn’t want to be found? Would it even be possible in our time to be off the grid like David?